Your kidneys can stay healthy as long as you follow a balanced diet and drink enough water. But unhealthy food habits, low fluid intake, and exposure to toxins can make your kidneys stressed out (2). This is why you may need to cleanse your kidneys from time to time. Let’s see what a kidney flush is all about and whether it can actually work. Proponents of kidney cleanse diets claim that they can help the kidneys get rid of accumulated toxins and other waste products and lower the risk of kidney diseases. However, at present, there is a lack of scientific evidence that validates any particular kidney cleanse process. Also, some experts believe that a kidney cleanse might harm the kidneys. Having said that, upping your fluid intake and adding the foods suggested in a kidney-flush diet to your regular meal plans may be beneficial for your general health and wellbeing. It is important to keep in mind that a kidney cleanse is not for everyone. Especially, if you have existing kidney disease or other health concerns, you need to talk to your physician about any changes in your diet, eating patterns, or supplement use. If you don’t have any existing medical conditions, you may want to understand if you even need to cleanse your kidneys in the first place. The next section can help you gain that clarity.
Do You Really Need A Kidney Flush?
It depends on how your kidneys are. Being self-cleaning organs, a healthy pair of kidneys won’t require you to go through a restrictive diet. On the contrary, it may deprive your body of various essential nutrients. So, when do kidneys require flushing? The kidneys’ primary function is to filter blood and sieve out excess water along with toxins and other wastes that are generated by the body as urine. When there is insufficient water intake, it may become difficult for the kidneys to clear out all of the waste. Chronic stress, environmental toxins, and a diet poor in fruits and vegetables can also deter the kidneys from functioning at their optimum capacity (2). Kidney detox through herbal remedies may be a beneficial way to support kidney health and maintain a healthy urinary system. If you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy as a kidney detox to avoid adverse herbal-drug interactions. Dr. Peter Michael, MD, says, “It typically takes about 48-72 hours for the kidney to flush out naturally. This time can vary from person to person depending on a variety of factors, such as diet, hydration levels, and overall health. It’s crucial to always drink plenty of water to flush the kidneys of waste, and if one is considering a kidney cleanse, it is even more important.” If you suspect that may be the case with your organs, you can tune into your body for signals. The following signs may indicate that your kidneys are stressed and can do with a detox (3):
Nausea Fatigue Itchy, dry skin Bad taste in the mouth Swollen ankles Brain fog Changes in urine frequency or color Leg pain Recurring kidney stones Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
A study was conducted on 10,521 participants aged 20 and older to understand the prevalence of kidney stones in the United States. The study found that 11% of the participants had kidney stones. It was further noted that 2.1% of the participants had experienced kidney stones or 2,054 cases per 100,000 adults in a year. If you experience one or more of these, you may consider your options for a kidney flush. So, how do you do a kidney flush? And how to detox your kidneys? Let’s see.
How To Flush Your Kidneys
As mentioned before, there is no evidence regarding any particular kidney cleanse diet. So, instead of a diet plan for any particular number of days, here you can find some of the best things you can do that may help flush your kidneys and support their functioning.
- Drink More Water If you’re searching for “what is the fastest way to flush your kidneys?” here is your answer. Every single organ requires water to function, and the kidneys are no exception. With filtration as the primary role, kidneys require water to make urine, which is what carries toxins and wastes out of the body. A low urine volume is linked with kidney dysfunction, including the formation of kidney stones (4). The standard recommended amount of water for daily intake is around 4L for males and 3.1L for females (5). If you have not been meeting this requirement, you can focus on achieving this standard during your kidney cleanse and make it part of your daily routine.
- Eat Berries Most berries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicalsi Chemical compounds found in vegetables and fruits that help combat cell damage and inflammation present in kidney cells. and may have a protective effect on kidney cells by fighting off inflammation and oxidative stress (6). For a kidney cleanse, the two most talked about are blueberries and cranberries. According to an animal study, blueberries can help regulate blood pressure and improve glucose tolerance. While human studies are warranted, you may benefit from including blueberries in your diet as kidney diseases are positively linked with both high blood sugar and high blood pressure (7). Blueberries are also low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, three minerals that tend to make things difficult for kidneys if you have them in large quantities (8), (9), (10), (11). Cranberries have been found to soothe the urinary tract and may prevent infections (12).
- Have Red Grapes Grapes contain flavonoidsi A group of chemical compounds present in plants that protect against oxidative damage and reduce kidney inflammation. which are beneficial plant compounds. One of them known as resveratrol has been found to be effective in lowering kidney inflammation in an animal study (13), (14). Although human studies are warranted for more insight into how grapes can benefit kidney function, it is a great choice to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a load of micronutrients.
- Get Your Vitamin B6 Through Food Or Supplements Vitamin B6 is an essential micronutrient that your body uses in various metabolic reactions, including the metabolism of glyoxylate. When B6 is deficient, instead of turning into glycine, glyoxylate turns into oxalate— a substance with an association with the formation of kidney stones (15). You can add a B-complex vitamin supplement that has more than or equal to 50 milligrams (but less than 100 milligrams) of B6. Alternatively, you can get it through food sources such as carrots, milk, ricotta cheese, avocado, bananas, salmon, and chicken (16).
- Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Your Meals If you’re still looking for how to flush your kidneys, just eat more omega-3 fatty acids to balance out excessive omega-6 fatty acids. This is because high levels of omega-6 have been linked with the risk of kidney stones. Besides, omega-3s may also lower your risk of passing protein through urine, a condition known as proteinuria. The two most important omega 3-s are docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. You can take a high-quality fish oil supplement or include fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. Flax seeds and oysters are other good sources of omega-3s (17), (18).
- Eat Watermelons And Pomegranates Watermelons contain plenty of water, fibers, and amazing nutrients that may protect your kidneys from damage. For instance, lycopenei A color pigment that gives red and pink colors to fruits and vegetables and helps prevent cell damage and improve kidney function. , a compound in watermelons, was shown to lower inflammation in rats with existing kidney damage. Watermelons may also help to balance the levels of phosphate, oxalate, citrate, and calcium in your body (19), (20). Similarly, pomegranate, a potassium-rich fruit, can be a beneficial fruit to add to a kidney cleanse diet. Potassium may reduce the risk of kidney stones and help to flush out toxins and waste from the kidneys (17). If you’re prone to stones, following a kidney stone diet can help prevent them. Both watermelon and pomegranate have high levels of potassium, and should not be overconsumed during a kidney cleanse. Potassium is among the minerals that the kidney finds difficult to clear if its functionality is impaired (9). Lemons and oranges contain citrate, or vitamin C, a nutrient that has been associated with kidney stone prevention. It plays that role by binding with excess calcium and preventing the formation of calcium crystals (17). Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and may prevent tissue damage (21). There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin C may improve insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and blood vessel health— all of which can benefit your kidney function (22), (23), (7). Additionally, lemons and oranges can help you increase your total fluid intake. Dr. Michael adds, “The citric acid in lemons helps break down and dissolve kidney stones, which is helpful for cleansing the kidneys. Additionally, lemon water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body.”
- Juice Beetroots Or Add Them To Your Salad Beets contain a compound called betaine which may help to increase the acidity of your urine, which can benefit your urinary tract. It may also prevent the buildup of calcium and struvite (a compound produced by bacteria in the body) and lower your risk of getting kidney stones (24), (25).
- Drink Dandelion Tea If you have to choose one herbal tea for kidneys, it should be dandelion tea. That’s because dandelion has been used in traditional medicine as a kidney tonic. A tea made with fresh dandelion root or dried dandelion may help you cleanse your kidneys. Additionally, it is known to stimulate bile production which can improve digestion and thus reduce the volume of waste that reaches the kidneys (26), (27). However, consume it in moderation to avoid side effects. Consult a doctor to get a recommended dosage before including it in your diet.
- Limit Your Intake Of Oxalic Acid, Sodium, And Added Sugar Too much salt and sugar in the diet are linked with high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Each of these conditions can put your kidneys in jeopardy (28). So, if you are doing a kidney cleanse, give table salt and processed sugar a break. Oxalic acid is an organic acid that is toxic to humans in large quantities. Oxalic acid-rich foods like spinach, and dark chocolate can increase the amount of oxalate in the blood. Oxalate is linked with kidney stone formation, so you need to be careful about how much you are putting in your body (29). Amla or Indian gooseberry is a rich source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants that help exert a protective effect against kidney damage. Research suggests that amla may help prevent acute kidney dysfunction and age-related renal dysfunction. In an animal study, amla extract was found to prevent fibrosisi Thickening or scarring of connective tissue as the result of the body’s response to injury or damage. , oxidative stress, and inflammation related to kidney dysfunction (30). You can find packaged amla juice in health stores. Alternatively, you can obtain fresh amla juice by blending the fruit after removing its pit. Note: Avoid amla juice unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider if you have kidney issues.
- Sleep Well It may seem strange to find this on a kidney cleanse guide. However, it is essential to sleep well while you flush your kidneys as your sleep-wake cycle regulates the workload and functioning of your kidneys (31).
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Diet Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been recognized for its potential health benefits, and recent research has explored its protective effects on kidney health. In an animal study, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce oxidative damage in rats’ kidneys, leading to elevated urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium ion levels. It was seen that apple cider vinegar significantly reduced these levels. Moreover, ACV treatment helped mitigate kidney damage, particularly hemorrhagic lesions. These findings suggest that apple cider vinegar may potentially protect against kidney impairment and associated dysfunction (32). However, further research is warranted in this area to understand its efficacy in promoting kidney health in humans. Note: Always consult your health care professional before attempting any kidney flushes, particularly if you have any kidney problems. While these methods can help improve kidney function, it is also important to regularly exercise and eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For long-term kidney health, this balanced approach is essential. In addition, it is equally important to address some common misconceptions surrounding kidney cleansing that can be either ineffective or straight out harmful. Scroll down to know more.
Common Myths About Kidney Cleansing
Here are some common myths surrounding kidney cleansing: In a nutshell, your kidneys are hardworking and self-cleaning organs. They do well as long as they are not exposed to excessive environmental or dietary toxins. Fatigue, swollen ankles, and low urine volume are some signs of kidney stress. Detoxifying or flushing your kidneys needs you to be mindful of what you eat and how much water you drink. Cranberries, watermelon, lemon, and fatty fish are commonly recommended for kidney-flush diets. Incorporating certain foods for a healthy kidney into your diet can be incredibly effective in maintaining kidney health naturally. However, bear in mind that there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness or safety of kidney flushing. Hence, consult your doctor before you use any remedies. Check out the infographic to get some quick trivia about these wonderful bean-shaped organs of the body.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team What are the signs of healthy kidneys? Healthy kidneys produce clear, light-colored urine, maintain stable blood pressure, and prevent swelling in the body. They also help with normal digestion without pain or changes in appetite and high energy levels. Can diet alone support kidney health? Although diet is important, it cannot maintain kidney health alone. A healthy diet, along with regular exercise, adequate hydration, and timely medical examinations, contributes to the maintenance of renal function and protects against potential issues. What herb is good for cleansing kidneys? According to Dr. Michael, “Herbs that are good for cleansing the kidneys include dandelion root, nettle leaf, marshmallow root, juniper berries, ginger root, yarrow leaf and flower, and sage herb.” Does beer flush your kidneys? No, beer may cause more frequent urination, but that is not the same as a kidney “flush”. On the contrary, beer or any other alcoholic beverage consumed in excess puts strain on the kidneys, can impair their functioning, and cause kidney damage. How do doctors flush your kidneys? Doctors may use diureticsi Water pills that help remove sodium and water from the body through the kidneys and increase urine production. to flush out the kidneys and remove toxin buildup. Can kidneys repair themselves? Kidneys are self-cleaning organs that may also be able to regenerate and repair themselves, depending on the extent of the damage. Learn how to heal and cleanse your kidneys with easy tips! Discover the best ways to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning by checking out the video.
