Urine Therapy Side Effects

Urine therapy, which is also referred to as auto-urine therapy or urotherapy, is a holistic healing therapy which is categorized under the branch of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that drinking one's own urine can promote good health. Urotherapy finds a mention in ancient texts, especially the classical Ayurvedic treatises.

Its origins can be traced many centuries back to countries such as Egypt, China and India, where people consumed urine for optimal health or applied it on their skin for enhancing its texture and appearance.

Though many people would find the thought of ingesting urine quite revolting, for those who are thinking of following this therapy, here is some information on urine therapy side effects along with its common health benefits.

Though there might not be enough evidence to corroborate the claims regarding the benefits of this therapy, many people have found this therapy to be of great use in the treatment of several health problems. The advocates of urotherapy believe that urine consists of immunizing agents, enzymes, proteins, hormones, antibodies and other components.

It is believed that the reintroduction of these components into the body through the ingestion of urine can cure certain disorders. The proponents of this holistic healing therapy refer to urine as a derivative of blood and are against calling urine a 'toxic waste'. Urine is basically a byproduct of filtration by the kidneys.

Kidneys perform the function of maintaining the balance of electrolytes and bodily fluids. They filter out the excess fluids, salts or nutrients, which are then flushed out as urine.

Auto urine therapy, which means drinking one's own urine, especially the mid-stream urine that one passes in the morning, is considered to be a beneficial therapeutic practice due to the presence of certain antibodies which are specific to one's body. These antibodies along with other nutrients can be reintroduced into the body via urotherapy.

While the antibodies can help in fighting off the disease-causing agents, thereby strengthening one's immune system, nutrients can help in promoting good health. One must however, refrain from consuming foods for at least half an hour after the consumption of urine. One must have a little urine on the first day, and increase the amount of urine gradually.

Urotherapy is believed to be beneficial for the treatment of medical conditions such as pathogenic infections, allergic reactions, gout, osteoporosis, asthma, tuberculosis and skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Applying urine on cuts, wounds and blisters is also believed to speed up the healing process. As mentioned earlier, research is still being conducted to validate these claims.

The advocates of urotherapy refer to the ancient scriptures such as Ayurveda along with the teachings from the ancient civilizations to popularize this therapy. However, many people find the idea of drinking urine quite disgusting. Many people who don't believe in the therapeutic abilities of urine call urine a biological waste and point towards the futility of reintroducing into one's system something that was excreted out. Can the ingestion of urine cause any health problems? Does urine therapy have any side effects?

First of all, one needs to be open to the idea of auto urotherapy and must mentally condition oneself. Those who are unable to prepare themselves are more likely to experience problems. For instance, people who might not be ready for this therapy, may find urine odor repulsive and that might cause them to vomit.

The quality of urine depends on the diet one follows which is why the quality of urine would get affected in case of those who are taking any medication or drugs. For the same reason, people who smoke or take therapeutic or recreational drugs must not follow this therapy.

Since there is a lack of evidence on the benefits of this therapy, pregnant women must refrain from following urotherapy. One must also avoid drinking large amounts of urine for long periods of time.

Though there is a lack of evidence on the health benefits of urotherapy, not many side effects have been reported. If, however, you experience any serious side effects, it would be best to discontinue the therapy.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.