Natural methods to cleanse your kidneys

Why is kidney health important?

An article from the Better Health Channel explains why kidney health matters and highlights that the kidneys are essential for people’s health and well-being. When kidney function declines, waste builds up in the body and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. 

In some cases, serious conditions such as kidney failure can develop, which can be life-threatening and may require treatments such as dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

In addition, because the kidneys perform various functions in the body, complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, and fluid buildup in the lungs can also occur, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

It is worth noting that, although people can live for many years with chronic kidney disease through ongoing treatment, it generally has no cure and can significantly affect quality of life. In other words, once the kidneys are significantly damaged, they usually do not recover their previous function. 

How to cleanse the kidneys

When people talk about cleansing the kidneys, they are referring to all the methods that can be used to prevent deterioration of these organs and preserve their function. It is a preventive approach that can help avoid overloading the kidneys and make their work easier. The kidneys filter the blood continuously, so no special detox or cleanse is needed; the habits below are meant to support their normal function.

Healthline discusses these methods for maintaining kidney function and highlights aspects such as hydration, eating healthy foods, and the use of certain nutritional supplements. Supplements should be used only on a doctor’s advice, as some can harm the kidneys.

Water plays a central role in eliminating waste and supporting kidney function. That article explains that water intake is one of the most important factors for kidney health, as the body uses this fluid to eliminate excess waste. Drinking enough water helps dilute the waste products filtered by the kidneys and makes it easier to eliminate them from the body through urine.

On the other hand, not drinking enough water can lead to various health problems that affect the kidneys, such as kidney stones or kidney dysfunction. People with kidney disease or heart failure may need to limit their fluid intake and should follow their doctor’s advice.

Diet also plays an important role in kidney health, mainly because a diet high in processed foods, sodium, and saturated fat can raise blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, both of which can harm the kidneys. Ideally, people should follow a healthy diet and avoid foods or substances that have a negative effect on these vital organs. 

Foods that support kidney health

Diet is key to kidney health, and it involves more than avoiding foods that affect kidney function: it also means eating foods that support kidney function. 

According to Healthline, a heart-healthy diet is recommended to help prevent cholesterol and fat from building up in the arteries, kidneys, and heart. Healthline also lists some foods and drinks that are commonly associated with kidney health, although scientific evidence for their effects is limited: 

• Apple cider vinegar. 
• Kidney beans. 
• Lemon juice. 
• Watermelon. 
• Pomegranate. 
• Basil. 
• Dates. 
• Dandelion. 
• Cranberry juice. 
• Beets and beet juice. 
• Cucumber juice. 
• Cherries. 

Some people also drink green tea, black tea, hydrangea tea, or sambong tea, although the evidence for hydrangea and sambong is very limited. Most of these foods are easy to incorporate into a regular eating plan. For more on this topic, see our article on the benefits of green tea. 

In any case, before making a significant change to the diet or adding any of the foods or herbal teas mentioned, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. Every person has particular nutritional needs, so the diet must be adjusted to them. This is especially important for people with kidney disease, who may need to limit foods high in potassium, phosphorus, or sodium, as some of the foods listed are. 

Physical exercise and its positive impact on kidney health

Saint Luke’s Health System explains that exercise is useful not only for physical fitness and overall health but also for kidney health. This is mainly because exercise allows organs and tissues to receive more oxygen and nutrients from the blood. 

In addition, exercising helps control risk factors related to kidney disease. Exercise can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions that can affect kidney function and compromise kidney health. 

However, exercise should be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, with adequate hydration and nutrition. People with kidney problems should talk to their doctor before starting an exercise program, as some precautions may apply. 

Kidney Research UK recommends building up to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, three to five times a week. Some activities that can be included in this strategy to support kidney function are swimming, jogging, and cycling. 

Factors that can affect kidney health

Many factors can affect kidney health, from medical conditions considered risk factors to unhealthy habits.

Among these factors, the National Kidney Foundation highlights the negative impact of pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which put a strain on the kidneys and can cause kidney damage, especially when taken for long periods.

The foundation also points to the negative effects of:

• Eating a diet high in salt or sodium.
• Eating processed foods.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Poor sleep habits and not getting enough rest.
• Eating too much meat.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Another important factor is high blood sugar. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and affect their function. Other risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease. 

Tips for caring for your kidneys

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), kidney diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the Region of the Americas. In 2019, they ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the region, the tenth leading cause of years of life lost, and the tenth leading cause of disease burden (disability-adjusted life years). 

These data help explain why it is so important to take care of the kidneys and to adopt habits that help prevent kidney disease. 

Taking into account the risk factors discussed throughout this article, some of the recommendations to avoid health complications in these organs are: 

• Avoid tobacco to reduce the risk of disease. 
• Limit alcohol intake to reduce its negative effects on the body. 
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic problems. 
• Control cholesterol levels to protect the circulatory system. 
• Drink enough water and choose healthy beverages for hydration. 
• Eat a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. 
• Follow a low-sodium diet. 
• Exercise regularly to strengthen the body and improve overall health. 
• Manage stress to avoid its impact on physical and mental health. 

Although there are other factors, such as family history, age, and ethnicity, that cannot be controlled, it is possible to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of kidney problems. 

When to see a doctor

The National Kidney Foundation notes that it is important to have routine checkups, including tests of kidney function. This is an important way to detect problems early, before they lead to complications in these organs, which are so important for people’s well-being. 

Kidney disease often causes no symptoms in its early stages, so regular testing is important, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Even so, attention should be paid to warning signs that may indicate a problem. 

Possible warning signs include persistent back or side pain near the kidneys, fever, body aches, fatigue, pain when urinating, changes in urination, swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes, and blood in the urine. People with these symptoms may have a kidney problem, so it is advisable to see a doctor to prevent additional complications.