How to Cleanse Your Kidneys Naturally

You cannot cleanse your kidneys naturally in a set time; supporting their normal function takes daily habits maintained for the long term.

Your kidneys already filter waste from your blood, so a special cleanse is unnecessary. Instead of following a short detox plan, focus on hydration, food choices and medical care suited to your health. For the broader picture, see how to detox your body.

How do the kidneys detoxify the body?

The kidneys filter blood, removing excess water and waste to make urine. They also help regulate fluid and mineral balance and perform other important jobs, including helping control blood pressure.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification. The lungs and gut also help eliminate waste, while sweat removes only trace amounts. A drink cannot scrub the kidneys or replace their filtering function.

A blood test can help a clinician assess kidney function. A lab estimates glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, from your blood creatinine level and factors such as age and sex; an eGFR calculator can help you understand an estimate. A clinician may also order a urine test for albumin, a protein that can signal kidney damage. Neither a calculator nor a single result should be used to diagnose yourself.

What daily habits support the kidneys?

1. Drink fluids regularly. Water is a sensible everyday choice. Drink with meals and when you are thirsty, and account for heat, activity and illness. There is no single fluid target that is right for everyone, and forcing large amounts of water is not a kidney cleanse.

   If you have kidney or heart disease, or have been told to limit fluids, follow your clinician’s advice rather than increasing your intake on your own.

2. Manage blood pressure and blood sugar. High blood pressure and diabetes can damage the kidneys over time. If you have either condition, work with your health care team on monitoring and a treatment plan, and take prescribed medicines as directed.

3. Move regularly. Physical activity supports cardiovascular health, which matters for the kidneys too. A general adult goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, but you can build toward it gradually. Ask a clinician what is appropriate if you have a medical condition or have been inactive.

4. Keep up with recommended checkups. Kidney problems can develop without obvious symptoms. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease or another risk factor, ask whether you need blood and urine tests and how often to have them.

Which foods and drinks support the kidneys?

5. Choose a balanced eating pattern. For most people, meals built around vegetables, fruit, whole grains and a variety of protein foods are a practical starting point. These foods support general health; none acts as a kidney-cleaning treatment.

   If you have kidney disease, your needs may be different. A clinician or renal dietitian can advise whether you need to adjust protein, potassium, phosphorus or fluid rather than cutting foods out unnecessarily.

6. Pick drinks for hydration, not a promised cleanse. Plain water is usually sufficient, and unsweetened infused water can add flavor if it helps you drink. Adding fruit or herbs to water does not make it a proven kidney treatment.

Juices and sweetened drinks are not necessary for kidney health. Choose whole fruit when it suits your eating plan, rather than relying on juice as a cleanse.

What should you avoid when trying to cleanse your kidneys?

7. Skip cleanse kits, pills and restrictive fasts. Products marketed to flush the kidneys do not have an established cleansing benefit. Some herbal supplements may contain ingredients that affect medicines or harm the kidneys, and severe restriction can leave you dehydrated or short of nutrients.

8. Watch sodium rather than pursuing a detox. Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. A general limit for adults is less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day; follow an individualized target if your clinician has given you one. Compare food labels and be mindful of sodium in packaged foods, sauces and restaurant meals.

9. Use pain relievers carefully. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can harm the kidneys, especially with frequent use, dehydration or existing kidney problems. Follow the label and ask a clinician or pharmacist about appropriate use if you have kidney disease or take other medicines. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without discussing it with the prescriber.

10. Avoid forcing excessive fluids. Drinking far more water than your body needs can be dangerous. Be especially careful with a plan that tells you to drink large amounts quickly, or that combines heavy drinking with fasting or supplements.

When should you see a doctor about your kidneys?

11. Ask for individualized advice before starting a cleanse. This is particularly important if you have kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure or a history of kidney stones; are pregnant; or take medicines such as diuretics or lithium. Children should not be put on cleanse plans. A clinician can advise on fluids, supplements and any testing that makes sense for you.

12. Seek medical care for concerning symptoms. Contact a clinician promptly about blood in your urine, new swelling, a lasting change in urination or persistent pain in your side or back. These symptoms can have several causes and need assessment rather than a cleanse.

Seek urgent care if you cannot urinate, have severe side or back pain with fever, have trouble breathing, or are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down. Severe symptoms should not be managed by trying to drink more water at home.

Stop a cleanse product or plan if it causes vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or a change in urination, and contact a clinician for advice. Seek urgent care for the danger signs above; do not stop prescribed medication unless your prescriber directs you to do so.