Fruits That Cleanse The Kidney, While there are many herbs and plants which can help to cleanse the kidneys and other organs in the human body, I would like to write a short article on the ones I have used. Obviously many people have already used these fruits and a search of the internet will give many testimonials. However, I think it is important to mention them here.
Best Foods for Kidney Health, Detox, and Cleansing
These twelve natural foods will help cleanse and detox your body!
The kidneys perform a multitude of essential functions within the body from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your bones strong and healthy. Located under the rib cage, your kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the body.
By eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and staying adequately hydrated, your kidneys can be self-cleansing. The right diet and regular exercise can help you avoid kidney problems in the future.
8 Foods To Naturally Cleanse & Detox Your Kidneys
Here are twelve natural foods to help cleanse your kidneys and detox your body:
- Red Bell Pepper
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower and Brocolli
- Leafy Greens
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Apples
- Berries
Why are the Kidneys so Important?
The kidneys are two small bean-like organs around 6cm wide and 12cm long. They consist of two layers. The outer layer is called the cortex and the inner layer is called the medulla. The majority of people have two kidneys. You can find them at the back of the abdomen on both sides of the spine.
The kidneys serve a multitude of essential functions within the body
The kidneys clean waste and excess water from the blood, produce urine and help control blood pressure by regulating electrolytes. The kidneys also adjust pH, filter proteins and remove toxins that have been packaged for removal by the liver.
Another role of the kidneys is to produce a variety of hormones. The two main hormones the kidneys secrete are vitamin D and erythropoietin. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, maintenance of healthy bones, and regulation of the immune system. Erythropoietin activates the production of red blood cells to maintain healthy oxygen levels in the body.
Your kidneys are constantly at work. Every day, the kidneys process over two hundred quarts of blood and sift out over two quarts of waste products and water. Healthy kidneys filter through approximately half a cup of blood a minute to remove waste, excess water and produce urine. The urine then flows from your kidneys to your bladder. Your bladder, kidneys, and ureters are all a part of your urinary tract.
The waste removal process the kidneys perform is vital, without it there would be a build-up of toxins in the bloodstream and lymph fluid. This could potentially poison the body and lead to tissue damage. The toxins, excess water, uncontrolled pH, blood pressure, and electrolytes can also put enormous strain on the blood vessels and heart.
Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy
More than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease and most don’t even know it. There are different types of kidney disease but the most common is chronic kidney disease (CVD). This is a long-term condition that doesn’t improve over time. It’s usually caused by high blood pressure. Other kidney problems include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney.
Many people do not experience symptoms of kidney disease until the late stages when the kidneys are failing or there’s a lot of protein in the urine.
Symptoms of kidney disease can include the following:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Frequent need to urinate
- Tired/ low energy
- Foamy urine
- Blood in urine
- Swollen feet and ankles
Two of the leading contributors to kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Both of these cause damage to the nephrons, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. Each of your kidneys is made up of about half a million of these filtering nephrons. They work by returning much-needed substances back to the blood and removing waste.
Adopting a lifestyle that limits the development of diabetes and high blood pressure will dramatically reduce your risks of kidney disease, kidney stones, or renal failure.
There are also ways to develop these health issues which are out of your control. Some autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, infections, poisoning, and physical blows to the kidneys can result in renal failure.
If you want to reduce your risk of developing kidney problems and support optimal kidney health, start by maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity raises the chances of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney problems include:
- Exercise is important in keeping blood vessels, the heart, and cholesterol under control.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking dumps toxins into the bloodstream that damage the kidneys and other organs.
- Stay hydrated. A lack of water is one of the leading causes of kidney stones.
- Avoid coffee and colas that can dehydrate you and contain too much phosphorus.
- Avoid highly processed and refined foods. These contain large amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, free radicals, sugar, and sodium that increase the already heavy load on your kidneys. they can also contribute to obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Remember to keep an eye on your protein consumption. Too much protein can also damage the kidneys. Excessive protein consumption floods the blood with toxic ketones. The kidneys go into overdrive to remove these toxins, increasing the stress on these organs. The kidneys use up a lot of water in the process of flushing these dangerous ketones away. Eating too much meat also means getting a lot of cholesterol and unnecessary calories.
Plant-Based Diet and Kidney Health
A plant-based diet with plenty of whole foods, fruits and vegetables is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and kidneys. Here are some of the benefits of a plant-based diet for your kidneys:
- Deliver smaller, manageable amounts of protein
- Provide healthy fats that are essential to heart and kidney health
- Carbohydrates paired with fiber encourages slow, steady absorption
- Much less sodium
- Contain antioxidants that help prevent damage, water for proper hydration, and valuable vitamins and minerals. Those who already have some form of kidney disease should especially avoid red meat. In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study with 4,881 participants, investigators found that chronic kidney disease is linked with high consumption of red meat. The findings from the Tehran and Lip Glucose study support that of another study called the ARIC study. The ARIC study showed that the highest vs the lowest amount of red and processed meat is linked to a 23% higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.As well as cutting out red meat, things like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus can also harm the kidneys. This is because the kidneys can no longer fully regulate these electrolytes in the bloodstream.
8 Best Foods for Kidney Health, Detox, and Cleansing
1. Red Peppers
These peppers are low in potassium which can be hard on those who have kidney disease. They also contain a good amount of vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, and fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and plays roles throughout the body in energy production, blood flow, and metabolism.
Folate and B6 contribute to the formation of red blood cells. Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that keeps kidneys healthy and prevents renal failure.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in fiber, folate, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The fiber in cabbage and other leafy greens slow the absorption of nutrients. This gives the liver and kidneys time to deal with the influx into the bloodstream. Fiber keeps blood sugar from spiking, one of the biggest reasons for kidney damage, and it also helps pull toxins from the digestive tract.
Vitamin K is important in healthy blood clotting. Cabbage also contains many phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
3. Cauliflower and Broccoli
These florets are rich in vitamin C and folate. Cauliflower is full of fiber and rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. Cruciferous vegetables are very good for you when kidneys are healthy or only sluggish. They should be avoided if your kidneys are really struggling or you have gout.
4. Leafy Greens
Greens are rich in vitamin C, folate, fiber, vitamin K, and many other phytonutrients that reduce stress on the kidneys, reduce blood pressure, balance blood sugar, and combat inflammation.
Consider adding healthy greens to your diet such as mustard greens, dandelion leaves, and turnip greens. Dandelion especially increases urine production, cleaning out the kidneys and reducing blood pressure.
5. Garlic
Garlic, onions, shallots, chives, and leeks all contain allicin. Allicin is an organic sulfur compound that has some mighty anti-inflammatory properties. It also fights infection, has beneficial effects on blood pressure and can act as an antioxidant.
6. Asparagus
The asparagus stalk is an excellent source of fiber. The phytonutrients in asparagus lowers blood pressure and has a cleansing effect on the kidneys and bladder as they increase urine production and break up uric acid.
This is for prevention. Those who already suffer from kidney disease should be careful with asparagus as it is also rich in potassium and phosphorus.
7. Apples
Apples are an excellent source of fiber. The fiber in apples is exceptional at binding to and removing toxins from the digestive tract before the body can absorb them, lessening the load on the kidneys. Apples also reduce inflammation and cholesterol.
8. Berries
Berries are low-calorie sweets that are also packed with some potent antioxidants and phytonutrients that help prevent damage to kidney cells and nephrons. They reduce inflammation and contain vitamin C, fiber, folate, and manganese.
Some, like cranberry, are known to have a soothing effect on the urinary system and prevent infections. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cherries all help protect and cleanse the kidneys. Raspberries also contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been shown to prevent kidney disease and some cancers.
What to know about kidney cleanses
Properly functioning kidneys are vital for a person’s overall health. Consuming certain foods, drinks, and herbs may help cleanse the kidneys.
The kidneys perform essential functions that keep the body healthy. These two small, bean-shaped organs filter toxins from the blood, balance mineral levels, and help regulate blood pressure.
Most people can keep their kidneys healthy by staying hydrated and eating a balanced, healthful diet.
In this article, we examine what a kidney cleanse is and whether it works. We also look at how to cleanse the kidneys, an example 2-day plan, and risks and considerations.
What is a kidney cleanse?
The kidneys act as a natural filtration system for the body, removing waste, toxins, and excess water from the blood. The kidneys even cleanse themselves when the body takes in enough fluid.
Kidney cleanses involve consuming specific foods and herbs that may help remove toxins from the body and promote better kidney health.
Kidney cleansing programs vary, but they typically involve consuming a restricted diet for several days. This diet may include smoothies, juices, teas, herbs, and foods that people believe help detoxify the body and improve overall health.
Do cleanses work?
Proponents of kidney cleansing say that certain foods, beverages, and diets can detoxify the kidneys and body. However, there is currently little scientific research to support these claims.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source (NCCIH) state that “there isn’t any convincing evidence that detox or cleansing programs actually remove toxins from your body or improve your health.”
Most people can keep their kidneys healthy by staying hydrated and eating a balanced, healthful diet. However, some herbs and foods that are popular in kidney cleansing programs may have properties that help promote kidney health.
How to cleanse the kidneys
Cleansing the kidneys may aid the removal of toxins from the body. The following tips may help improve kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney disease:
Drink more water
Drinking enough fluid every day is essential to a person’s overall health. Water is crucial for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, getting rid of waste and toxins, keeping the skin healthy, and performing a wide range of other bodily functions. Consuming enough water can also help prevent kidney problems, such as kidney stones.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source, many healthcare professionals recommend drinking six to eight 8-ounce (oz) glasses of water a day.
Reduce sodium intake
The body needs salt, or sodium, but consuming too much can raise blood pressure, which can increase a person’s risk of kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.
The NIDDKTrusted Source recommend that people limit their sodium consumption to less than 2,300 milligrams a day to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. People can reduce their sodium intake by eating fewer processed foods and choosing low-sodium or sodium-free options.
Make dietary changes
People can make some simple dietary changes to improve both their kidney health and general health, but it is important to note that the following lists are not for people with preexisting kidney disease.
Consider limiting or avoiding the following foods and beverages:
- processed foods
- refined carbohydrates
- sugar and artificial sweeteners
- animal proteins, such as beef, pork, and organ meat
- high-sodium foods
- alcohol
- caffeine
A person can also try adding these kidney-friendly foods to their diet:
- berries
- citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges
- apples
- low-fat dairy products
- vegetables
- whole grains, such as barley, brown rice, and oatmeal
- lean meats, including chicken and seafood
An example 2-day kidney cleanse plan
A person should consult a doctor before starting a kidney cleanse or detox regimen, particularly if they have kidney stones or kidney disease. Limiting the duration of cleansing programs to a few days can help reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
People who do not have kidney problems may wish to try the following 2-day kidney cleanse plan:
Day 1
On the first day of the cleanse, people can prepare the following three meals:
Morning
Start the day with an 8-oz glass of warm water containing 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of fresh lemon juice.
Breakfast
For breakfast, blend the following ingredients to make a 12-oz smoothie:
- 1 beetroot
- half a cucumber
- 2 apples
- the juice of half a lemon
- 1 inch (in) grated ginger
Lunch
Eat a large, mixed green salad containing:
- grilled chicken or tofu
- half a red onion
- 1 cup chopped apple
- one-quarter cup grapes
Top the salad with sliced almonds. For the dressing, combine:
- one-third cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Dinner
For dinner, make an 8-oz smoothie containing:
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup blueberries
- one-half cup mango
- 1 cup kale
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
Day 2
On the second day, people can eat a more substantial lunch and dinner:
Morning
Start the morning with a cup of green tea containing 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice.
Breakfast
Blend the following ingredients to make an 8-oz smoothie:
- 1 cup almond milk
- one-half cup spinach
- one-quarter cup mixed berries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
Lunch
Combine the following ingredients and then saute together in olive oil:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- one-half cup cooked beans
- one-quarter cup green beans
- one-quarter cup chopped carrots
- 1–2 tsp minced garlic
Dinner
Make a vegetable soup using the following ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 cup carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 cup tomato
- 1 can kidney beans
- one-quarter cup parsley
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Begin by heating the vegetable broth over medium heat. Chop all of the vegetables and add them to the broth. After cooking the vegetables completely, stir in parsley. Add salt and pepper according to taste.
Risks and considerations
Kidney cleanse programs generally encourage people to consume more healthful foods, such as fruits and vegetables. However, although proponents of kidney cleanses say that they offer many health benefits, there is little scientific research to support these claims.
According to the NCCIHTrusted Source, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken action against several companies offering detox and cleansing products because they made false therapeutic claims about their products or the products contained illegal and potentially harmful ingredients.
For example, the FDA filed a warning letterTrusted Source in 2018 to Ozark Country Herbs, a company that produce a range of herbal products that promise to treat everything from depression and migraine to flu and kidney stones.
Although drinking enough water is essential for health, too much fluid can reduce mineral concentrations in the body and lead to health complications.
A 2018 case studyTrusted Source, for instance, reports that a 67-year-old man developed severe hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, while performing a kidney cleanse. Hyponatremia is a serious medical condition that can lead to potentially life-threating complications, such as swelling of the brain.
The man followed a strict program that involved consuming nothing but large volumes of water and herbal tea for 5 consecutive days. On the final day, he went to the emergency department after experiencing weakness, fatigue, nausea, tremor, and restlessness. Due to a severe electrolyte imbalance, the man’s body was unable to expel the excess fluid.
Many kidney cleanses and detox programs also require a person to fast or severely restrict their calorie intake, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and nutritional imbalances.
People who wish to try a kidney cleanse should consult a doctor first and ensure that they are consuming enough calories and electrolytes to support their metabolism.
8 Easy Ways to Cleanse Your Kidneys
The kidneys are amazing little organs. Each day, they process about 200 quarts of blood, getting rid of excess water and waste products, removing toxins and keeping the body functioning smoothly. If the kidneys are not able to remove toxins and waste from the body, they will build up in the body and hinder the normal function of kidneys, liver and other organs, resulting in exhaustion, stomach pain, headaches, water retention and other problems. Buildup of toxins and waste also may lead to kidney stones, a mass of crystals or unprocessed minerals which can grow to the size of a golf ball. Kidney stones affect 10-15 percent of American adults, but also may be found in children as young as five.
Kidney stones causes and symptoms
There are many causes of kidney stones, such as dehydration, excessively acidic urine, urinary tract infections, buildup of waste and toxins in the kidneys, among others. The symptoms of kidney stones include excessive lower back, abdominal or urinary tract pain which may be sharp, mild or excruciating, severe vomiting or feeling nauseated, persistent urge to pass urine, and constant chills or sweating. While the symptoms vary depending on the size of the stones, unceasing pain and discomfort on the sides is a good reason to see a urologist. Kidney stones are easily curable if diagnosed early.
Why you should cleanse your kidneys
There are several reasons why you should flush out toxins and waste from your body. For instance, cleansing your kidneys improves their function and reduces bloating. Likewise, cleansing your kidney improves your ability to process certain foods, absorb nutrients and convert food to energy, preventing fatigue. Flushing out waste and toxins prevents potential infection and reduce the risk for bladder problems. Similarly, cleansing the kidneys reduces the chances of having painful kidney stones, corrects hormonal imbalances and prevents skin breakouts such as acne, eczema and rashes.
Below are 8 easy ways to cleanse your kidneys
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is effective in preventing oxidative stress of the kidneys. It increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, balances blood sugar levels and reduces blood pressure, creating optimum conditions for kidney health. Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid which dissolves kidney stones. Frequent intake of apple cider vinegar also flushes out toxins from the kidneys.
2. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans not only resemble the kidneys but also remove waste and toxins from the kidney and flush out kidney stones effectively. Kidney beans are rich in Vitamin B, fiber and several minerals which help to clean the kidney and boost the function of the urinary tract.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is naturally acidic and increases citrate levels in urine, hence discouraging the formation of kidney stones. Lemon juice also filters blood and flushes out wastes and other toxins. Daily intake of diluted lemon juice reduces the rate of kidney stone formation and dissolves calcium oxalate crystals, which is the most common constituent of kidney stones. For people with kidney stones, combining lemon with olive oil ensures smooth passage of the stones.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon is a mild diuretic. It hydrates and cleanses the kidneys. It is also rich in lycopene, which improves cardiovascular health and ensures well-functioning kidneys. Watermelon also has large quantities of potassium salts which regulate acidity of urine and prevents stone formation. In fact, eating watermelon regularly is great for kidney health.
5. Pomegranate
Both the juice and seeds of pomegranate contain large amounts of potassium and therefore are effective in removing kidney stones. Potassium lowers acidity of urine, prevents stone formation because of its astringent properties, curtails crystallization of minerals, and flushes out toxins and waste from the kidneys.
6. Basil
Basil is an effective diuretic. It removes kidney stones and improves kidney functioning. Basil also lowers the level of uric acid in blood and improves kidney health. Its ingredients such as essential oils and acetic acid break down kidney stones and allow for smooth removal. Basil is also a pain killer.
7. Dates
When dates are soaked in water for 24 hours and then consumed after seeds are removed, they are effective in dissolving and flushing out kidney stones. Dates are rich in fiber, helping to reduce the risk of kidney stones. The magnesium ingredient in dates also cleanses the kidneys.
8. Dandelion
Consuming tea made using dried organic dandelion or fresh dandelion root (pulled from the ground) helps to cleanse the kidneys. Dandelion is a kidney tonic, but also stimulates bile production to improve digestion and minimize the waste reaching the kidneys.
Another effective cleansing agent for the kidneys is cranberry juice which supports the urinary tract, fights urinary tract infections and removes excess calcium oxalate. Beets and their juices contain Betaine which increases urine acidity, prevents build-up of struvite and calcium phosphate and reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Other effective cleansing agents are coconut water, cucumber juice and cherries. For more information on preventing and treating kidney problems, visit the site, Advanced Urology Institute.