Feeling tired, bloated, or getting frequent urinary tract infections may be signs your kidneys need help. Your kidneys filter waste from your blood, remove toxins through urine, and help control blood pressure. When they aren’t working well, it can lead to kidney stones, high blood pressure, or even chronic kidney disease. Some natural habits, like staying hydrated and eating kidney-friendly foods, may support kidney health.

This article will show you how to cleanse your kidneys naturally and keep them healthy.

Your kidneys filter around 50 gallons of fluid daily to remove waste and extra water from the body. They remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins while helping your body stay balanced. When kidney function drops, harmful substances can build up and lead to serious kidney problems.

The kidneys filter blood, remove toxins through urine, and help maintain normal blood pressure. They also balance electrolytes, support bone health, and produce hormones that control red blood cell production. Keeping your kidneys healthy is key to overall wellness.

When your kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly, your body may show warning signs. Paying attention to these symptoms can help you decide if it’s time to cleanse your kidneys and support better function:

• Fatigue or low energy due to waste buildup in the blood.

• Water retention in the hands, feet, or face is often caused by poor fluid balance.

• Bloating or stomach pain is linked to poor digestion and kidney issues.

• A urinary tract infection (UTI) that happens often or doesn’t go away quickly.

• Strong-smelling or dark urine may point to dehydration or toxin buildup.

• Pain while urinating or a frequent urge to go may signal urinary tract issues.

• Kidney stone symptoms like sharp lower back pain, nausea, or blood in the urine.

Cleansing your kidneys doesn’t require harsh treatments or pills. You can support kidney health with simple changes to your diet and daily habits.

Water helps your kidneys filter out waste and remove toxins from the body. Staying well-hydrated may also lower your risk of developing kidney stones by diluting minerals like  calcium oxalate crystals  that can form painful stones. Drinking enough water supports normal kidney function and keeps your urinary tract healthy.

Eating the right foods can help cleanse your kidneys naturally and support overall kidney function. Many of these foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that protect against kidney damage, help remove toxins, and improve kidney health. Some may also help reduce excessively acidic urine, decrease inflammation, and support how well your body filters blood:

• Leafy greens like kale and spinach provide nutrients that support kidney health, but in moderation, eat high-oxalate greens like spinach.

• Cranberries and cranberry juice may help reduce some people's risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.

• Fresh lemon juice contains citric acid, which may help break down calcium oxalate crystals and prevent kidney stones.

• Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may support kidney detox and help the body flush out waste more efficiently.

• Orange juice, when consumed in moderation, delivers citric acid and potassium, which can contribute to reducing the risk of calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate stone formation.

• Kidney beans are high in fiber, which supports digestion and overall health.

• Berries like blueberries and strawberries have antioxidant properties that protect the kidneys from damage.

• Beets and beet juice are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which may support circulation, blood pressure, and overall kidney function.

Herbal teas can be a gentle way to support your kidneys during a cleanse. Many of these teas have natural properties that help flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, and support urinary tract health. Some are also used in traditional medicine as a kidney tonic to promote overall kidney function:

• Dandelion root tea is a natural diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess water and waste.

• Nettle leaf tea supports kidney function and may reduce urinary tract inflammation.

• Parsley tea is sometimes used in traditional medicine to support urinary health, but more research is needed to confirm its effects on kidney stones.

• Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which support general health and may benefit kidney function.

• Corn silk tea may reduce urinary tract pain and help improve urine flow.

If you can't drink these teas, they are also available as herbal supplements that may help promote kidney health. The supplement form also stimulates bile production, similar to tea.

Processed foods like chips, frozen meals, canned soups, deli meats, and packaged snacks are often high in sodium, preservatives, and additives. These ingredients can stress the kidneys and increase uric acid levels, making it harder for your kidneys to function correctly.

Limiting processed foods and choosing healthy foods can support kidney detox and promote better kidney function. A healthy diet with certain foods may help reduce the risk of painful kidney stones and other kidney diseases.

While focusing on kidney-friendly foods and following a healthy diet, avoiding certain foods that can harm your kidneys is just as important. Some common ingredients can slow kidney detox and lead to long-term damage.

Avoiding certain foods and drinks during a kidney cleanse can help reduce stress on your kidneys and lower the risk of kidney stone formation. Limiting these items supports better kidney function and makes your cleanse more effective:

• Alcohol can dehydrate the body and strain the kidneys, making it harder to remove toxins.

• Caffeine in coffee, soda, and energy drinks may lead to dehydration and increased blood pressure.

• High-oxalate foods like spinach, beets, and nuts can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which may lead to the formation of kidney stones.

• High intake of sugary drinks has been linked to an increased risk of kidney problems.

• Commercially processed snacks often contain high sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can worsen kidney problems.

• Salty snacks and fast food increase the risk of digestive and kidney diseases by raising blood pressure and reducing kidney function.

Simple lifestyle habits can significantly affect how well your kidneys work. Movement and weight management are two powerful ways to protect your kidneys naturally.

Exercise helps improve circulation, which supports better kidney function. It also helps control blood sugar and blood pressure, two significant factors in kidney disease. Even with moderate activities like walking, staying active promotes kidney health and improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and blood vessels.

Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and kidney failure. A high body mass index (BMI) can strain your kidneys and other organs, making it harder for them to function correctly. Losing excess weight can help prevent kidney failure and reduce the load on your kidneys. Maintaining a healthy BMI supports normal blood pressure, balanced blood sugar levels, and overall kidney health.

Doing a kidney cleanse too often can do more harm than good, especially if you have underlying kidney problems. Instead of always following strict detox routines, focus on long-term habits and know when a cleanse might be helpful. A well-timed kidney cleanse supports urinary tract health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Here are some general tips to guide how often you should consider a kidney cleanse:

• 1–2 times per year is usually enough if you're healthy and want to promote healthy kidneys and prevent kidney stone formation.

• Seasonal cleanses can be helpful in spring or fall when people often need to reset their diet and habits.

• After periods of poor eating or dehydration, a short-term kidney cleanse may help remove built-up toxins and support normal function.

• If you have a chronic kidney problem, high blood pressure, or diabetes, talk to your primary care doctor before doing any kidney cleanse detox.

• Focus on daily habits like staying hydrated and eating well to promote better kidney health and help prevent urinary tract infections over time.

Most people don’t need a formal kidney cleanse more than a few times a year. Instead, focus on daily habits that support kidney health and improve renal function, like drinking more water and eating kidney-friendly foods. Always talk to your primary care doctor before starting any new cleanse, especially if you have chronic kidney disease or other health conditions.

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Cleansing your kidneys naturally can help them work better, remove waste, and lower the risk of kidney stones and other problems. Simple steps like drinking more water, eating healthy foods like lemon juice and cranberries, avoiding heavily processed items, and trying herbal teas can support kidney health. Regular exercise and keeping a healthy BMI also help protect your kidneys. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before starting any kidney cleanse.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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