Foods That Detoxify the Kidneys

Foods That Detoxify the Kidneys
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The kidneys serve as the body's filtration system, pulling toxins and metabolism byproducts out of the blood and urine. To care for your kidneys, you may want to periodically detoxify them. Working with a doctor, you can identify lifestyle and food choices that will help you cleanse your kidneys and design a kidney detox diet that best meets your health needs.

Grapes

Grapes serve as a top food for detoxifying the kidneys. According to All Natural 4 Health, the reason grapes are such powerful detoxifiers of the kidneys is their ability to flush away any buildup of uric acid and their high potassium content, which nourishes the kidneys. Grapes can be eaten fresh or consumed in juice form to benefit the kidneys, but those drinking juice should opt for natural and unsweetened juice for the best effects. According to All Natural 4 Health, grapes may be eaten daily to support the kidneys.

Garlic

According to a study in the "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research," fresh garlic and garlic oils may help promote detoxification of the kidneys. Researchers used rats that had been treated with a carcinogenic agent in their studies to see if the garlic had a healthful effect. They found that multiple detoxifying enzymes were helped by the administration of garlic, in one case by up to 40 percent. According to the study, both garlic and garlic oil provided the effects.

Dandelions

Dandelions are not considered a regular part of the salad plate except in the southern U.S. However, dandelions are one of the natural plants used for detoxifying the kidneys. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelions have been used by herbalists in both Eastern and Western medical traditional as a kidney treatment. Modern practitioners focus on utilizing the leaves of the dandelion plant, which support healthy kidney function.

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the leaves have a diuretic effect on the body. Side effects of dandelions are mild, though some people are allergic and others may get heartburn from the plant.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 16, 2010

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