Kidneys naturally cleanse your body by filtering waste from your blood. Staying hydrated, prioritizing certain foods, and other habits can help support kidney function.
The kidneys are
They play an important role in:
- getting rid of excess bodily waste
- balancing electrolytes
- creating hormones
Without disease, a well-rounded diet and adequate water intake are usually enough to keep your kidneys healthy.
However, certain foods, herbs, and supplements can also help support strong kidneys.
Here are 4 ways to help cleanse your kidneys and a 2-day kidney cleanse sample menu.
The adult human body weight is around 60% water, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Every single organ, from the brain to the liver, requires water to function.
The kidneys are your body’s filtration system and require enough water to secrete urine. Urine is the primary waste product that allows the body to excrete unwanted substances.
When water intake is low, urine volume is low. A low urine output may lead to kidney dysfunction, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Drinking enough water is important for the kidneys to flush out excess waste materials properly, and this is especially important during a kidney cleanse.
According to the AND, the recommended daily fluid intake is 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for adult males and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for adult females.
However, this may vary depending on several factors, such as your age, how active you are, and if you’re living with an underlying health condition.
If you’re unsure how much water to drink daily to keep your kidneys healthy, speak with a healthcare professional.
The
Some heart-healthy foods may include:
- lean animal proteins, such as poultry, fish, and meat
- fruits and vegetables
- low fat or fat-free dairy products
Some more specific foods may also help with your kidney cleanse.
Grapes
A 2019 animal study found that red grape juice and raisins may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that could help protect kidneys from fatty deposition and improve their strength and function.
A glass of grape juice or a handful of red grapes make a great afternoon snack.
Cranberries
A
- reducing UTIs
- reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
- improving the gut microbiome
However, the authors note that cranberries may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. More research is also needed to determine the dose of cranberry juice and supplements for kidney health.
Seaweed
Brown seaweed has been studied for its beneficial effects on the pancreas, kidneys, and liver.
In a
Try a packet of dried, seasoned seaweed the next time you crave a crunchy snack.
Calcium-rich foods
Eating calcium may help reduce kidney stones, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Calcium is needed to bind with oxalate to reduce the absorption and excretion of this substance. Too much urinary oxalate can lead to kidney stones.
You can meet the recommended daily intake of
- low fat dairy products, such as cow’s milk, yogurt, and cheese
- tofu
- soybeans
- lean meats
- fortified cereals
A
Some teas that may help cleanse your kidneys include:
Some supplements may provide benefits for your kidney health.
Vitamin B6
Many people with chronic kidney disease have low levels of vitamin B6, according to the
Vitamin B6 is an important cofactor in many metabolic reactions. It’s required for the metabolism of glyoxylate, which can become oxalate instead of glycine if B6 is deficient. Too much oxalate may lead to kidney stones.
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B6 is
Omega-3s
The standard Western diet is high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and low in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
High levels of omega-6 fatty acids
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two
Potassium citrate
Potassium is a necessary element of electrolyte balance and pH balance of urine.
Therapy with potassium citrate may
For those with a history of other kidney problems, talk with a doctor before taking potassium supplements.
This sample 2-day kidney cleanse may help strengthen your kidneys, but no research supports the cleansing action.
Day 1
- Breakfast: 8 ounces each fresh lemon, ginger, and beet juice, plus 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 2 eggs
- Snack 1: 1/2 cup low fat Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup mixed berries
- Lunch: smoothie of 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 cup berries, 1/2 apple, and 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- Snack 2: 1/4 cup of mixed nuts
- Dinner: large mixed-greens salad with 4 ounces lean protein (chicken, fish, or tofu), topped with 1/2 cup grapes and 1/4 cup peanuts
Day 2
- Breakfast: smoothie of 1 cup soy milk, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1 tsp spirulina, plus 1 egg
- Snack 1: 1/2 cup low fat Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup mixed berries
- Lunch: 1 cup hot millet topped with 1 cup fresh fruit and 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- Snack 2: 1/4 cup of mixed nuts
- Dinner: large mixed-greens salad with 4 ounces lean protein (chicken, fish, or tofu), topped with 1/2 cup cooked barley, fresh lemon juice, and 4 ounces each unsweetened cherry juice and orange juice
What drink is good for flushing your kidneys?
Water is the best drink to support kidney function, but cranberry juice, grape juice, and some teas may also be beneficial.
How can I naturally repair my kidneys?
Some ways to help keep your kidneys healthy
Does lemon water flush out your kidneys?
The National Kidney Foundation suggests that adding 4 ounces of concentrated lemon juice once daily to a glass of water may benefit the kidneys. Lemon contains citrate, a citric acid that could help prevent kidney stone formation by binding with calcium in urine.
Does cranberry juice clean your kidneys?
Cranberry juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could help cleanse your kidneys.
Most people don’t need to flush or cleanse their kidneys.
However, following a heart-healthy diet could help support kidney health.
If you have a history of kidney problems, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help develop a treatment and dietary plan for you.
