Try A Kidney Detox Diet

In general, when we are on a diet, our main goal is to lose weight. But there are other cures for other needs of the body. In the following, we invite you, for example, to discover what a detoxifying diet for the kidneys consists of.

The proper functioning of the kidneys is essential for a healthy body. These bean-shaped organs are very small, which could mislead us as to their fundamental role. The kidneys are about 13 cm long and 8 cm wide, about the size of a fist.

The kidneys are located just above the waist, behind the abdominal cavity. The main renal function is to detoxify the body. These organs distinguish between beneficial and harmful substances, eliminating the latter.

Given how important they are for the health of the body, we recommend that you follow a detoxifying diet for the kidneys, according to the instructions presented below.

Kidney functions

The kidneys are the largest “filter” of the blood. They retain useful substances and eliminate useless ones in the urine.

In addition to filtering the blood, the kidneys play other important roles, which explains the need to keep them in optimal condition. According to information published in the online medical journal Zona Hospitalaria (with articles in Spanish), the kidneys:

• Filter about 1.8 liters of liquid per day.
• They produce between 1.5 and 2 l of urine.
• Eliminates toxins.
• It stores beneficial substances in the body, such as water, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and glucose.
• They play a key role in the synthesis of erythropoietin, a hormone that contributes to the production of erythrocytes.

• Helps the synthesis of renin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure.
• They are involved in the production of vitamin D, which maintains bone health by producing calcitriol.
• Helps maintain homeostasis.

To find out if you need to follow a kidney detox diet, you need to identify the signs that indicate a kidney problem:

• Water retention
• Changes in odor, color or amount of urine
• Pain when urinating
• Possible bladder infections
• Hypertension 
• Possible kidney infections
• General fatigue
• Rash accompanied by itching

Kidney detox diet

It is good to follow a kidney detox diet at least once a year. First of all, it is important to know what foods you should avoid to ensure the proper functioning of these organs.

It is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of salt and foods that leave behind toxic residues, such as coffee, lentils, nuts and plums. At the same time, you should avoid foods rich in purines, because they increase the level of uric acid. Some examples would be:

• Sardines
• anchovies
• sausage
• bodies
• Legumes

In addition, it is good to keep in mind that foods high in potassium can cause problems for people with kidney problems or weak kidneys. If you are in this situation, avoid eating spinach, sweet potatoes, oranges, cabbage and potatoes.

Don’t overdo it. Certain foods force the kidneys to exert extra effort. They can be harmful, especially if they are of animal origin. It is not necessary to eliminate them completely from the diet, but it is good to eat them in moderate portions. Pay attention to the consumption of:

• Red meat
• Bird meat
• Milk and milk products
• Eggs

Reduce sugar intake

We are talking about sugar separately because, of all the foods and ingredients in a kidney detox diet, it should be consumed in the smallest amounts. You probably already know from parents, grandparents or doctors how harmful this product is.

In addition to diabetes and high cholesterol, excessive sugar consumption can also cause kidney problems. The kidneys lose weight due to a diet rich in sugar and saturated fats.

What is a kidney detox diet?

A kidney detox diet should last only a few days. Diuretic foods play a very important role in such a diet because they help eliminate toxins from the body. Some recommendations would be: broccoli, artichokes, pineapple, onions and watercress.

In addition to the mentioned foods, it is recommended to consume diuretic drinks. Opt for infusions of parsley, anise, dandelion and horsetail. All you have to do is boil the water and add the desired ingredients. Prepare and drink the chosen infusion for a maximum of one week.

If you prepare horsetail tea in a liter of water, you can put it in the fridge and drink it within a maximum of 15 days. These infusions, in combination with a diuretic diet, are the ideal choice for kidney detoxification.

Drink plenty of water

Drink two to three liters of water a day. The water helps the kidneys to function well without much effort. If you are used to eating a lot of protein, add one or two glasses of water to the daily intake.

The only exception is people who have problems urinating or who suffer from swelling or water retention. If you are among them or if you simply want to follow a kidney detox diet, it is good to talk to your doctor about your diet and the changes you want to make.