What drinks are good for cleansing the kidneys?

Half of Americans over the age of 75 may have below-normal kidney function. Several conditions or factors can damage the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function and possibly chronic kidney disease.

These include diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol. In addition, some medications can cause kidney damage.

If you're living a heart-healthy lifestyle (regular exercise and a nutritious, plant-based diet), that will help protect your kidneys.

The kidneys are two small organs located on either side of the spine, below the ribs. They play an important role in removing excess waste from the body, balancing electrolytes, and creating hormones.

If you don't have any medical conditions, a balanced diet combined with adequate water intake is usually enough to keep your kidneys healthy. However, certain foods can also help support healthy kidneys.

Đồ uống nào tốt cho việc làm sạch thận? - 1 — A balanced diet and adequate water intake are usually enough to keep your kidneys healthy (Photo: Shutterstock).

Here are some ways to help cleanse your kidneys:

Water is the key

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the adult body is about 60 percent water. Every organ, from the brain to the liver, needs water to function.

Water is the best beverage to support kidney function. The kidneys are the body's filtering system and need adequate water to produce urine. Urine is the main waste product that allows the body to excrete unwanted substances. When water intake is low, urine output is also low.

Low urine output can lead to kidney dysfunction, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

Drinking enough water is important for the kidneys to properly eliminate excess waste and this is especially important during a kidney cleanse.

Accordingly, the recommended daily fluid intake is 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for adult men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for adult women. However, this amount can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, activity level, and underlying health conditions.

According to Healthline , there’s no magic behind the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly and consistently is good for your kidneys.

Water helps flush sodium and toxins from the kidneys. It also reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease.

People who have had kidney stones in the past should drink a little more water to help prevent future stone formation.

Choose foods that support kidney health

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends eating a heart-healthy diet to prevent cholesterol and fat from building up in the arteries, kidneys and heart.

Some heart-healthy foods may include lean animal proteins, such as poultry, fish, and meat; fruits and vegetables; and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

Here are some specific foods that can also help cleanse the kidneys:

Grape

A 2019 animal study found that red grape juice and raisins may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may protect the kidneys from fatty deposits and improve kidney strength and function.

A glass of grape juice or a handful of red grapes makes a great afternoon snack.

Cranberries

A 2019 review found that cranberries may help promote kidney health in several ways, such as reducing urinary tract infections, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving the gut microbiome.

However, the authors note that cranberries may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, and more research is needed to determine the appropriate dosage of cranberry juice and supplements for kidney health.

Seaweed

Seaweed has been studied for its beneficial effects on the pancreas, kidneys, and liver.

In a 2014 animal trial, mice fed seaweed for 22 days showed reduced kidney and liver damage from diabetes.

Calcium rich foods

According to the National Kidney Foundation, consuming foods rich in calcium can help reduce kidney stones. Calcium needs to bind with oxalate to reduce its absorption and excretion. Too much oxalate in the urine can lead to kidney stones.

You can meet the recommended daily calcium intake of 1g by consuming calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products (cow's milk, yogurt and cheese), tofu, soybeans, lean meats…

Drink tea to purify the kidneys

A 2023 study found that drinking unsweetened tea was associated with a lower risk of kidney disease compared to those who did not drink tea. Some types of tea that can help cleanse the kidneys include green tea, black tea…

Another way to restore kidneys naturally

Some ways to keep your kidneys healthy include exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet, getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking if you smoke, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Regular exercise isn't just good for your waistline, it can reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also lower blood pressure and improve heart health, both of which are important for preventing kidney damage.

You don't have to run a marathon to reap the rewards of exercise. Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing are all great for your health.