Alternatives to Watermelon for Kidney Cleanse

It’s easy to take the kidneys for granted, but they are among the most hardworking organs in the body. The kidneys clear toxins and excess water from the bloodstream, and over time they can get a buildup of crystals, called kidney stones, that block kidney function. To maintain healthy kidneys, cleansing them with foods and water is key. The watermelon cleanse method is popular, but there are alternatives.

Kidney cleansing with water

The kidneys are a filtering system for the blood. When you eat, the digestive system breaks the food down and sends the nutrients, waste and water into the blood. The kidneys filter out the waste and water, and transport it to the bladder. You can witness the kidneys’ effectiveness when you urinate. The coloration of your urine is waste the kidneys have filtered out of the blood.

If the body is dehydrated, there won’t be as much water to transport this waste out of the body. This (as well as other dietary and hereditary factors) can cause waste to build up in the kidneys and crystallize, causing kidney stones. The best way to avoid this, and to improve all-around kidney health, is to drink plenty of water. Ten to twelve 8-ounce glasses a day is optimal for maintaining proper kidney function. However, you can judge your water intake more accurately by paying attention when you urinate. If your urine is clear and odorless, you’re probably getting enough water.

Kidney cleansing with food

There are also a variety of foods and herbs that can help cleanse the kidneys. For best results, add these foods to your normal diet, so you don’t have to do a weekend of eating nothing but watermelon.

Grapes are high in potassium, which helps regulate the sodium levels in the blood and maintains blood alkaline levels, taking the strain of excess sodium and calcium off the kidneys. Fresh grapes or unsweetened grape juice are best.

Cranberries are great for kidney health because they contain quinine. Quinine converts to hippuric acid in the liver, and this breaks down urea and uric acid that can accumulate in the kidneys. Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice is best. Dilute the juice with water if you can’t stand the intense sour taste.

Herbal teas are also great for kidney function. Dandelion and nettle are popular. Another choice is ginger and tumeric, which both have antiseptic properties. Drink herbal teas two to three times a day for best results.