4 Scientifically Proven Signs That a Kidney Detox Is Working

Last updated on April 11th, 2024 at 04:54 pm

Hand holding a model of a kidney — (Image source: Unsplash)

Your kidneys carry out significant tasks that keep your body in good health. Even though they’re tiny organs, they’re undoubtedly strong.

These two small, bean-shaped organs remove wastes and toxins from your blood. They basically act as filters.

Every day, your kidneys clean 200 quarts of blood, filtering out 2 quarts of waste and urine. Your salt, potassium, phosphorus, and acid levels are balanced due to this filtration process. [1]

There are times, however, when your kidneys don’t work correctly.

In fact, adults with kidney illnesses number in the millions, and the majority of them are completely unaware of it. [2]

People frequently get their blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels measured, but they never have a “creatinine test” to look for any hidden kidney issues.

Even while your kidneys already serve as a detoxifier, they require specific attention if you want to stay healthy.

Through detox, you may enhance kidney function, and if you go about it in a way supported by science and medicine, you can see the results of a kidney detox rapidly.

Table of Contents

What Can Affect Kidney Health?

Note: If you just want to know if your detox is working, click here.

If you consume too many medications, processed foods, and preservatives, your kidneys could have difficulty functioning properly. [3]

Your kidneys are most severely harmed if you eat excessive amounts of salt, drink lots of alcohol, and don’t drink enough water. They struggle to remove toxins from your body because these compounds interfere with their ability to do so.

Plus, exposing yourself to excessive quantities of environmental pollution, domestic cleaning products, and chemical-filled cosmetics can be harmful.

Your body then accumulates dangerous levels of waste and toxins, which could endanger your organs.

If your kidneys cannot eliminate wastes and toxins, these harmful substances will accumulate in your body and obstruct your kidneys, liver, and other organs from performing their functions normally.

Some signs of kidney damage could be: [4]

Fatigue
Nausea
Itchy skin
Blood in urine
Painful urination
Water retention (edema)

Kidney stones or unprocessed minerals can also develop as a result of the buildup of pollutants and waste. Individuals of various ages can develop kidney stones. [5]

What Should You Know About a Kidney Detox?

By filtering waste, poisons, and extra water from your bloodstream, your kidneys serve as your body’s natural filtration system.

When your body consumes sufficient fluid, your kidneys even cleanse themselves.

Although your kidneys can cleanse themselves, the toxic load in your body may prevent them from doing so at their best.

If you experience the signs mentioned in the previous section, you can help your body’s natural detoxification process by consuming a diet high in kidney-friendly foods and liquids and drinking enough water.

Instead of choosing processed foods, eating fruits and vegetables and getting enough water stand out as items that positively affect your renal health and kidney cleansing process.

Additionally, according to a board-certified internist and functional medicine physician, Vincent Pedre, M.D., when you embark on a kidney cleanse, you’re actually promoting detoxification for all of your body’s organ systems. [6]

By following a successful cleansing program that combines a natural therapeutic regimen, a balanced diet, and supplements, you will see the effects of a kidney detox.

What Is the Kidney Detox Process?

Kidney detoxes or cleanses will encourage you to consume particular foods, herbs, and beverages, such as smoothies, juices, teas, and other items.

Even though many of the recommendations can complement a healthy diet, there isn’t much evidence to support the notion that consuming certain foods or herbs during a kidney detox may remove particular toxins from your body.

However, several foods and habits might aid in keeping your kidneys healthy and promote their natural detoxification process.

Water, Water, and More Water

Woman in tanktop drinking a glass of water — (Image source: Unsplash)

Your general health depends on getting adequate fluids each day. Water is essential for a variety of biological processes, including:

Digestion
Absorption of nutrients
Maintenance of good skin
Elimination of waste and pollutants
And many others

Getting enough water might also help you avoid renal issues like painful kidney stones.

Your daily water intake will vary depending on your weight, the weather, how active you are, and any medicines you may be consuming.

Many medical specialists advise having six to eight 8-ounce (oz) glasses of water each day. [7]

Limit Sodium Consumption

Although your body needs salt (or sodium), an excessive amount can raise your blood pressure, which increases your risk of renal failure, heart disease, and stroke.

The NIDDK advises patients to keep their daily sodium intake under 2,300 mg to lower their chance of developing chronic kidney disease such as Nephritis, which is chronic kidney inflammation. You can reduce sodium intake by consuming fewer processed meals and opting for low-sodium or salt-free products. [8]

Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that promotes kidney function is the first step to putting your kidneys back in top condition.

Changing your diet may help you with chronic renal disease and prevent further kidney damage, according to a review of studies published in the journal, “Nutrients.”

More particularly, many studies show that if you suffer from chronic renal disease, you may benefit from eating a diet high in fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. [9]

Please note: The following are not intended for you if you already have kidney disease.

Limit	Add
Processed foods	Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges [10]
Refined carbohydrates	Whole grains, such as barley, brown rice, and oatmeal [11]
Sugar and artificial sweeteners	Apples [12]
Animal proteins, such as beef, pork, and organ meat [13]	Lean meats, including chicken and seafood
High-sodium foods	Low-fat dairy products [14]
Alcohol	Blueberries [15]
Caffeine	Vegetables [16]

Take N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplements

A tiny protein called N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has received over 40 years of scientific support for its clinical efficacy.

The substantial health advantages of NAC come from its capacity to replenish glutathione levels within your cells. Your body produces glutathione because it’s a potent antioxidant and detoxifier.

Taking NAC supplements is the most efficient way to increase glutathione levels in your body.

NAC is also excellent for your kidneys and can help prevent damage to them. NAC eliminates the build-up of heavy metals in your body’s liver, kidneys, brain, and fatty tissues.

Here’s a review from a happy customer who ordered one of our NAC supplements:

How to Know if Your Kidney Health Is Getting Better

How can you determine if your kidneys are appropriately detoxifying, though?

Here are some signs that a kidney detox is working.

1 – Better Urine Flow

One indication that your kidney detox is taking effect is an improvement in your urinary tract health.

Toxin and chemical buildup in your kidneys that results in an unhealthy urine flow is one of the main causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones. [17]

Your body, particularly your kidneys, is detoxed to remove toxins. Toxic compounds are transferred from your bloodstream to your urine more efficiently when your kidneys are clear of toxins and operating at their peak.

Toxins will accumulate in your blood if your kidneys are overburdened and functioning poorly.

It can also aid in preventing potential infections and lower the chance of bladder issues by eliminating toxins from your body and kidneys.

2 – Clear and Happy Skin

Woman wearing flowers smiling — (Image source: Unsplash)

One of the vital organs in your body that significantly affects skin health is your kidneys.

This is why one of the first obvious indications that your kidney detox is working effectively is clear, glowing skin. [18]

Your blood may become toxic if your kidneys weaken and are unable to function properly.

Blood is delivered to your skin to nourish it. However, if your blood is not clean, it will create inflammation and skin problems instead.

When your kidneys are in good condition, they effectively purify your blood of pathogens and toxins and supply your skin with clean, nutrient-rich blood.

Detoxification can aid in removing toxins from your blood and other organs, including your kidneys, which makes your skin appear cleaner and brighter.

3 – Feeling Fresher and More Active

Another important indicator that your kidney detox is working is if you feel more refreshed.

According to a recent study, your kidneys are crucial organs for metabolizing fats and water-soluble vitamins. [19]

Your capacity to break down and digest nutrients from some foods is enhanced by kidney cleansing. This makes it simple for your body to turn food into energy, preventing weariness and boosting energy levels.

4 – Restored Vitamin D Levels in Your Body

Your kidneys play the important role of converting vitamin D from the sun or supplements into the active form that your body requires. [20]

Thus, it’s your kidneys’ job to turn them into a usable form for your body.

Kidney and cardiovascular disorders are both correlated with vitamin D insufficiency.

Recent studies have shown that renal disease and a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency appear to be related. Because of this, having adequate vitamin D levels in your body can be one indication that a kidney detox is effective. [21]

Healthy Kidneys, Happy You

While the signs above do indicate that your kidney detox is working as promised, it’s important to keep in mind that you could be experiencing those signs for reasons completely unrelated to your renal health.

Even if you think you’re feeling better, you should consult health professionals to check if your kidneys are improving.

If you want more useful information on detoxes for a healthy kidney or liver, check out our Simply Nutrients blog page.

Or, you could browse our health shop if you’re looking for any specific supplements.

References

[1] https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/howkidneyswrk

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/ckd-national-facts.html#:~:text=CKD%20Is%20Common%20Among%20US%20Adults&text=More%20than%201%20in%207,are%20estimated%20to%20have%20CKD.&text=As%20many%20as%209%20in,not%20know%20they%20have%20CKD.

[3] https://www.kidney.org/content/10-common-habits-that-may-harm-your-kidneys#:~:text=Eating%20Processed%20Foods,to%20their%20kidneys%20and%20bones

[4] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sixstepshealthprimer

[5] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/#:~:text=Contents&text=Kidney%20stones%20can%20develop%20in,the%20kidneys%20to%20your%20bladder.

[6] https://pedremd.com/about/about-dr-vincent-pedre/

[7] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition

[8] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/prevention

[9] https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity/kidney-friendly-eating-plan#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20kidney%2Dfriendly,high%20levels%20in%20your%20body.

[10] https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2020/01/15/Flavonoid-from-citrus-fruits-may-help-prevent-kidney-disease-progression-Japan-study#

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230354/

[12] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/apples#:~:text=over%20fruit%20juices-,Apples%20and%20kidney%20disease,for%20a%20kidney%20friendly%20diet.

[13] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20160714/too-much-red-meat-might-harm-kidneys-study-suggests

[14] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dairy-and-our-kidneys

[15] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/blueberries#:~:text=Blueberries%20are%20also%20low%20in,Hemodialysis%20(3%20times%2Fweek)

[16] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/plant-based#:~:text=Eating%20more%20plant%2Dbased%20foods,blood%20pressure%2C%20and%20heart%20disease.

[17] https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones

[18] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/kidney-disease-warning-signs

[19] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11505798/#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20provided%20evidence%20for,processes%20of%20protein%2Dbound%20vitamins.

[20] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11505798/#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20provided%20evidence%20for,processes%20of%20protein%2Dbound%20vitamins.

[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2878736/

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Chris Bowman

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Chris Bowman is the CEO and Co-Founder of SimplyNutrients.com and has over 15 years of experience in nutritional sciences and wellness. Simply Nutrients is a part of Dr. Jamy Antoine's Select Health Practice in Edina, Minnesota. Chris is passionate about helping people live healthier lives by using the best practices of nature, nutrition, and medicine.