The kidneys are among our most vital organs, and they help process everything you put into your system (food, alcohol, medications, etc.).
Kidneys have many functions, including:
- Filtering waste out of the blood each day
- Regulating the body’s salt, potassium and acid content
- Removing of drugs from the body
- Balancing the body’s fluids
- Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
- Producing an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
- Controlling the production of red blood cells
In other words, they keep your body healthy and it’s a good idea to help them and give them a rest from time to time.
Why do we need to cleanse our kidneys?
Cleansing the kidneys helps prevent kidney infection and kidney stone formation. It also boosts immunity and flushes away toxins.
A kidney cleanse can greatly help the kidneys maintain a proper water/mineral balance in the body, regulate blood pressure, and filter waste from the blood, so the kidneys can help to maintain health.
Proper water intake is essential in not only a kidney cleanse but also as part of the daily diet. It is especially important to have proper water intake as part of the herbal kidney cleanse because many of the foods utilised listed are natural diuretics.
Everyone needs to cleanse their kidneys on a regular basis. The kidney cleanse is the most basic yet necessary cleanse needed and is really easy to do. If you understand what the kidneys control in the body you will understand why it needs to be kept working at optimal levels.
Kidneys control:
- Ears – hearing
- Gums
- Teeth
- Lymph (aids the immune system, delivers nutrients, oxygen and hormones, removes excess fluids, toxins, cancer cells and pathogens)
- Bones
- Fertility
- Energy
- Physical strength
- Power
- Fear
- Balance
- Nails
- Lungs
What are the signs of congested kidneys?
- Loss of hearing or ringing in the ears
- Low sex drive
- Infertility
- Thin skin
- Weak nails
- Foggy head
- Low back pain
- Low energy
- Oedema
- Inability to balance properly
- Feelings of fear
- Poor physical development
- Bladder issues
- Kidney stones
Kidney Cleansing
When indicators suggest a kidney cleanse is in order, the most important thing to do is to drink adequate amounts of water (minimum of 8 cups or 2 L of filtered or healthy spring water daily) to flush out unwanted waste and improve circulation to the organ. Eight glasses of water a day will produce about 2 litres of urine and regular urination will help get rid of excess waste whilst the extra fluid will help to dilute any materials in your system that could potentially cause kidney stones.
Follow a low-protein diet as much as possible, especially avoiding animal protein of any kind, including milk, dairy products, eggs, poultry, fish, and seafood, as these foods are high in phosphorus and encourage calcium deposition. Also avoid rhubarb, chocolate, and all caffeinated products, as these foods increase calcium oxalate or uric acid in the kidneys and could elicit a kidney stone attack in susceptible people.
Guidelines For A Kidney Cleanse
Most healthy people can follow these cleansing guidelines for a period of two or three weeks. Those with more serious health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, or congestive heart failure, should check with their natural health care practitioner before beginning a cleanse, as the herbs and diet involved could negate prescribed medications.
There are really no good tests to see if a kidney flush is complete, but most people can tell it’s time to stop by the way they feel. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, abdominal discomforts, and skin problems should all be improved. Headaches and weakness may be early signs of detoxification and are not a reason to stop any cleanse. A cleanse should be stopped if more serious symptoms occur, such as vomiting, fever, or severe abdominal pain.
Kidney cleanses can be optimized by avoiding known food allergens. Cleansing is an on-going process and as simple as doing it one sip at a time. In fact, just drinking sufficient CLEAN water is the first step towards an effective flush. Water, however, only provides hydration. These kidney cleansing juices provide that extra boost the kidneys need to flush completely.
1. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has been touted for years as supporter for the urinary tract. Research shows that cranberries can help fight against urinary tract infections, possibly by decreasing the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder and urethra. Cranberries may also be helpful for cleansing the kidneys of excess calcium oxalate, one of the main contributors to kidney stones. When purchasing cranberry juice, always choose varieties that are certified organic and free of added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavours. Dilute the cranberry juice – 2-parts water to 1-part juice.
2. Beet Juice
Beets and beet juice contain betaine, a very beneficial phytochemical. It has antioxidant qualities and increases the acidity of urine. This can help clear calcium phosphate and struvite buildup from the kidneys. The removal of calcium in the kidneys not only promotes kidney function, but decreases the likelihood of kidney stones.
3. Lemon Juice
Naturally acidic, lemon juice has been shown to increase citrate levels in the urine, a factor that discourages kidney stones from forming.
4. Juice Cleanses
A juice cleanse combines the nutritional power of fruits and vegetables into one, easy-to-drink beverage. The juice of vegetables and fruits is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients necessary for facilitating the removal of toxins. This helps take the strain off the liver, colon, and kidneys. Vegetables like celery, cucumber, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, kale, and spinach are great for juicing. For fruits, try apples, peeled oranges, pears, and peaches.
5. Citrus Fruits and Juices
Eating citrus fruits or drinking juices made from citrus fruits can stop the formation of small kidney stones from developing into larger more painful ones. The citric acid found in citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes helps to break down the small stones, as the acid eats away at the calcium oxalate. Citrate, according to the University of Wisconsin found in lemons and limes is found in higher levels than other citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit. The citrate is responsible for down and preventing kidney stones.
6. The Benefits of Kale
The leafy, dark green leaves of kale are chock-full of nutrients, including calcium, which helps reduce your risk of developing kidney stones by keeping your body’s oxalate levels low. While kale can be eaten raw or cooked, it can also be added to your daily recommended juices.
Foods to Optimize Kidney Health
- algae products such as spirulina, chlorella, and blue green algae
- bananas
- celery
- citrus fruits
- cranberries
- cucumbers
- kale
- legumes and seeds
- papaya
- parsley
- potatoes
- pumpkin
- sprouts
- watercress
- watermelon
For more information – see the handy chart – Foods That Support The Kidneys
DBM Protocol – Adjunct Therapy – Additional Support For Kidneys During Cleanse
Supportive Teas
- Kidney Cleansing Tea #1 – Parsley Tea
- Kidney Cleansing Tea #2 – Celery Seed Avoid in pregnancy as celery seed is a uterine stimulant.
The supportive foods below form part of the cleanse. When initially one begins the Introduction program, they are required to follow a “liquid” diet. This relieves the strain on the gut whilst being cleansed and supports the organs at the same time. These foods are recommended to be included in the cleanse program at the appropriate place.
Supportive Soups
- Kidney / Lymph Support #2: Butternut Apple Soup
Supportive Salads
- Kidney Support & Glutathione Production Salad #1: Red Cabbage Salad
The foods listed in the protocols above are only examples of supportive foods. As we use only a Whole Food Plant Based diet, all the foods listed on this website will enable the body with tools to help itself cleanse more efficiently.

