
13 min read
11 Body Systems: Why is the Renal/ Urinary System so important?
Author: Cliff Harvey, Clinical Nutritionist & Researcher (PhD, DipFit, DipNat)
Clinical Nutritionist & Researcher (PhD, DipFit, DipNat)
More by authorThe 11 Body Systems are a collection of organ systems made up of parts that are able to work together to serve a common purpose – growth, reproduction and survival.
Each part of a system depends on the other parts to perform tasks that can’t be achieved by single parts acting alone and help to improve our chances of survival by maintaining a stable internal body environment.
This stable environment is known as homeostasis. Our series, 11 Body Systems goes into depth about each body system and how it relates to the rest of the body.
Why is the urinary system important?
The urinary system, also known as the renal system or urinary tract, eliminates waste (in solution) from the body and regulates blood volume and blood pressure, controls levels of electrolytes and metabolites and regulates blood pH (acid-alkaline balance).
In essence, the urinary tract is the body's drainage system for the removal of urine and as part of this function, the kidneys are able to retain or expel metabolites, electrolytes, acids and bases, to allow for the excretion of toxic wastes and for the preservation of homeostasis of solutes and volume of the blood.
What is it made up of?
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
What renal and urinary tract supporting ingredients in Good Green Vitality?
Vitamin C
One of the major functions of the renal system is to help to preserve normal blood pressure.
Increased vitamin C intake, vitamin C supplementation, and higher concentrations of vitamin C are associated with lower blood pressure. (1)
Vitamin C supplementation has also been shown to significantly reduce serum uric acid and may play a role in reducing hyperuricaemia and help to prevent gout. (2)
Vitamin E
Pooled data from randomised controlled trials show a significant, positive effect of vitamin E supplementation on endothelial function (the thin membrane that lines the inside of blood vessels and which can become damaged and is a contributor to heart disease).
This effect is greatest for those with lower levels of vitamin E. (3)
While this effect would be classified as a cardiovascular one, this has a flow-on effect to the kidneys and reduces the burden on them to maintain blood pressure and supplementation with vitamin E has been independently shown to reduce systolic blood pressure. (4)
Potassium
Research suggests that oral potassium supplementation can significantly and safely lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with a greater magnitude in this blood pressure-lowering effect seen in those patients with hypertension, (5-7) those who consume high amounts of sodium, those not on hypertensive drug treatment, and those in the lowest category of potassium intake. (8)
An adequate dietary intake of potassium is also likely to be effective for lowering blood pressure. (8)
Grapeseed
Grapeseed extracts contain antioxidants that increase the total antioxidant activity of the body, (9) with a range of purported health benefits. In a study of 150 mg and 300 mg of Grapeseed extract vs placebo, over 4 weeks, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure. (10)
A meta-analysis of studies up to 2011 confirmed this, with consistent, significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. (11) Grapeseed also improves blood flow and reduces oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system, (12) and might reduce leg swelling. (13)
Rosehips
Rosehip fruit and extracts are indicated for their kidney-protective effects and have been used in traditional medicine for this purpose. (14, 15)
Cocoa
Cocoa and its plant phenols can improve insulin function and sensitivity, blood pressure, and improve flow-mediated dilation, (16, 17) important for proper blood flow and overall health of the circulatory system.
These benefits to blood pressure are greater even than for drastic reductions in sodium. (18)
Gotu kola
Gotu kola has demonstrated cardio-, hepato-, and gastroprotective properties against damage, and is considered to also have kidney-protective effects, along with benefits to memory, the immune system, antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-viral activity, benefits to vascular function, and antidepressant properties. (19, 20)
In human studies, Gotu kola shows benefit for reducing swelling, pain, and water retention in the limbs. (21)
Astragalus
Animal evidence shows that the early stages of diabetic nephropathy (death of kidney cells) characterised by inflammation, can be reduced by astragalus root. (22)
Coenzyme Q10
Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 has resulted in meaningful reductions in blood pressure (up to 16 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure) and improved mortality outcomes, and fewer cardiac events and complication for those with heart disease have been observed. (23-25)
Dandelion
Dandelions encompass several members of the Taraxacum which have been traditionally used as a liver and kidney protective herb.
Dandelion has a long history of medicinal use and is known to be a very nutritive plant with diuretic properties.
Ongoing research suggests that dandelion may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-cancer applications which demand additional research, (26, 27) and in addition, it may have prebiotic and anti-coagulatory effects. (28)
Vegetable, fruit, and berry extracts
These help to support overall health by supplying additional primary and secondary nutrients from a whole food source.
Specific additions such as beetroot also contain high levels of nitrates that have been demonstrated to reduce high blood pressure. (29)
Want to know about the other 11 Body Systems? Head here for more about the digestive system...
Or here, to learn how you can support the circulatory system...
References
1. Juraschek SP GE, Appel LJ, Miller ER. Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012;95(5):1079-88.
2. Juraschek SP ME, Gelber AC. Effect of oral vitamin C supplementation on serum uric acid: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arthritis Care & Research. 2011;63(9):1295-306.
3. Ashor AW, Siervo M, Lara J, Oggioni C, Afshar S, Mathers JC. Effect of vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;113(8):1182-94.
4. Emami MR, Safabakhsh M, Alizadeh S, Asbaghi O, Khosroshahi MZ. Effect of vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Human Hypertension. 2019.
5. Barri YM WC. The effects of potassium depletion and supplementation on blood pressure: a clinical review. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 1997;314(1):37-40.
6. Cappuccio FP MG. Does potassium supplementation lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of published trials. Journal of Hypertension. 1991;9(5):465-73.
7. Poorolajal J ZF, Soltanian AR, Sheikh V, Hooshmand E, Maleki A. Oral potassium supplementation for management of essential hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(4):e0174967.
8. Filippini T FV, D’Amico R, Vinceti M. The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology. 2017;230:127-35.
9. Nuttall SL, Kendall MJ, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a standardized grape seed extract, Leucoselect. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. 1998;23(5):385-9.
10. Sivaprakasapillai B, Edirisinghe I, Randolph J, Steinberg F, Kappagoda T. Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 2009;58(12):1743-6.
11. Feringa HH, Laskey DA, Dickson JE, Coleman CI. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111(8):1173-81.
12. Clifton PM. Effect of Grape Seed Extract and Quercetin on Cardiovascular and Endothelial Parameters in High-Risk Subjects. Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology. 2004;2004(5):272-8.
13. Sano A, Tokutake S, Seo A. Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract reduces leg swelling in healthy women during prolonged sitting. J Sci Food Agric. 2013;93(3):457-62.
14. Ayati Z, Amiri MS, Ramezani M, Delshad E, Sahebkar A, Emami SA. Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Profile of Rose Hip: A Review. Current pharmaceutical design. 2018;24(35):4101-24.
15. Hu XY, Corp N, Quicke J, Lai L, Blondel C, Stuart B, et al. Rosa canina fruit (rosehip) for osteoarthritis: a cochrane review. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2018;26:S344.
16. Cassidy A, Abdelhamid A, Kay C, Rimm EB, Cohn JS, Kroon PA, et al. Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012;95(3):740-51.
17. Bauer SR, Ding EL, Smit LA. Cocoa Consumption, Cocoa Flavonoids, and Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: An Evidence-Based Review. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. 2011;5(2):120-7.
18. Kobler D, Schuler G, Thiele H, Eitel I, Schmidt J, Sareban M, et al. Effect of Cocoa Products on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Hypertension. 2010;23(1):97-103.
19. Jamil SS, Nizami Q, Salam M. Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban—a review. 2007.
20. Arora D, Kumar M, Dubey S. Centella asiatica-A Review of it's Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological Effects. Journal of Natural remedies. 2002;2(2):143-9.
21. Chong NJ, Aziz Z. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Centella asiatica for Improvement of the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:10.
22. Zhang J, Xie X, Li C, Fu P. Systematic review of the renal protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus (root) on diabetic nephropathy in animal models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009;126(2):189-96.
23. Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. BioFactors. 2003;18(1‐4):91-100.
24. DiNicolantonio JJ, Bhutani J, McCarty MF, O'Keefe JH. Coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature. Open Heart. 2015;2(1):e000326.
25. Rabago G, Hernandez-Estefania R, de Frutos F, Gea A. Prophylactic treatment with coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: could an antioxidant reduce complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery. 2014;20(2):254-9.
26. Sweeney B, Vora M, Ulbricht C, Basch E. Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2005;5(1):79-93.
27. Martinez M, Poirrier P, Chamy R, Prüfer D, Schulze-Gronover C, Jorquera L, et al. Taraxacum officinale and related species—An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;169:244-62.
28. Schütz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum—A review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006;107(3):313-23.
29. Ogbonmwan I, Mathers JC, Lara J, Siervo M. Inorganic Nitrate and Beetroot Juice Supplementation Reduces Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Nutrition. 2013;143(6):818-26.
Related news
min read
How To Get Rid Of Stress With Nutrition
Good Green Vitality conatins vitamins, minerals, and vital nutrients to further support your body's ability to manage stress, and increase your energy levels throughout the day.
min read
The Best Protein Bliss Ball Recipes
The most delicious protein bliss balls. Made with Nuzest.
min read
How to Kick Start Your Energy
Top tips on how to fight fatigue and get your energy back on track.
min read
The Best Protein Pancake Recipes
The best protein pancakes ever! Made with Nuzest Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff.
min read
Top 10 Best Protein Porridge Recipes
A list of our favourite porridge recipes of all time, using Nuzest products.
min read
All You Need To Know About Pea Protein & Pea Protein Benefits
Everything you need to know about Pea Protein Powder and it's benefits.
min read
International Women's Day - Tips for Womens Health
Top tips for supporting your health as a women.
min read
How to cope in times of sickness
There is so much information about preventing yourself from getting sick, but what about when we do get sick? It is bound to happen at some point, so it's good to also prepare yourself for times of sickness.
min read
Veganuary - Tips for adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
Benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
min read
An Interview With Claudia Kelly
We sat down with Claudia Kelly to chat about her life as a New Zealand athlete.
min read
Top Tips For Mindful Eating Over The Holidays - Less Stressed, More Blessed"
6 tips for a happier and healthier holiday.
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Brain Health
Key nutrients in Kids Good Stuff to support brain health in kids.
min read
How Can Something So Small, Be So Nutritious?
Why I’m loving the new Good Green Vitality bars – a personal review by Michelle Yandle
min read
End the food fight - How to work with picky eaters
Would you describe your child as a fussy eater? Are mealtimes stressful? Do you worry that your child isn’t getting enough nutritionally? Let's end the food fight!
min read
The Importance Of Protein For Hair, Skin & Nails
There is often an emphasis placed on taking care of your hair, skin and nails from the outside, but what about nourishing from within?
min read
The Link Between Gut Health & Skin
Did you know that the health of your gut can affect the health of your skin? The word 'microbiota' refers to the group of beneficial, and pathogenic micro-organisms found in a fixed environment, like the gut. In this blog, we explore the link between gut health and skin health
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Skin Health
How can you ensure your kids have healthy skin? A part from the obvious, what nutrients can we provide our kids to ensure their skin stays in tip top shape?
min read
Why Is Protein So Important As We Age?
Humans are living longer and longer. How excellent is that? However, if we are not taking care of our bodies the best we can, our bodies may struggle to perform their best as body composition begins to change as we grow older.
min read
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Ginseng, an herbal medicine in widespread use globally, is one ingredient in Good Green Vitality chosen for its brain-boosting potential.
min read
How To Optimise Brain Heath & Function
To optimise brain function we must consider the health of our second brain – the gut! But how do we make sure we are feeding our gut the right nutrients it needs?
min read
Moving Beyond Diets, An Interview With Michelle Yandle
We sat down with Michelle Yandle, HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and got a little insight into who she is, what she does and why she is so passionate about it!
min read
Nutrients for immune health that aren't vitamin C
While vitamin C can certainly help, there are heaps of other foods that contain powerful properties to keep our immune system healthy, some of which may be surprising.
min read
Protein For Kids 101
Why is protein so important for growing kids? How much protein does a child need? What are the best sources of protein? How can I increase protein in my child’s diet? We get up close and personal with protein and why it is so important for our little ones.
min read
How to keep your gut happy
A happy healthy gut needs a few things to continue to function optimally - a healthy balance of bacteria, a strong immune system and naturally, an intact lining. So how do we make sure we have all these things? Michelle Yandle explains.
min read
Is Protein Only Good For Sports Recovery?
You may have heard a myth that you need to consume protein immediately after a workout to maximise muscle growth. Is this the same with preventing recovery? Are the gym goers and fitness fanatics who chug shakes immediately after a workout doing so for muscle repair as well? Well we have the answers.
min read
Pea Protein Vs Whey Protein? Why we use European Peas in our Clean Lean Protein
Protein powder supplements aid the supply of amino acids to the body and can support individuals to reach their health goals. They are a nutrient dense and convenient way to support your daily protein intake. Clean Lean Protein is made from the highest quality European Golden Peas and provides the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery and muscle growth.
min read
Creative Ways To Upcycle Your Nuzest Tubs
Nuzest tubs use #2 HDPE plastic and are 100% recyclable when the labels are removed, and the powder is cleaned out. Recycling is great, but how about upcycling? There are some awesome ways you could upcycle your Nuzest containers, which can be super fun, stylish and save you money.
min read
Dancing her way to the top - Interview with Christa Albert
We sat down with Nuzest Ambassador and Professional Dancer, Christa Albert, to chat about her dancing career, goals and how she maintains her performance.
min read
Good Green Vitality For Energy
So, what is it that makes Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff such a powerful energy booster? Besides the obvious benefits of having all your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals there is a secret sauce to the ingredients in both Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff that gives an extra kick.
min read
Getting Started With A Gentle Approach To Nutrition
Here are some simple steps to getting started with taking care of your body in a way that feels through gentle nutrition.
min read
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Ultimate Health & Wellbeing
Good health is the foundation for our mental and physical performance. It also allows us to be in a good position to deal with health conditions and the many other things that life throws our way. Despite many of us being confused about the best way to shape our nutrition and lifestyle behaviours for optimal health, there are many simple changes that can be made to enhance our overall wellbeing.
min read
What Makes Clean Lean Protein so unique?
All around the world, the shelves are flooded with protein powders – whey, soy, pea, insect, you name it, it's available. So, what makes our Clean Lean Protein so unique in a sea of worthy competitors?
min read
Maximising Mood In Your Kids
Almost 1 in 7 children and adults aged 4-17 had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Amy Butler discusses good nutrition and lifestyle modifications, that can help to reduce the risk.
min read
Long-Lasting Energy For Kids
Children and adolescents are going through massive periods of growth and development. To keep up with the demands of school, extracurricular activities, sports and friendships, kids often need a bit of an energy boost. In our latest blog we break down some specific nutrients for energy, to help support growing kids, and the best places to source them from.
min read
Setting Health Goals & Staying Motivated in 2021
Goal setting is easy, yet it can become overwhelming when trying to achieve and plan for too many goals at once. This year try setting Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) goals so you can stay on track and feel motivated (beyond February) to achieve them.
Use this tried and tested goal strategy to set smaller, specific goals to avoid the overwhelm of unrealistic and vague health objectives.