The kidneys have the important job of filtering and managing the waste produced by the body, so it is essential that they are in good health. Although cleansing diets and fasting are rapidly becoming more and more popular, scientific evidence showing that they are useful for eliminating toxins from the body is still scarce. The liver and kidneys are perfectly capable of self-cleaning, so your only job should be to keep them in perfect health, rather than engaging in detox diets or fasting without having the right preparation. If you are determined to practice a cleansing fast, drink plenty of water and eat foods that are compatible with kidney health.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Practice a Cleansing Fast
Step 1. Consult your doctor before starting
If you plan to fast to help your kidneys excrete toxins, you should tell your doctor. In certain health conditions, fasting could be dangerous. Don't be surprised if your doctor is dubious about the potential benefits of fasting. He is likely to suggest that you simply drink plenty of water and adopt a healthier diet to ensure kidney health over time.
- If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe a diet in collaboration with a dietician.
- Fasting may affect the absorption of medications, so do not fast if you are on therapy.
Step 2. Drink more water
If you intend to undergo a kidney cleanse, the simplest and safest solution is to simply increase the amount of water you drink daily. Try drinking at least two liters a day to help your kidneys flush out toxins. If you are determined to practice a cleansing fast, continue drinking plenty of it anyway.
Step 3. Eat fewer refined foods
Preserve your kidneys by eliminating refined foods and foods that are high in sodium from your diet. Refined carbohydrates you should at least limit include sweets (such as snacks, cakes, and cookies) and all sugary drinks. Other refined foods are bread and pasta (except wholemeal ones).
- A detox diet that excludes all industrially processed foods can help you feel better in the short term.
- For a long-term solution, rely on a balanced diet.
Step 4. Detox your kidneys with apple juice
If you are looking for a short-term remedy that can help you cleanse your kidneys, you can try practicing a liquid-only fast. One option is to drink several liters a day of apple juice and distilled water, as some say it can help expel toxins and kidney stones. Consult your doctor to find out if this is safe for your health and to assess the quantities of juice and water required.
- Apples contain substances that are beneficial for the kidneys and the whole organism.
- Eating an apple a day can help you lower your cholesterol and glucose levels. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C and their skin is rich in antioxidants.
- Before buying apple juice, check that it does not contain added sugar.
Step 5. Consider following the so-called "lemonade diet"
This is another liquid-based cleansing regimen. In this case you will need to prepare a mixture consisting of two tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of maple syrup, one tenth of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 240-480 ml of mineral or filtered water.
- You will only have to drink this "lemonade" (followed by a glass of water) for ten days, before starting to reintroduce some solid foods into the body, starting with raw fruits and vegetables.
- According to proponents of this diet, you should drink between 1, 5 and 3 liters of this particular lemonade per day.
- It is also strongly recommended to drink a laxative herbal tea every morning.
- Note that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these cleansing regimens in improving kidney health.
Step 6. Purify yourself with the watermelon diet
According to some, eating large quantities can help detoxify the kidneys. You can fill the refrigerator with slices of watermelon and try to eat several kilos a day (over 10 kg), making sure to empty your bladder frequently.
- If you have chronic kidney disease, this method is not recommended because watermelon has a high potassium content.
- People with chronic kidney disease should not consume more than 150g of watermelon per day.
- Watermelon is about 92% water, so this practice is more like a liquid fast than a proper diet.
- Eating large amounts of watermelon can be harmful to your health, so consult your health care practitioner before starting this diet.
Step 7. Detox with herbs
As an alternative to lemonade you can drink a special herbal tea. To prepare it, infuse 15 g of hydrangea root, eupatorium root and marshmallow root in 2.5 liters of cold water. Let the herbs soak overnight and then add some boiled parsley before bringing the infusion to a boil and simmer for twenty minutes.
- Once it has cooled, drink 60ml and pour the rest into different containers.
- Pour 180ml of herbal tea and 120ml of water into a large cup every morning.
- Add 20 drops of solidago mother tincture and a tablespoon of glycerin.
- Drink the tea throughout the day, but stop if stomach pain occurs.
Method 2 of 2: Caring for the Kidneys
Step 1. Drink lots of water
You can help your kidneys function properly and excrete toxins naturally by drinking plenty of fluids every day. In general, you should drink at least 2 liters of water a day, but in hot weather, your body is likely to need even more fluids to replenish those lost through sweat.
- Check your urine color every time you go to the bathroom to see if you are drinking enough water.
- Urine should be clear and pale yellow in color. If they are darker or cloudy, it could mean that your body is dehydrated and therefore you need to drink more.
- Drinking plenty of water regularly throughout the day reduces the risk of kidney stones forming.
Step 2. Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet promotes kidney health, which in turn helps the body excrete toxins and purify itself naturally. You should eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day, accompanied by whole grains, to provide the body with the full range of vitamins and minerals it needs. You can ask your doctor or a dietician for advice on how to best plan your meals.
- Foods that stimulate kidney health include apples, blueberries and strawberries.
- Try to include kale and spinach in your diet. Sweet potatoes also improve kidney function.
- Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the kidneys. Include salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines in your diet.
Step 3. Reduce your consumption of fatty or very salty foods
Avoiding ingesting harmful foods equates to making your kidneys work better. Try to prefer fresh foods over packaged ones: in this way you will significantly reduce the amount of salt you consume. Ready-to-eat foods often have a very high salt content, while cooking yourself with fresh ingredients will allow you to use them moderately and control their intake.
- When choosing packaged foods, go for those that show on the label that they are "low in sodium" or "low in sodium".
- Use spices and herbs instead of salt to add flavor to your dishes.
- Rinse canned foods before eating them, such as beans, to get rid of excess salt.
Step 4. Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages
Cigarettes and alcohol are both very bad for kidney health. You should try to quit smoking completely and at the very least limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages to a maximum of 2 drinks per day if you are a man or 1 if you are a woman.
- Smoking and alcohol increase blood pressure.
- High blood pressure is a major cause of kidney failure.
- You should go to your doctor to have your blood pressure measured at least once every 5 years.
Step 5. Adopt an active lifestyle
In addition to eating healthily, it is important to have an active lifestyle to live better and keep yourself healthy. The extra pounds cause a rise in blood pressure and can contribute to kidney problems. In general, you should get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. You can choose the sporting activity you prefer, for example you could run, swim, cycle, play a team sport or work out in the gym.
- Calculate your BMI and use that value to determine if your body weight is healthy.
- You can use one of the many calculators available online, for example by visiting the web page
