Kidney Congestion, Kidney Stones and Fluid Retention - Contributory Factors Of Weight Gain

This results in a vicious cycle.

At the neurotransmitter level, the Renin-Angiotensin (RA) system is activated whenever there is a water shortage in the body. Apart from signaling the kidneys to inhibit urination, it also signals the blood vessels to constrict to reduce the amount of fluid circulating, which could potentially cause water loss. This is one reason why obesity is usually accompanied by cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The RA system also stimulates an increase in the absorption of sodium or salt, which helps the body retain water.

Ironic as it may sound, the main solution for water retention is to drink water! That's because it facilitates the release of toxins and brings down the acid levels in the blood and other fluids. The body no longer needs to store water to save itself. Here's something you might want to think about if you're not drinking sufficient water:

• An estimated 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated


• In 37 percent of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak, it is mistaken for hunger. According to research at the University of Washington, drinking just one glass of water shuts down midnight hunger for almost 100 percent of dieters involved in the study


• Even mild dehydration slows down your metabolism by 3 percent.

Kidney stones are another manifestation of congestion. There are different kinds of stones depending on their composition, which in turn depends on the specific biochemical process that is off-balance.

Stones begin as tiny crystals and can eventually become as large as an egg. The tiny crystals are too small to be detected by X-rays, and since they do not cause pain, they are rarely noticed. Yet they are big enough to block the flow of liquid through the tiny kidney tubules. Crystals or stones are formed in the kidneys when urinary constituents, which are normally in solution, are precipitated. Precipitation occurs when these particles occur in excessive amounts or when urine becomes too concentrated. Most crystals or stones originate in the kidneys, although some may also be formed in the bladder.

If a large stone enters one of the two ureters, urinary discharge becomes obstructed. This can lead to serious complications such as kidney infection or failure. Regardless of where in the kidneys the blockage occurs, it restricts their ability to remove and regulate water and chemicals, causing these delicate organs to suffer injury.

Some studies claim that kidney stones bring around 2 million individuals to a doctor's clinic every year. According to these studies, obese women have a 90 percent higher risk of developing kidney stones than women who are not obese. Obese men have a 33 percent higher risk.

Some researchers believe that abnormal accumulation of fat tissue induces insulin resistance, causing changes to the urine that favor the growth of kidney stones.

Others believe that another reason why obese individuals are prone to developing kidney stones is the over-consumption of soft drinks and colas. Soft drinks are highly acidic and have radical mineral imbalances. To counterbalance this and restore the body's pH level, the kidneys draw calcium from the bones and other tissues. Excess levels of calcium in the kidneys promote the development of stones in these organs.

Cutting soft drinks out of your diet is one of the biggest favors you can do yourself.