Focus on Kidney Health: A Grocery List of Cleansing Foods

By: Lynn Paik, D.O.

An apple a day might not just keep the doctor away. If it’s in vinegar, it might keep kidney stones and infections away, as well.

Apple cider vinegar is among many foods and ingredients you can add to your grocery list to potentially support good kidney health, which is critically important. Every day, these two fist-sized organs process nearly 52 gallons of your blood – enough to fill a bathtub!

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During that natural processing, the tiny filters in your kidneys cleanse out waste and toxins and send the excess liquid into your bladder as urine. Along the way, your kidneys draw needed nutrients and vitamins from the blood.

Should something interfere with your kidney’s ability to remove that waste, those chemicals could build up and trigger a ripple effect, from your heart to your urethra.

Why Your Kidneys Can Benefit from a Cleanse

Considering your kidneys’ demanding role in managing full-body balance, they might benefit from regular cleansing to ensure compounds such creatinine, urea (nitrogen waste), and acids are flushed away without strain. A cleanse also might improve your kidney’s ability to balance water, salts, and minerals, including phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and sodium.

And you could benefit overall through improved energy, better infection protection, fewer skin flareups such as rashes and eczema, and supported hormone production to manage inflammation, blood pressure, and insulin.

Urinary Issues That Might Stem from Strained Kidneys

Research finds that a proper diet and hydration can play a key role in preventing or managing the following kidney and urinary ailments.

Kidney Stones

Among the most painful of urinary conditions, kidney stones develop when your kidneys are unable to sufficiently flush out salts and minerals, such as calcium, so they accumulate and bind into jagged crystals. Dehydration and diet can play a part in stone formation by contributing to high concentrations of calcium, oxalates (salt), and uric acid. Symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
• Burning and frequent urination
• Severe pain
• Nausea and vomiting (from pain)
• Fever

Read up on kidney stones here.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs signal abnormal bacterial growth in the urinary tract, typically caused by bacteria entering the urethra and working its way up to the bladder. However, kidney-related causes include urinary blockages such as kidney stones. If not treated, a UTI can spread to the kidneys and become severe. Symptoms include:

• Burning urination
• A strong, persistent need to go
• Cloudy and strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pelvic pain

Learn more about UTIs here.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer develops when the cells start to divide and grow abnormally, forming a tumor that interferes with healthy cell function. Most kidney cancers form in the kidney’s filters, or tubules. This cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. The cause is unknown, but underperforming kidneys and kidney disease can introduce cancer vulnerabilities such as inflammation, weakened immunity, and toxin buildup. Symptoms include:

• Pain on your sides or flanks
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• A lump in your lower back or abdomen
• Bone pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue (often from anemia)

Learn more about kidney cancer and treatments here.

Kidney Grocery List: 8 Ingredients for Better Renal Health

Ready to go shopping? Research links the following foods to good kidney health. Note: The list excludes certain foods that, while generally good for kidney function, are not advised for people with kidney disease because they can require your kidneys to work harder to filter them.

Apples and apple cider vinegar – Full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, but low in potassium, phosphorous and sodium, apples are a safe bet for a cleanse. Apple cider vinegar might prevent kidney stones from developing because it helps flush out uric acid, research shows. Note: You should dilute apple cider vinegar due to its high acetic acid content. Those with kidney disease should be careful about consumption because their kidneys might not be able to process high levels of acid.

Herbs – The National Kidney Foundation suggests several herbs and seasonings for good renal health, including garlic (for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties), oregano (a source of blood-healthy vitamin K), ginger (for anti-inflammatories and antioxidants), cinnamon (regulates blood sugar), and basil (a mild diuretic to help pass stone-causing compounds). Further, many of these seasonings are low in phosphorous and potassium, too much of which can strain damaged kidneys.

Cranberries – Cranberry juice has long been a preventive for urinary tract infections, which in turn aids the kidneys. Cranberries also reduce inflammation and improve the gut microbiome, which means less stress on the kidneys.

Lemons and limes – These naturally acidic fruits contain citrate, which can prevent certain kidney stones from forming. They also are lower in potassium than other citrus fruits; a bonus.

Milk alternatives – Several plant-based milks, including those made from almonds, oats, and soy, carry lower levels of phosphorous and potassium than cow milk, making them easier on the kidneys. They are high in oxalates, however, so patients with a history of kidney stones should talk to a doctor.

Pomegranate – Bursting with fiber, folate, and vitamins K, E, and B6, pomegranate seeds and juice deliver important antioxidants to battle inflammation. They are low in phosphorous and salt. Pomegranates do carry potassium, so those with kidney disease should consult a doctor.

Teas – ­A 2023 study associates drinking unsweetened teas with reduced risks of developing kidney disease, in part by introducing beneficial antioxidants that may help prevent kidney stones. Suggested teas include green, black, hydrangea, and sambong.

Tofu – This plant-based protein is light in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, making it easier for the kidneys to process. Soybeans, from which tofu is derived, have similar qualities.

More Cleansing Tips, and a Warning About Kidney Disease

Like most cleanses, proper hydration is essential for healthy kidneys, whether it comes in the form of plain water, coconut water, or hot lemon tea. Also look for anything high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Should you have kidney disease, some super foods should be avoided due to their dosages of potassium and phosphorous. These foods include avocados, tomatoes, beet greens, dates, beans, bananas, potatoes, whole wheat bread, and some dairy.

If your kidneys are healthy, keep up the good work! They do an excellent job naturally filtering your blood. If you want to take a kidney cleanse, consult your doctor first about significant dietary changes.

MidLantic Urology’s team of physicians, nurses, and physician assistants are available for new patients in dozens of facilities across the Greater Philadelphia region. Visit our locations page to find an office near you.