You’re searching the World Wide Web for ways to keep your kidneys healthy, and you’ve come across a term that piques your interest—”kidney cleanse.” Now you’re wondering how it could exactly benefit you and if it’s ever worth a try.
Below you’ll learn more about kidney cleanse as well as a few reasons you shouldn’t dive right into it and be leery of all the marketing ploys.
Don’t Fall for the Hype
A kidney cleanse program essentially encourages a person to eat and drink specific foods and beverages (e.g., certain herbs, smoothies, juices, teas, and other foods) in order to detoxify the kidneys.
Kidney cleanse programs have been touted for their health benefits: for keeping blood pressure in check, boosting immunity, improving liver function, and promoting weight loss, among others. However, there is not much scientific evidence to support whether eating specific “cleansing” foods and herbs actually improves kidney health.
Healthy kidneys also do not typically require special cleansing, and there’s ultimately no such thing as magic “flush” or “cleanse” when it comes to detoxifying the kidneys. Having nutritious, low-salt diet and healthy lifestyle, along with drinking enough water every day, remain the best ways to keep your kidneys healthy.
The market is replete with kidney cleanse products that claim to improve kidney health but are actually unregulated and may not be worth the risk especially if you’re living with a chronic medical condition.
Seeking Expert Advice
Whether you’re concerned about your kidney health, or you’re experiencing symptoms typical of a renal problem, your best bet is to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor). Do not attempt to make any significant changes to your diet— or start a kidney cleanse program— without your doctor’s advice.
To diagnose a kidney problem, a nephrologist will review your medical history and symptoms, and order some tests. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will then discuss suitable treatment options with you and devise an individualized care plan to treat or manage your condition. They will also assess if there are any underlying factors or diseases (e.g., diabetes and hypertension) that predispose you or contribute to your kidney problem.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may simply involve changing your diet, drinking more fluids, and lifestyle changes. Some conditions, however, may require medications and/or surgery.
Kidney Doctor Near Me in Boston, MA
If you’re in search of a trusted nephrologist in the Boston area, visit us here at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates. Our providers have made a name for themselves for the top-notch care they provide and their commitment to ensuring the best possible treatment outcomes. As advocates of preventative care, we take pleasure in sharing useful information with our patients to empower them to take good care of their kidneys and their overall health.
To make an appointment with one of our experienced nephrologists, or to find out more about our services, call our office at (617) 739-2100. You can also request an appointment right here on our website.
