How to Detox Your Kidneys

Overview

According to ancient Chinese medicine, the kidneys are responsible for holding our genetic makeup, or "essence." As this essence circulates throughout our entire body, healthy kidneys are essential for total well being. Located on each side of our spine and protected by the rib cage, the kidneys are a powerful cleansing system that can filter more than 48 gallons of blood every day. The kidneys help to removing waste products and toxins, such as urea and ammonia. They also control our phosphate, sulfur and sodium levels, while regulating the production of blood cells and maintaining the proper pH level in our bodies. Our kidneys never rest and often become overloaded, especially when our diet is high in processed foods. Additionally, the liver can become overly toxic and unable to perform its functions, and thus will pass excess waste to the kidneys for processing. When both of these organs become overloaded, symptoms such as water retention, urinary tract infections, mineral deficiencies and kidney stones can ensue.
To keep kidneys healthy we need to adhere to a diet that avoids excess salt and sugar while making sure that we have ample vitamins and minerals by eating fresh, organic foods. When our urine stream is colorless and odorless, we have proof that our kidneys are functioning at their optimum level.

Step 1

The key to healthy kidneys comes from eating an abundance of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, such as those mentioned in the list above. Fresh produce helps to cleanse, regenerate and build our bodies by providing our organs with natural foods that are unadulterated by cooking processes or additives. Placing fruits in a blender with pure water or unsweetened apple or grape juice and eating leafy green salads with fresh lemon dressing help keep our organs alkalized, energized and cleansed.

Step 2

Cranberries contain an essential nutrient and antioxidant called proanthocyanidin. They are also rich in quinine, which converts to a substance called hippuric acid that helps to eliminate toxins in the body. You can buy fresh, unsweetened cranberry juice or place one cup of fresh cranberries in a blender with half a lemon and pure water to make your own. Grapes and unsweetened grape juice make an excellent choice for detoxifying the kidneys as the help to flush out excess uric acid from the system.

Step 3

When magnesium is deficient due to high blood pressure and toxic overload, kidney function can be seriously compromised. To ensure that your body is getting enough magnesium, which keeps the kidneys functioning well while nourishing the body, make sure you eat as many organic, dark green vegetables as possible. Additionally, seeds, nuts and whole grains will help keep your magnesium levels where they need to be.

Step 4

Herbs such as dandelion, water plantain, meadowsweet, nettle, parsley and lemon balm help to detoxify the kidneys through their ability to sweep out waste and replenish the organ with nutrients. A tea made with nettle and dandelion makes an excellent flush and can be drunk two to three times a day. A tea made from uva extract, which comes from a type of grape, is ideal for toning and strengthening the kidneys, while also helping to reduce water retention. Gravel root has long been used in Chinese medicine for helping to dissolve kidney stones. A tea made by boiling pieces of peeled ginger root with a few pinches of turmeric added has astringent properties, helping to rid waste products from the kidneys. Once you boil the tea, strain it and drink it twice a day until your urine clears. Wu Zi Wan is a traditional Chinese formula made into a tea that revitalizes the urinary tract by sweeping away excess toxins.

Step 5

Water is perhaps the most important element in a kidney detoxification program. Eight to 10 glasses of pure water a day prevents mineral salts from collecting and eventually becoming stones that block kidney function. Additionally, water will provide a constant flush to the system, assisting the kidneys in routing out unnecessary toxin buildup.