Date: 4:32 pm  Sat Feb 24, 1996        Number : 70 of 70
From: Maiya                            Base   : [PODS] Herbal Tips & Tricks
To  : Techie                           Refer #: 66
Subj: Re: Friend with Water Retension  Replies: None
Stat: Unsent                           Origin : Local

T>         I could use some help...  A friend of mine is having a bad time with
T> water retension these days.
T> 
T>      Doesn't like the PILLS (mostly because they don't work), has almost CUT
T> OUT salt in her diet, yet is still retaining water.

According to the Zen Macrobiotic teachings, fluid retention is the result of 
Yang kidneys.  Consumption of meat and salt makes the kidneys hard (I notice 
you mention your friend has reduced salt intake) - what about meat?  The 
glomerulus of the kidney has tiny holes to small for protein and blood 
globules to pass through; only water can pass.  Animal food can block these 
holes.  The kidneys are thus unable to filter the blood effectively and the 
toxins return to the body instead of passing out in the urine.  The body's 
overall condition, being excessively Yang, causes heart trouble, circulatory 
problems, and general organ disease due to poisoning and overwork.

As you can see, this is a very serious condition and can cause dramatic health
problems if not corrected.  I speak from experience.  I had kidney disease in 
1973 and the Dr. was going to remove my right kidney as a result of it.  At 
the time, I had met some people from the East-West Foundation who were 
teaching about Zen Macrobiotics, and they suggested before I went to the 
extreme of having the kidney removed that I try a vegetarian diet.  I switched
immediately to vegetarianism with their guidance, and today still have my 
kidney, and am extremely healthy.  Thus, if your friend is a meat eater, why 
not have him/her cut way back on meat consumption, if not all together (for 
awhile, anyway, until the condition corrects itself).

Food Remedies:
Shitake mushroom, Radish, Watermelon, corn silk tea, eggplant (boiled, baked 
or sauteed), plantain seeds, aduki beans.

Herbal Remedies:
Uva Ursa, Dandelion, Juniper Berries, Golden Seal, Comfrey, Chickweed, 
Sassafras.

I hope this info is of help.

Maiya

--- Renegade v11-23 Exp
 * Origin: Celestial Sanctum (604)434-3673 Van, BC (93:9081/0)