The body processes which form the waste product urea from ammonia. Ammonia is a toxic waste product of protein breakdown. It is converted to urea by the liver, and the urea is then excreted in the urine. Adequate amounts of magnesium are needed for this conversion process. The amino acids ornithine, citrulline and arginine also play an important part.

Uric acid

The end product of purine metabolism (from nucleic acids). In susceptible people, uric acid (urate) crystals can form in the joints, causing gout. Vitamin C supplements can assist with uric acid excretion.

Uva-ursi

Herb

Also known as bearberry, uva-ursi contains the active ingredient arbutin which, when metabolized to hydroquinone in the kidney, has an antiseptic effect on the urinary tract provided that the urine is alkaline. This requires that patients taking uva-ursi should refrain from consuming acidic fruits and their juices. Uva-ursi is used for problems such as cystitis, urinary infections and prostatitis. Tests have demonstrated its effectiveness against Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Streptococcus bacteria, and a study in which 915 patients with urinary problems were given a preparation including uva-ursi, hops and peppermint resulted in improvement in about 70% of cases.

Uva-ursi should not be taken on a long-term basis due to its high tannin content, which irritates the stomach. It should be avoided in pregnancy.

Availability: From specialist centres and herbalists.