Ingredients 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 2 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 zucchini, chopped 1 cup spinach 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated ½ cup parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper, to taste Juice of ½ lemon, optional

Large Pot Cutting Board Knife Bowl

Meet The Bladder & Urinary System

Oct 9, 2026

By Shae Brackett, LMT Customer Service & Social Media

01

Meet The Bladder & Urinary System

The urinary system is one of the body’s great behind-the-scenes teams. Several organ systems work together to filter the blood, balance fluids, make urine, store it, and eventually send it and its contents out of the body.

The urinary system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra, and is located in the abdomen and torso. While each organ has a different job, they all work together as one coordinated system. The kidneys filter blood and make urine, the ureters carry it, the bladder stores it, and the urethra carries it out of the body.

02

Anatomy & Function

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ located behind the pubic bone. Shaped like a balloon, it expands and fills with urine. A healthy adult bladder can generally hold about 1.5 to 2 cups of urine before the urge to empty becomes strong.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs on either side of the spine. They filter the blood and create urine. The ureters are two narrow muscular tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it's time to go; then the urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

The bladder has a muscular wall called the detrusor muscle. As the bladder fills up, this muscle stays relaxed so the bladder can expand and hold urine. Sphincter muscles help keep the urethra closed. When it's time to urinate, signals from the brain coordinate sphincter relaxation with bladder muscle contraction, allowing urine to flow out.

The urinary system does much more than help you go to the bathroom. The kidneys continuously filter the blood, helping to regulate water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance while removing metabolic waste.

Urine isn’t just “waste water”. It is a snapshot of what your body is filtering and regulating. Its composition can change day to day depending on hydration, diet, exercise, medications, and changes in metabolism.

01

Meet The Bladder & Urinary System

The urinary system is one of the body’s great behind-the-scenes teams. Several organ systems work together to filter the blood, balance fluids, make urine, store it, and eventually send it and its contents out of the body.

The urinary system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra, and is located in the abdomen and torso. While each organ has a different job, they all work together as one coordinated system. The kidneys filter blood and make urine, the ureters carry it, the bladder stores it, and the urethra carries it out of the body.

02

Anatomy & Function

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ located behind the pubic bone. Shaped like a balloon, it expands and fills with urine. A healthy adult bladder can generally hold about 1.5 to 2 cups of urine before the urge to empty becomes strong.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs on either side of the spine. They filter the blood and create urine. The ureters are two narrow muscular tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it's time to go; then the urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

The bladder has a muscular wall called the detrusor muscle. As the bladder fills up, this muscle stays relaxed so the bladder can expand and hold urine. Sphincter muscles help keep the urethra closed. When it's time to urinate, signals from the brain coordinate sphincter relaxation with bladder muscle contraction, allowing urine to flow out.

The urinary system does much more than help you go to the bathroom. The kidneys continuously filter the blood, helping to regulate water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance while removing metabolic waste.

Urine isn’t just “waste water”. It is a snapshot of what your body is filtering and regulating. Its composition can change day to day depending on hydration, diet, exercise, medications, and changes in metabolism.

Supporting Systems and Interactions

The human body is a marvel of interconnected systems, each playing a vital role in maintaining balance, health, and vitality. While we often think of the body's organs and processes in isolation, the truth is that no part functions alone. Every system relies on and influences others in a delicate dance of cooperation.

When one system is compromised, others often compensate or respond, illustrating how deeply intertwined all functions are. The body, then, is not just a collection of parts, but an integrated whole, where every aspect plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow of life, energy, and healing. Understanding this interconnectedness allows us to approach health holistically, nurturing not just individual parts, but the whole person.

Supporting Systems

The bladder and urinary system work closely with several other body systems. The circulatory system supplies kidneys with blood to filter. The nervous system plays an especially important role in bladder function. As the bladder fills, nerves communicate information with the brain. The brain helps to determine when it's an appropriate time to urinate. This is why bladder function involves both automatic processes and conscious control.

The muscular system plays an important role by helping the bladder wall contract, and the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles control urine release. Strong, coordinated pelvic floor muscles can help support healthy bladder and bowel function.

The digestive system is connected as well. The bladder and bowel share space with the pelvis, and regular bowel movements can support healthy bladder function. This is one more example of how the body doesn’t operate as a collection of separate parts; everything is connected!

Herb Nerd Did You Know? Your brain, bladder, and pelvic floor are constantly communicating. Going to the bathroom is actually a carefully coordinated conversation between your nervous system and your muscles.

Hormones

While the bladder itself is not a major hormone-producing organ, hormones and hormone-related signals can influence the system.

The kidneys are important endocrine organs. They produce erythropoietin, which signals the bone marrow to make red blood cells and renin, which helps begin a hormonal system involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. The kidneys also activate vitamin D into its usable form, helping the body to regulate calcium and phosphorus.

Hormones can influence the tissues surrounding the bladder and urethra. Changes in estrogen and other reproductive hormones can affect tissues of the urinary tract, which is one reason urinary function can change during life.

Urine also provides a pathway for the body to eliminate certain hormones, hormone metabolites, and other water-soluble substances that are no longer needed. The kidneys filter these compounds from the blood, allowing them to leave the body through urine.

My bladder is strong, resilient, and comfortable

Fun & Interesting Facts

Your bladder is a muscular organ, not just a storage bag.
A normal adult bladder can hold roughly 1.5 to 2 cups of urine.
Your kidneys can produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine each day, depending on hydration, diet, activity, and other factors.
The two ureters continuously move urine from the kidneys toward the bladder.
You can consciously control when to empty your bladder, even though the kidneys produce urine automatically.
The brain plays an important role in deciding when and where you urinate.
Your pelvic floor muscles help provide control over urination.
Your kidneys and bladder work together, but they have very different jobs. The kidneys make urine, while the bladder stores it.
The urinary system works constantly, even while you sleep.

What is necessary for the optimal health of this system?

Achieving and maintaining a balanced, healthy life requires a holistic approach that recognizes the complex interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, the use of herbs and supplements. Each of these elements plays a unique yet interconnected role in supporting the body's intricate systems.

Together, nutrition, lifestyle, and herbal support create a synergistic approach to health. They nurture the body as a whole, and support the body’s natural ability to heal, adapt, and flourish. Understanding the role each of these elements plays allows us to make more informed choices that contribute to lasting well-being.

Nutrition

Food:

Lean Protein
Whole Grains
Fiber-Rich Foods
Colorful Fruits
Berries
Vegetables
Nuts & Seeds
Cranberries
Blueberries
Grapes
Citrus Fruits
Garlic
Ginger
Olive Oil
Chia Seeds
Flax Seeds

Water and hydration are especially important because your kidneys depend on adequate fluid availability to produce urine. How much fluid you need varies based on your body, activity level, climate, diet, and health. Adding things like warm soups, teas, and bone broth can all help you stay adequately hydrated.

Micronutrients

Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12
Folate
Magnesium
Zinc
Selenium
Potassium
Calcium
Choline

A balanced diet is generally the best way to obtain these nutrients. People with impaired kidney function may have very different nutritional needs, particularly with minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium.

Lifestyle

Stay adequately hydrated
Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet
Get regular physical activity
Support healthy blood pressure
Support healthy blood sugar levels
Maintain a healthy weight
Get plenty of sleep
Manage stress
Limit soda, smoking, and alcohol
Practice healthy bathroom habits
Avoid regularly holding urine for long periods
Give yourself enough time to fully empty your bladder
Practice pelvic floor exercises when appropriate
Pay attention to changes in your normal urinary patterns

Herbal Friends

Herbs have been used traditionally in many cultures as teas, foods, and preparations for urinary and bladder wellness.

Cranberry
Hibiscus
Dandelion
Juniper
Cleavers
Corn Silk
Nettle Leaf
Parsley
Goldenrod
Marshmallow Root
Gravel Root
Astragalus
Burdock
Birch Leaf
Alisma
Uva Ursi
Horsetail
Buchu
Celery Seed
Hydrangea Root
Plantain Leaf
Red Clover
Cornflower
Birch Leaf
Alfalfa

RidgeCrest's Gladder Bladder™ formula combines cranberry, hibiscus, dandelion, juniper, and other traditional herbs with nutrients including magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6 to support normal urinary system function.

Supporting Supplements

Vitamin B6
Magnesium
Potassium
Creatine Monohydrate – supports muscle energy and strength
CoQ10 – supports cellular energy production and antioxidant activity
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) – provides cysteine for glutathione production and antioxidant defenses
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – support overall cellular and cardiovascular health
Quercetin – a flavonoid found naturally in many fruits and vegetables
Probiotics – support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract

As with any supplement, more is not always better. Certain herbs and nutrients can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have a kidney condition, take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have questions about a supplement, talk with a qualified healthcare professional before adding it to your routine.

Supporting Recipe

Nourishing Ginger Vegetable & Chicken Soup

When you aren't feeling your best, sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is keep it simple. This warm, nourishing soup combines plenty of fluid with protein, colorful vegetables, ginger, garlic, and herbs. It's an easy way to stay hydrated while giving your body the nutrients it needs for everyday wellness. The combination of hydration and nutrient-rich ingredients makes it a comforting choice for supporting healthy urinary and bladder function. It's an easy way to stay hydrated while giving your body the nutrients it needs for everyday wellness.

Ingredients

Ingredients

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon, optional

Supplies

Large Pot
Cutting Board
Knife
Bowl

Directions

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot and gently sauté the garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the broth, turmeric, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the zucchini and cooked chicken and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and parsley and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Season to taste and finish with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy with a glass of water.

Why We Love It

This soup provides fluid, protein, fiber, vegetables, and plant compounds in one comforting bowl. Ginger, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and colorful vegetables also bring a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds to the table.

Herb Nerd Did You Know? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is considered a warming herb traditionally used to support digestion and the body's movement of fluids. Its warming, comforting qualities make it a lovely addition to a nourishing soup designed to support overall wellness and hydration.

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About The Author

Shae, our Customer Service Director and Social Media Manager, has been with RidgeCrest since 2016. Shae is a licensed massage therapist, and guides the customer care team, is our culture caretaker, and serves as our creative oracle across social media, blogs, and meditations. She describes herself as creative, thoughtful, nature-loving, compassionate, and nurturing. Her favorite herbs are Ginger and Lavender, and she proudly recommends SereniZen® (formerly Anxiety Free), PhysiQOL™, SinusClear®, and Belly Be Happy®.

Click to meet the rest of the team.

Learn More

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is intended to support the understanding of an already healthy body. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a medical condition, or are considering changes to your health routine, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. This information has not been reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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We believe people find us when they are meant to. Welcome to RidgeCrest Herbals, a small family-owned herbal supplement company based in Utah, and doing this work since 1994!. If you are new here, our content is written by real people on our team and inspired by our almanacs, customer swag, and the everyday conversations that fuel our love of herbs and helping others. We are a fun bunch who care deeply about sharing what health and wellness means to us in real life. We hope you stick around, explore our award-winning products and wellness almanacs, and get to know our company and team a little better.