Kidney Cleanse: Is It Necessary & How To Do It Safely

Kidney cleanses becoming more and more popular in recent years, and if you have heard the hype, you may be wondering whether or not this is something you should be doing for your body. 

Whether or not a kidney cleanses is something you want to do for yourself ultimately comes down to your health and what you think may be best for you, and in any event, you can consult your doctor to have any questions answered concerns put to rest. Your doctor is an excellent resource for you, and it is never a bad idea to consult them before you try a new health fad as kidney cleanses. 

A kidney cleanse essentially taking great care to flush toxins and other buildups out of your kidneys to help them function better.  Although, it may not be necessary, especially if you are already living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates kidney-healthy habits. 

If you want to learn more about kidney cleanses before making your final decision, you are in the right place. You can do a few things to generally support your kidney health without having to do an actual cleanse, and learning about these tips may help give you peace of mind. This is your ultimate guide to whether a kidney cleanse may be necessary and how you can do it safely if you decide to do so. 

Kidney Cleanse: How Can I Do It? What Are The Benefits?

Before getting into the details of how to cleanse your kidneys and generally keep them strong and healthy, let’s talk about some basics. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on both sides of your body in your lower back just below your ribcage, and they play a few key roles in keeping you healthy. 

Your kidneys work to:

  • Maintain the balance in the composition of your blood
  • Regulate the number of fluids in your body
  • Control and balance the electrolytes in your blood
  • Control and regulate your blood pressure
  • Produce certain hormones that are a vital part of the formation of your blood and bones

Thus, because your kidneys play so many vital roles when it comes to your overall bodily function and wellbeing, keeping your kidneys healthy and strong is critical.

A kidney cleanse essentially a way to flush out your kidneys, and there may be some specific products commercially available that promise to do this very thing. That said, when it comes to products geared explicitly towards a kidney cleanse, you should proceed with caution and are probably better off opting for more natural methods of giving your kidneys a boost. 

Eating Healthy To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

You can practice a natural kidney cleanse; no special cleanse products are needed by incorporating kidney-healthy habits into your lifestyle. One way to promote kidney health is by making sure to eat plenty of foods that work to support your kidneys. 

Foods that can help you maintain solid and well-functioning kidneys include:

  • Apples: Apples are considered a kidney-healthy food because they contain reasonable amounts of pectin, a soluble fiber that may help lower your glucose and cholesterol levels. Plus, apple peels are a great source of antioxidants that work to support your overall health, too. 

  • Blueberries: Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, and they may have plenty of benefits when it comes to heart issues, brain health, and kidney health.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and nuts or seeds like walnuts, and they are essential nutrients that our bodies cannot make on their own. Omega-3 fatty acids help control blood clotting; building cell membranes may help decrease abnormal heartbeats, reduce your levels of triglycerides, and help lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for your overall health and may boost your kidney function, too. 

  • Kale: Packed full of vitamins A and C, calcium, and vitamin K, kale can have plenty of health benefits. 

  • Strawberries: Strawberries are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Fiber is essential for healthy kidneys because it can help ward off inflammation and lower your risk for kidney issues. If you or your children do not get enough fiber through diet alone, a fiber supplement may benefit.

  • Spinach: Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, K, folate, and magnesium, making it a great way to support your kidney health. 

  • Probiotics: Probiotics can work wonders for your health in general, but they can also keep your kidneys healthy by improving gastrointestinal function.
Eating regular, well-balanced meals, mainly containing the foods as mentioned earlier, can be a great way to promote healthy kidneys while also supporting your overall wellbeing. Additionally, if there are gaps in your diet, it may be helpful to incorporate a supplement containing key nutrients.

How Does Drinking Enough Water Factor In?

Drinking enough water also plays a huge role in maintaining healthy kidneys. Being smart about your water intake each day can help make sure you stay properly hydrated without putting stress on your kidneys. While eight glasses of water every day is typically recommended, the truth is that how much water you need depends on your age, exercise level, and climate. 

Believe it or not, it is possible to drink too much water, and doing so can put stress on your kidneys. Instead of drinking vast amounts of water at one time, try to drink water consistently throughout the day to stay moderately hydrated. Drinking water can help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections, so making sure you are meeting your hydration needs can keep your kidneys in check. 

While committing to a kidney cleanse may be an intriguing way to keep your kidneys functioning properly, it may not be necessary, and you may just need to start incorporating more habits that work to support your kidneys instead. 

The Bottom Line

Kidney cleanses been growing in popularity. The process essentially entails using special products or temporarily following a special diet to flush out your kidneys to eliminate toxins or other unwanted buildups. 

That said, so-called “kidney cleanse” products may not always be the safest, and more research needs to be done on this subject. Instead, opting for natural methods of supporting your kidney health and keeping everything in check is a safer way to cleanse your system.

You can maintain healthy and well-functioning kidneys by making sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet, specifically including foods that have been known to provide some benefits when it comes to the health of your kidneys. 

Spinach, kale, strawberries, apples, blueberries, and omega-3 fatty acids all provide plenty of health benefits, partially thanks to the fiber present in some of these foods. Vitamin C, too, helps support a healthy urinary tract and, in turn, healthy kidneys. Staying well-hydrated without drinking too much water is another way to support your kidneys.

Sources:

The Kidney Flush: How it Works | Jon Barron.org

7 Kidney-Friendly Superfoods | Kidney.org

6 Tips To Be “Water Wise” for Healthy Kidneys | Kidney.org