Kidneys deserve more recognition. Some people would recommend going on a detox diet when asked about how to cleanse out toxins from the body. The truth is, there is very little evidence to show that these diets actually work. Instead, evidence shows that detox diets can actually result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The truth is, the human body’s kidneys and livers do more than an effective job at cleansing the body than any detox diet. So the key to a good detox is actually to know how to cleanse your kidneys.
A lot of people don’t realize just how much kidneys contribute to our overall health. They are responsible for regulating our blood volume and pressure. They help our bones activate vitamin D and C to prevent osteoporosis. Our kidneys also regulate electrolytes in our bodies, and they filter out toxins and waste.
How to cleanse your kidneys
A clean kidney is a happy kidney.
The key to keeping toxins and waste out of your body is by knowing how to cleanse kidneys. The happier and healthier they are, the better job they will do to keep your body free from these toxins. Here’s how to do it:
Drink enough water.
The reason proper hydration is so important has to do with the relationship between our adrenal glands and our kidneys. Adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing stress hormones, as well as a hormone that regulates blood pressure, aldosterone.
Aldosterone causes kidneys to retain water and sodium in order to keep the body’s blood pressure regulated. When a person is dehydrated, it triggers the adrenal glands, producing aldosterone, which then affects the kidneys, and then affects our blood pressure.
The recommended water consumption a day is half of your body weight in ounces. It is also advised to limit caffeine intake to one or two cups a day in order to avoid further dehydration of the body. Being hydrated is one of the ways on how to cleanse your kidneys because it lessens the risk of developing kidney stones by keeping the urine properly diluted.
Be mindful of the protein you eat.
Experts have said that too much protein and high sodium in our diets can create a good environment for kidney stones to develop, which affects the overall health of our kidneys. Some good options for protein are low-sodium canned meat, tuna, salmon, turkey, chicken, dried peas and beans, shelf-stable tofu, unsalted nut butter, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
Get enough sleep.
A study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston showed that people who got five hours or less of sleep had a higher chance of seeing a decrease in their kidneys’ health. Compared to this, people who get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep have an increase in their kidney’s health.
It has been advised to maintain a consistent bedtime in order to get enough hours of sleep, as well as to avoid caffeinated drinks by late afternoon and evening, and to limit light exposure before bed. This includes light coming from phones and computer screens.
Keep a regular exercise routine.
Exercising has been proven to help decrease blood pressure, which aids in preventing kidney disease and other related health issues. By exercising, the blood in our body is able to move better, which is important considering that 120 quarts of blood pass through the kidneys every single day.
Exercises can be anything from a brisk walk, a jog, a bike ride, or even workouts you can do from home, such as aerobic exercises, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training.
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
As always, fruits and vegetables will always be our body’s best friend. In this case, specific fruits and vegetables that help cleanse out kidneys and improve their function are grapes, cranberries, blueberries, apples, bell peppers, beets, asparagus, and garlic.
In general, food low in sugar, soy, and gluten will also help improve kidney function and decrease inflammation in the body. Special low-potassium diets may be required for CKD or dialysis patients. In this case, watch out for bananas, broccoli, spinach, and dairy products.
Key takeaways
Overall, there really is no quick fix to removing toxins from our bodies. Consistently practicing the previously mentioned activities can help. By doing these, you’re learning how to cleanse the kidneys in your body and improving their function. In the end, healthy kidneys lead to better overall health.
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