What Is a Kidney Cleanse and Is It Necessary?

Your kidneys are remarkable organs as they are responsible for filtering waste from the blood. It is only right that you do everything to keep it healthy and functional. That’s where kidney cleanse comes in.

Kidney cleanses are considered by many to support the vital functions of the kidneys. But while this may be true, understanding what it is and how it works is essential before you try one.

Key Takeaways

• Your kidneys filter nearly 200 liters of water a day without using kidney cleanse

• Nearly 36 million Americans are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD)

• About 4 out of 10 (40%) of people with extremely reduced kidney function, who are not on dialysis, don’t know they have CKD

• Staying hydrated (that is with enough fluids) is the single most important thing you can do to help your kidney function

• Some herbs like parsley and dandelion are used as natural diuretics but should be used sparingly and with caution

• People who have existing kidney problems should not attempt kidney cleanse without informing your doctor

What Are the Kidneys and What Do They Do?

You have two kidneys that are bean-shaped organs located deep in your abdomen. They are located on either side of the spine, below the rib cage, and behind the liver and intestines. Each of these kidneys is about 10-15 cm long with weight ranging from 40 to 190 grams depending on whether male or female.

Your kidneys filter nearly 200 liters of fluid on a daily basis without using any form of kidney cleanse method.

Primary Functions of the Kidneys

• Filters blood

• Maintains balance of electrolytes (minerals in the body like sodium, calcium, and potassium) and fluids

• Regulates your blood pressure

• Produces hormones that essential for making your red blood cells

• Keeps the balance between acid and base (acidity or alkalinity) in the body

In other words, your kidneys contribute to keeping the internal environment of your body balanced and stable.

How Do Kidney Cleanses Work?

The major goal of a kidney cleanse is to support kidney function. It is done through increased fluid intake and consuming foods or herbs that are believed to remove toxins out of the body. Typical kidney cleanses include the following:

• Increased water consumption

• Special juices (apple cider vinegar, cranberries, or lemon juice)

• Specific herbs or foods

• Complete avoidance of foods believed to put strain on the kidneys

These regimens usually last for a few days or may take up to a few weeks. Kidney cleanse is aimed at “resetting” the kidney function and improving overall kidney health. Collectively, the drinks and foods consumed in these regimens often help flush out toxins, help break small stones before they could cause problems, or prevent bladder infections.

The increased fluid intake boosts frequent urination, thus accelerating waste elimination.

Commonly used herbs in kidney cleanse include:

• Parsley and dandelion (acts as natural diuretics)

• Cranberry (prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract)

Do Kidney Cleanses Really Work?

There’s often a disconnect between real-life experiences and scientific evidence circulating about kidney cleanses. A lot of people who “have tried” these approaches report feeling better and with improved overall health, such as more energy and better skin clarity. However, testimonials, no matter how real may be, do not provide complete evidence that it works.

Kidney cleanse may have come from the idea that over 50% of drugs are prepared from herbs.  So the theory is that consuming herbs and foods could very well have the same effect as when they are processed as drugs. 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) acknowledges that there is limited evidence that kidney cleanses can enhance kidney health and function. The only clear benefit of many kidney cleanse plans lies in increased hydration. Being well-hydrated, indeed, supports optimal kidney function. It helps in flushing out toxins and wastes more effectively—a point that all kidney specialists agree upon.

So, while it is true that preventing kidney disease starts with a healthy lifestyle (e.g., diet), kidney cleanse in its most natural sense should be practiced with caution. Because very little evidence exists to support whether kidney cleanses work.

What Are the Evidences Say So Far?

As mentioned, there is little research done on kidney cleanse regimens. Most available evidence stems from studying specific components of these regimens.

For example:

• Cranberries have been studied for urinary tract infection prevention. But it has not been studied specifically for “cleansing” the kidneys.

• Dandelion and parsley have been studied as diuretics. But there seems to be little to no evidence that they can improve kidney function beyond increasing fluid intake.

Research supports the importance of good hydration. In fact, a study found that high fluid intake can slow the progression of CKD. It does this by suppressing the release of a hormone called arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the blood. The strongest evidence that exists is in supporting basic kidney function. And it consists of the following:

• Staying hydrated

• Eating balanced meals with low on sodium

• Physical activity

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Is Kidney Cleanse Really Necessary?

Your kidneys are naturally self-cleaning organs. As long as they are healthy and fully functional, they can efficiently filter waste and toxins, as well as excess water through your urine. They can do their other purposes as well and all of these can be done even without kidney cleanse regimens.

So, kidney cleanse is not really necessary for healthy individuals.

What Are the Risks and Considerations?

If you are considering any kidney cleanse methods, there are a few things you should know.

• Some regimens may involve restrictive diet or herbal supplements that could pose risks

• Some regimens could do more harm than good, particularly in individuals with existing kidney conditions. And all the more so for individuals who don’t know they have kidney disease

You should always consult with your doctor before starting any cleanse. Also, kidney stones should be addressed by medical professionals and not merely rely on cleanses.

How to Perform a Kidney Cleanse Safely?

If you really want to try kidney cleansing, safety should come first. Here’s a 2-day simple plan that aims to support your kidneys without going through extreme measures:

Day 1

1. Start your day with a big glass of water with added lemon

2. Ensure you drink 8-10 glasses of water, spaced out within the day

3. In mid-morning, you could drink a dandelion or nettle tea

4. Eat light meals predominantly fruits and vegetables

5. Add kidney-friendly foods like blueberries, cranberries, and watermelon

6. Minimize salt intake, avoid processed foods, and coffee

Day 2

1. Repeat the morning routine as day 1

2. Continue with increased fluid intake

3. Try a different herbal tea like parsley or ginger in mid-morning

4. Add in garlic and onions in the diet (support detoxification)

5. Get some light exercise like walking to improve circulation

However, before you begin the cleanse, talk to your doctor if you have the following:

• Existing kidney problems

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Taking regular or maintenance medications

Even if this is a gentler approach on kidney cleanse, it may still not be applicable for everyone. Consult your primary care doctor to help you decide on what’s best and safe for you.

What Are the Best Herbs and Supplements for Kidney Cleansing?

Some herbs are known for their supportive action on kidney function and wellness. But as mentioned, you should not forget to discuss it with your doctor. Here are some of the best herbs and supplements that you can use:

• Stinging nettle (may help with diuresis)

• Burdock root (enhance circulation on the skin and improve skin quality or texture)

• Cranberry extract (supports urinary tract health)

• Marshmallow root (soothing gel-like substance that supports the urinary tract lining)

• Turmeric (known for its anti-inflammatory effects) supports kidney health

• Milk thistle (known as liver support but are sometimes included in kidney cleanse plans)

Start with small amounts of any herb and see how it goes. Since supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), choose products that are from reputable companies.

What are the Best Foods and Drinks for Kidney Health?

What you eat and drink plays a huge role in keeping your kidneys functioning well. Here are the best choices for kidney health:

Drinks

• Water (8-10 glasses)

• Cranberry juice (unsweetened)

• Lemon water (combination)

• Herbal teas (nettle, dandelion, ginger)

• Coconut water (offer natural minerals)

Foods

• Berries (antioxidants)

• Leafy vegetables (rich in vitamins A and C)

• Fatty fish (provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s)

• Olive oil (healthy fat)

• Sweet potatoes (source of potassium)

• Garlic and onions (may help reduce inflammation)

Limit or Avoid Foods and Drinks

• Foods high in salt (sodium)

• Sugary drinks (sodas)

• Alcohol

• Excessive protein

• Phosphorus additives

Eating and drinking kidney-friendly diet plans may even help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Kidney Cleanses?

Kidney cleanses may be harmless but they do come with risks you should know about. Knowing these potential problems can help you decide whether it is right for you.

What are the Risks?

• Risk of Dehydration

• It can happen when you use herbs with strong diuretic properties

• Diuresis will make you pee so much

• If you lose fluid through peeing, it is the opposite of what the kidneys really need

• Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, extreme thirst, and dizziness

• Risk of electrolyte (mineral) imbalance

• Urinating too much could mean you are losing the body’s minerals as well

• Signs include headaches, muscle cramps, feeling weak, and irregular heartbeat

• Risk of deficiency

• Some diet plans are too restrictive

• It will make you avoid taking certain foods, which could lead to deficiency if practiced for too long

• Your body, particularly your kidneys, needs various nutrients to keep functioning

• Risk of medication interaction

• If you are taking long-term medications and you incorporate kidney cleanse into your regimen, there is a risk of interactions between the components of the cleanse and your medications

• For example, dandelion can interfere with how the body processes certain medications or making them less effective

• Risk of additional strain on kidneys

• If you have been diagnosed with certain kidney problems, undergoing a kidney cleanse may be particularly risky

• It may be mild stress for people who are healthy but this could put additional strain to those whose kidneys are already having issues

• At risk people include:

• People with kidney stones

• Those on dialysis

• Those who don’t know they have kidney disease

There are some people who associate feeling sick during kidney cleanse as “toxins leave the body” like extreme fatigue and headaches. But these could be signs of a more pressing problem. Do not ignore these signs!

When Should You Consider a Kidney Cleanse?

If your kidneys are healthy, they are already doing their job of getting rid of toxins out of your body. They are at work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week without needing any kidney cleanse regimens. However, there are situations where your kidneys deserve a special kind of attention.

People who could benefit from a kidney cleanse:

• Family history of kidney disease

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• History of kidney stones

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

However, before you decide to undergo a kidney cleanse, consider getting basic kidney function tests. These tests help in checking the baseline function of your kidneys. They include:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) — measures the levels of waste product

• Creatinine — a waste product that could accumulate in kidney disease where the kidneys are not able to filter well

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate — calculation of the estimated overall kidney function

Conclusion

Nearly 36 million adults in the United States have kidney disease and most are undiagnosed. An estimated 40% are suffering severe kidney disease, who are not on dialysis, do not even know they have the condition. This rampant public health issue has been a major problem and putting a strain on the healthcare system.

Rather than a strict cleanse, your aim should be in preventing kidney disease from happening, which means supporting your kidneys’ function:

• Drink lots of fluids

• Eat diet low on sodium (salt) such as processed foods

• Control underlying issues like hypertension and diabetes

• Exercise regularly

• Take your maintenance medications (if any)

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake

• Use medications as prescribed and precaution for over-the-counter drugs

If you notice signs like foamy urine, swelling of the hands, feet or around the eyes, dry or itchy skin, and difficulty sleeping, see your doctor immediately.

If you want to take proactive steps in keeping your kidneys safe and healthy, try getting Ribbon Checkup kits to monitor its function. Your kidneys will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do kidney cleanses actually detoxify the body? 

There is very little evidence that proves kidney cleanses offer additional benefits of detoxification other than what the kidneys do on its own. Your kidneys are designed to filter your blood and remove wastes even without any cleanses.

Are kidney cleanses safe for everyone?

No, kidney cleanses are not safe for everyone. There are people who are at particular risk when trying any form of kidney cleanse. These groups of people include those that already have kidney diseases, people with underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, or those taking some form of medication.

How much water should I drink for kidney health?

You need to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to ensure you are adequately hydrated. Staying hydrated means your kidneys can function properly without the use of any kidney cleanse regimens.

 

Written by Jaclyn P. Leyson-Azuela, RMT, MD, MPH
Jaclyn P. Leyson-Azuela, RMT, MD, MPH, is a licensed General Practitioner and Public Health Expert. She currently serves as a physician in private practice, combining clinical care with her passion for preventive health and community wellness.

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