Kidney : How to do a Kidney Cleansing Fast

What are Kidneys and How do They Work?

Kidneys have multiple vital functions. They act as filters for the body, cleansing the blood, maintaining proper internal water and mineral balance, and removing waste. The kidneys also produce red blood cells, control blood pressure, and produce active Vitamin D which in turn controls calcium uptake and
helps keep bones strong. The kidneys also maintain the blood's pH level. That's a lot of jobs!

The blood continuously circulates through the kidneys, approximately 12 times per hour. As this happens, the kidneys filter needed salts and minerals while processing waste to produce urine.

Proper kidney function is vital for human health.

Kidney Problems

There are several conditions that can cause problems with the kidneys. Two of the most common issues are infection and kidney stones. Kidney infections often start as a urinary tract infection (UTI) that spreads upwards towards the kidneys. Kidney infections can be deadly if left untreated. If you suspect a kidney infection it is extremely important to seek medical assistance.

Kidney Stones are another common issue. They occur when minerals in the urine harden and crystallize. There are two stone types: Calcium Oxalate and Uric acid stones. The type of stones will help determine prevention and treatment.

Stones lodge in the kidneys where they may or may not cause discomfort. If they move into the ureter the can cause a painful obstruction. Symptoms are pain in the lower back and abdomen, increased frequency or urgency with urination, and sometimes blood in the urine. If you see blood in the urine, it's time to seek immediate medical assistance as it could indicate a serious obstruction.

Other more serious conditions that can also lead to renal failure include exposure to toxins, chemotherapy, and venom from some poisonous snakes and insects. Kidney failure is also sometimes the result of other disorders like diabetes, congestive heart failure, and lupus.

How to Keep Kidneys Healthy

There are several preventative measures that can be taken to keep the kidneys healthy. The kidneys are self-cleansing, so the most important thing you can do is to stay properly hydrated every day with pure, clean water. In addition, parsley tea and pure cranberry juice are natural cleansers for the kidneys.

Eliminate sodas and energy drinks. These drinks are hard on the kidneys and often lead to kidney stone formation.

Keep your cholesterol in check and stay at a healthy weight.

Drink plenty of pure water. If you live in areas with hard water – buy a good filter, never drink water straight from the tap. Hard water is full of extra minerals that can be hard for the kidneys to process fully. Don't worry, if you eat a healthy diet you likely won't become mineral deficient.

Keep blood sugar levels under control.

Avoid smoking and drink alcohol only in moderation.

Healthy Alternatives to Soda

Do you or your kids love soda, but you fear what it may be doing to your kidneys and your health? I love the taste of a cool, fizzy drink on a hot day and soda was very hard for me to give up. The flavored waters in stores are all loaded with artificial sweeteners that can also cause problems with the kidneys, so what to do?

Looking for alternatives to enjoy, I happened to discover something called water Kefir. You buy a starter once, and you can keep making it over and over again for pennies. It is fizzy, you can flavor it with juice, or even a bit of vanilla extract and stevia which makes it very much like a cream soda.

It's very simple to do. Add the starter to a jar of sugar water, the live cultures in the starter, consume the sugar and what is left behind is a fizzy, refreshing, healthy drink that you can customize. My kids love it - no more soda! Each serving provides over 30 strains of healthy, probiotic bacteria.

*You can also drink this during your cleanse for some variety and a bit of a treat*

Kidney Cleanse Juice Recipe

In your juicer, combine the following: 2 stalks celery, 2 apples, a handful of fresh parsley, 1 cucumber, and several slices of watermelon.

Celery and parsley are natural diuretics to flush the kidneys. Cucumbers also act as a diuretic, detoxifier, and they help to dissolve stones in the bladder and kidneys.

Watermelon re-hydrates the body and is a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene has been shown in studies to prevent kidney toxicity. Apples are anti-inflammatory and the skin in particular, is loaded with nutrients that help reduce cholesterol and protect the body.

The following foods also support healthy kidneys. Eat as many as you like, or juice them. Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, pineapple, carrots, bell peppers, green beans and leafy greens.

3 Day Kidney Cleanse

Drink a cup or two of parsley tea daily during the cleanse. Parsley acts as a natural diuretic that helps to flush the kidneys. Be sure you drink plenty of distilled water in addition to the tea. Drink only filtered or distilled water (or the water kefir from above), the custom-made kidney cleanse juice and herbal teas. Do not drink any coffee, soda, tea, or energy drinks – all of them aggravate the kidneys.

During your cleanse spend a few days eating 75% or higher raw, organic foods. Raw foods are the most nutrient dense and pure. Avoid all processed and packaged foods during a cleanse. Raw foods can be juiced, or eaten whole.

Avoid all dairy and meat products while doing a kidney cleanse. The proteins and high phosphorus levels of these foods stress the kidneys. If you are prone to uric acid kidney stones, you may want to consider a drastic reduction or elimination of animal proteins long term.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Kidneys

Dandelion – The leaves of this plant, considered a weed in many areas, are great for promoting healthy kidneys. Eat dandelion greens as part of a healthy diet, or purchase in supplement form. You can also create teas from Dandelion. Dandelion acts as a diuretic, flushing water and salt from the kidneys. Dandelions contain potassium giving them less side effects than other natural diuretics. Dandelions have been shown to help prevent kidney and bladder stones. Want to learn all the uses for this fantastic weed? Check out How to use Dandelions as Food, Tea and Natural Medicine

Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe juice is useful for preventing kidney stone formation and for reducing the size of kidney stones. Purchase only the pure juice with no additives. The taste can take some getting used to, but it's not horrible. Be sure to only use as directed as overdose can lead to digestive distress. Aloe Juice is also a wonderful daily tonic for those with ulcers, heartburn, reflux and other ailments.

Stinging Nettles: Extracts of this root act as a diuretic and encourage expulsion of uric acid that may form kidney stones. If you are prone to seasonal allergies, this herb also helps prevent hay fever type reactions when taken daily.

*Chanca Piedra: This is my go to herb for anything stone related. Within a day the pain is gone. I've dissolved dozens of stones with this prior to starting a healthier diet and today I remain stone free. This herb is amazing for supporting bladder, kidney, gallbladder and the liver. It's name literally means "stone crusher". It helps dissolve and eliminate kidney stones and prevent future ones.