How to detox your blood: Herbs, food, and more

Blood in the human body performs many functions, such as transporting oxygen, hormones, clotting factors, glucose, fats, and even immune cells. You don't need to invest in expensive diet plans or buy supplements to cleanse your blood because your liver and kidneys are already doing that important job for you. The best way to naturally detox your blood is to support your essential organs in functioning as efficiently as possible. You can also use natural herbs to enhance the function of these organs.

1. The role of blood in the body

Blood performs crucial functions to sustain life in the body, including three main functions:

• Transport function: Blood transports gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and other parts of the body. It also carries nutrients from the digestive tract to other organs, transports waste products, hormones, and other cells.
• Protective function: Blood contains white blood cells that help destroy invading microorganisms and platelets that aid in blood clotting and minimizing blood loss from injuries.
• Regulatory function: Blood helps regulate pH levels, balances water, and controls body temperature.

Liver and kidneys are responsible for blood filtration, removing waste products from blood.

• Liver: Located in the upper right part of the abdomen, the liver helps convert food into energy. Additionally, the liver detoxifies harmful substances like alcohol, harmful metals, and medications, transforming them into harmless compounds to ensure their elimination from the body.
• Kidneys: The two kidneys are bean-shaped and are responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products.

In addition, the body's natural detoxification process also involves the functions of the intestines, skin, spleen, and lymphatic system.

Currently, there are many products advertised as capable of detoxifying the body and cleansing blood vessels. However, these advertisements do not provide scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these products in cleaning and filtering blood. Although the ingredients in these supplements may have indirect effects by supporting kidney and liver function, there is no evidence that they directly impact the removal of waste and toxins from the blood.

2. Foods supporting natural detoxification

There is no miraculous food that can cleanse your blood vessels. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some foods have been shown to protect the liver and kidneys, enhancing their ability to cleanse and filter waste and toxins from the blood:

• Water:

To date, the best way to help enhance kidney performance is to stay well-hydrated. Your kidneys need water to filter waste from your body. Water also helps keep your blood vessels dilated so blood can move freely. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage or impaired kidney function.

Your urine should be light yellow or clear throughout the day. According to the National Kidney Foundation, your average urine output should be about 6 cups per day. The recommended amount of water intake varies for each person. As a general rule, you should aim to drink about eight glasses of water per day, but you may need more if you exercise frequently or have above-average body weight. Men typically need more water than women. Kidney disease symptoms are usually silent. You should monitor for early detection if you notice any abnormalities with your kidneys.

• Cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)

Cruciferous vegetables are often recommended for individuals with kidney disease because they are rich in antioxidants and extremely nutritious. They have been shown to help reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including kidney cancer.

Additionally, these vegetables are very versatile in cooking. You can eat them raw, steamed, roasted, or added to soups and casseroles.

• Blueberries

Blueberries are incredibly high in antioxidants, which can protect the liver from damage. Animal studies have shown that whole blueberries can help keep the liver healthy. You can enjoy blueberries by mixing them into yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.

• Cranberries

Cranberries have numerous benefits for the urinary tract. They have been shown to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus helping to keep your kidneys free from infections. You can add fresh cranberries to oatmeal, smoothies, or even salads to enjoy the delightful flavor of this fruit.

• Coffee

Coffee helps protect the liver. Studies show that drinking coffee reduces the risk of cirrhosis in individuals with chronic liver disease and may also lower the risk of developing liver cancer.

Coffee lowers the mortality risk in people with chronic liver disease and increases the effectiveness of antiviral treatments in people with hepatitis C. This benefit may be due to coffee's ability to prevent the accumulation of fat and collagen in the liver.

• Garlic

Garlic adds a wonderful flavor to any dish, whether raw or in powder form. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. High blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in the kidneys, so incorporating garlic into your daily diet can help reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension.

• Grapefruit

Grapefruit is high in antioxidants and can help control inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that the antioxidants in grapefruit can protect the liver from damage and the harmful effects of alcohol.

• Apples

Apples contain a significant amount of soluble fiber called pectin. Soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. High blood sugar can damage your kidneys, so anything that helps control blood sugar has a positive, indirect impact on kidney health.

• Fish

Certain types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and lower blood pressure, which benefits both your liver and kidneys. However, remember that fish provides a lot of protein, especially fatty fish. Therefore, if you have kidney disease, you should limit your intake of high-protein foods, as consuming too much protein can overwork your kidneys.

3. Herbs that may not be beneficial for kidney and liver health

Many herbs are beneficial for health. However, you should avoid overusing herbal extracts, as they may harm your kidneys. Avoid all herbal supplements if you have kidney or liver disease.

• Ginger

Ginger may be helpful in controlling blood glucose levels. Studies also indicate that ginger can support the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fresh or powered ginger can be used to spice up some dishes, or you can make ginger tea to drink daily.

• Green tea

Drinking green tea can improve liver health, reduce fat accumulation in the liver, and potentially fight liver cancer. Drinking about 4 cups of green tea daily can significantly improve your health.

• Parsley

Animal studies suggest that parsley can also help protect the liver, act as a diuretic, and aid the kidneys in eliminating waste.

• Dandelion

Dandelion acts as a diuretic, increasing the amount of water moving through the kidneys to help filter waste from the blood. Additionally, dandelion benefits liver function. The best way to enjoy dandelion is to brew tea using its leaves, flowers, or roots.

There is no need to purchase any detox supplements because your body already has its own perfect detoxification system. All you really need is a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and adequate water intake. You should also limit alcohol consumption. Liver and kidney problems can be managed through a scientifically based diet from the beginning. If you have been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease, now is the time to change your diet and develop the habit of drinking herbal teas. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to improve your condition.

Reference sources: webmd.com, healthline.com

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