How Do You Flush Your Kidneys?

Kidneys are two beans shaped organs situated on the either side of the spine just below the ribs. Kidneys are usually the size of your fist. The main function of the kidney is to filter the blood, remove the waste product and excrete those waste products and excess fluid as urine. The blood which is filtered and free of waste products enters back to the circulating system. Kidney maintains the fluid balance in the body by regulating the level of minerals, salts and water.

Kidney stones are formed when the amount of fluid in urine is less and this makes the salts and minerals in the urine to crystalize and form stones. These stones can increase in size with time, it may remain in the kidneys or pass out of the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. When it passes through the ureter it is painful. The stones in the urinary tract can be removed either by natural remedies, medicines or surgery. If not it can grow in size and block urine passage and cause infections.

The kidney stones can be pushed out of the urinary tract by flushing the kidneys with lots of fluids. Then, the urine formation will be high and the stones will not remain in one place, they will gradually pass out.

Hydrating yourself is the best way to flush your kidneys. The more fluids you drink the better. However, this fluid should not be just water as water does not have other salts and minerals (electrolytes) needed to flush the kidney. These electrolytes are mainly found in vegetables and fruits. These maintain the normal pH of the urine and reduce stone formation. Some of these food can even dissolve and reduce the size of the stone, so that it can pass out.

Even when medicines are prescribed you can follow up this kidney flushing process as it will accelerate the stone passing out.

1. Water ^[1] [6]

   • When the water intake is low the urine output is also low. This can cause kidney stones.
   • Daily fluid intake for men – 3.7 liters
   • Daily fluid intake for women – 2.7 liters
   • This fluid intake should be achieved from water and other beverages and by solid food.
   • Usual water intake per day should be at least 8 8-ounce glasses.

   The fluid requirement can be different from one individual to another depending on many reasons. The above mention figures are a rough guide.

2. Fruit Juices ^[3]

   Potassium reduces stone formation in urine. Most of the fruits contains potassium. Watermelon, papaya, bananas, oranges, cantaloupes has high amount of potassium. In order to increase the amount of daily fluid intake you can make fruit juices and drink.

   Cranberries – It is said to reduce urinary tract infections, especially bladder infection. Possibly by decreasing the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder and urethra. It may also be helpful for clearing the excess calcium oxalate from kidneys.

   Lemons/oranges/apple cider vinegar – These contains citrate and it reduces the calcium oxalate, cystine, and uric acid stones formation. It also dissolves and reduce the size of the stone so that it will pass out from the urinary tract.

3. Vegetable Soups or Juices

   Some vegetables also contains high amount of potassium such as sweet potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, and beans. So you can make soups or juices and eat these.

   Beetroot – Beetroot and beet juice contains betaine a very helpful phytochemical ^[2]. It has antioxidant properties and increase the acidity of urine. Prevents formation of calcium phosphate and struvite stones.

4. Calcium Rich Foods ^[4]

   Most people believe that too much calcium will increase kidney stones. But calcium is not the culprit. By taking more calcium in the diet, Calcium will combine with oxalate in the stomach and both will be excreted in urine without forming stones. You can have lots of dairy products and reduce oxalate rich foods such as nuts, rhubarb, and bran or have them with dairy products.

5. Herbal Tea ^[5]

   Herbal teas have also shown to reduce stones formation, it also adds up the daily fluid intake.

Hydrating yourself is the way to flush you kidneys. When more urine is formed it will flush out the stones and cleanse your urinary tract. In order to flush you kidneys drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water, drink other fluids such as fruit juices, vegetable soups or juices, herbal tea. Have more dairy products as well. Most of the fruits and vegetables prevents stone formation and dissolve the stones that has been already made.

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Also Read:

• Can Drinking Beer Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones|What Other Food and Drinks Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones
• How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally?
• What is the Best Drink if you Have Kidney Stones?
• Is Milk Good for Kidney Stones?
• Is Cranberry Juice Good for Kidney Stones?
• Is Green Tea Bad for Kidney Stones?
• What Can I Drink to Dissolve Kidney Stones?
• Can Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?