Is drinking water enough to cleanse the kidneys?
The kidneys are the body's natural filtration system and need enough water to produce urine. Urine is the main waste product that allows the body to excrete toxins. So does drinking only water help cleanse the 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 producing hormones.
If you don't have a medical condition, a balanced diet and adequate hydration are enough to keep your kidneys healthy. However, certain foods, herbs, and supplements can also help support healthy kidneys.
If you don't have a medical condition, a balanced diet and adequate hydration are enough to keep your kidneys healthy (Photo: Camlot).
Water is the key to kidney cleansing
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the adult body is about 60 percent water. Every organ, from the brain to the liver, needs water to function.
The kidneys are the body's natural filtering system and need enough water to produce urine. Urine is the main waste product that allows the body to excrete toxins that the body does not need.
According toHealthline, when water intake is low, urine output is also low. Low urine output can lead to kidney failure, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
Therefore, drinking enough water is very important for the kidneys to properly eliminate excess waste and this is especially important during kidney cleansing.
According to AND, the recommended daily fluid intake is 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women. However, this fluid intake can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your age, activity level, and underlying health conditions.
As such, most people do not need to detox, cleanse, or detoxify their kidneys. However, following a heart-healthy diet can help support kidney health. Water is the best beverage to support kidney function.
Other ways to help purify the kidneys
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends following 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.
Some more specific foods can also help cleanse your kidneys:
-Grape
A 2019 animal study found that red grape juice and raisins may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help 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 a number of ways, including reducing urinary tract infections, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving the gut microbiome.
-Seaweed
Seaweed has been studied for its beneficial effects on the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. In a 2014 animal study, mice fed seaweed for 22 days showed a reduction in both kidney and liver damage caused by diabetes.
So next time you have a craving, try a packet of dried, seasoned seaweed.
-Calcium rich foods
According to the National Kidney Foundation, eating calcium can help reduce kidney stones. Calcium binds to oxalate, reducing its absorption and excretion. Too much oxalate in the urine can lead to kidney stones.
You can meet the recommended daily intake of 1 gram of calcium by consuming calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, such as cow's milk, yogurt and cheese, tofu, soybeans, lean meats, and fortified cereals.
-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 people who did not drink tea.
Some teas that can help cleanse your kidneys include green tea, black tea…
-Supplement with supporting nutrients
Certain supplements may benefit your kidney health, such as vitamin B6 and omega-3s.
According to the National Institutes of Health, many people with chronic kidney disease have low levels of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 is an important factor in many metabolic reactions. Vitamin B6 is required for the metabolism of glyoxylate, which can become oxalate instead of glycine if B6 is deficient. Too much oxalate can lead to kidney stones.
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B6 is 1.3 grams for adults 19 years of age and older.
High levels of omega-6 fatty acids can lead to kidney stone formation. Omega-3 supplementation can naturally reduce omega-6 metabolism, with the best absorption ratio being 1:1.
