The two bean-shaped organs called kidneys are prone to kidney stones and other diseases. Eliminating and flushing out unwanted particles is essential to boost the organ’s function. A kidney cleanse program detoxifies and cleanses the kidneys to nurture healthy kidneys.
What is a kidney cleanse?
A kidney cleanse program focuses on detoxifying the kidneys by consuming kidney-friendly foods and drinks, including herbal juices, smoothies, teas and other foods.
Do kidney cleansers work?
Kidney cleanse offers several health benefits like maintaining blood pressure, enhancing liver function, boosting immunity and helping in weight loss.
However, further research is required to prove the effect of kidney cleansing foods on improving kidney health.
A kidney cleanse is more or less similar to various detox programs. Consuming nutritious food and drinking adequate water keeps the kidney healthy. Certain foods, teas and herbs possess kidney cleansing properties essential to maintain this organ’s health.
Ways to cleanse the kidneys
Drink more water
Consuming plenty of water is significant for the kidneys to remove wastes present in the blood. Water makes the blood vessels open to ease the blood flow to the kidneys to provide vital nutrients.
3.7 litres of water for men and 2.7litres of water for women is the daily recommendation of fluid intake.
Reduce sodium intake
Salt consumption raises urinary protein levels, which is a major risk factor for developing kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
People with kidney disease or kidney failure should consume no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day.
Make dietary changes
Dietary changes can maintain the health of the kidneys and body in general.
Restricting processed foods and incorporating the following kidney-friendly foods can help a person in detoxification.
- Cabbage
- Capsicum
- Cauliflower
- Green leafy vegetables
- Broccoli
- Melons
- Berries
- Garlic
- Apples
- Olive Oil
- Turmeric
6 Best foods to support your kidney health
Grapes
Grapes are abundant in vitamin C, and K, a deficiency that elevates the risk of kidney disease. Also, high fibre and mineral content, including copper, magnesium and manganese, supports kidney health.
Red peppers
Due to their low potassium content, these peppers can be difficult for people with kidney illness. Additionally, they are a good source of fibre, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C. An antioxidant, vitamin C aids in the body's creation of energy, blood flow, and metabolism.B6 and folate both help to create red blood cells. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in red bell peppers, also protects kidney health and delays renal failure.
Ginger
For hundreds of years, this spice has been utilised as a digestive aid. It has been demonstrated that ginger can shield the kidneys from harm brought on by dehydration, alcoholism, and diabetes.
Thyme and ginger may work together to increase defence. Thyme has been shown to decrease cholesterol and blood pressure. As high blood pressure can have a substantial impact on the organs, the kidneys will benefit from this.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a high potassium concentration, which is related to ginger and can also protect the kidneys from harm . It is not advised for people who currently have kidney disease.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are high in nutrients and minerals that support kidney function with the presence of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as carotenoids and flavonoids in them.
Fruit juices
Including kidney-cleansing fresh juices in the daily diet improves kidney health. To make fresh juice, choosing low-potassium or high-calcium fruits and vegetables is best.
Calcium-rich foods
A low-calcium diet increases the likelihood of developing kidney stones. Combine calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt and some cheese with oxalate-rich foods during a meal.
Calcium and food oxalate are more likely to bind together in the stomach and intestines before entering the kidneys. This reduces the chance of kidney stone formation.
Sample 2-day kidney cleanse plan
Day 1
| MEAL | MENU |
| Early morning | Warm water with wheat grass powder - 1 glass |
| Breakfast | Smoothie made with any three kidney cleansing fruits (½ Cup), along with coconut milk (100 ml)—and green powder like spirulina. |
| Lunch | Green or vegetable smoothie |
| Dinner | Salad with chicken. Basil juice can be an option if preferred. |
Day 2
| MEAL | MENU |
| Early morning | Lukewarm lemon water - 1 glass |
| Breakfast | Detox drink made with 1/2 cup apple, 2 cucumbers, 1 bunch kale, 1/2 lemon, a bunch of mint leaves and 1/4-inch ginger. |
| Lunch | Smoothie with fruits like blueberry and cherry— along with flax seeds and almond milk. |
| Dinner | Vegetable broth soup with onion, pepper, cabbage, parsley, garlic and celery. |
Supplement with supportive nutrients
Vitamin B6
According to the results of a PubMed article, a long-term daily oral supplementation of 6 mg of vitamin B6 was enough to prevent vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with chronic renal failure, regular dialysis treatment and CAPD.
Omega 3 Fatty acids
An NCBI article states that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a significantly lower risk of end-stage renal disease and a delay in disease progression.
The omega-3 fatty acids help reduce kidney inflammation and slow down the progression of kidney disease.
Potassium citrate
Potassium citrate makes urine more alkaline or less acidic, helping to prevent some kidney stones. It also treats metabolic acidosis, a condition that occurs in some people with kidney problems.
Powerful drinks for kidney cleanse
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar benefits overall health by detoxifying the body, particularly the kidneys. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, citric acid and phosphorus acid, which aid in the breakdown and prevention of kidney stones.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a naturally acidic substance that has been shown to raise citrate levels in the urine, thereby reducing the occurrence of kidney stones. Drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice every day for a quick detox drink.
Dandelion tea
Dandelion leaves contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants that cleanse the kidneys, purify the blood and increase urine flow. Drinking dandelion tea regularly will help in kidney detox and prevent kidney disease.
Green smoothies
Green smoothies contain electrolytes that nourish the kidneys, which are overworked when it comes to filtering toxins from the body.
Basil juice
Basil leaves cleanse the kidneys and lower uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds such as acetic acid, which aid in the removal of kidney stones through urine.
Health Insurance for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones health insurance cover provides the necessary financial support required to combat the expenditures associated with the treatment of kidney stone removal surgery.
Conclusion
When it comes to kidney detoxing, there is no such thing as a magic cleanse but optimising kidney health is crucial for various reasons.
Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy, balanced diet and controlling blood pressure are the best ways to maintain the kidneys in good working condition.
