The Best Ways to Flush the Urinary System

The urinary system eliminates waste from the body. Organs comprising this system include the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The purpose of a urinary flush is to optimize functioning of the urinary system by ridding the body of bacteria and harmful toxins at an increased rate.

Diuretics

Diuretics are substances that increase urine production. Many foods, herbs and vitamins have diuretic properties and can be helpful in cleansing the urinary system. Uva ursi is among the most popular herbs for treating urinary problems. According to HerbWisdom.com, uva ursi contains arbutin, a compound with antimicrobial properties that is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Other effective diuretic herbs include stinging nettle, dandelion root, celery seed and goldenseal.

Eating foods with diuretic properties is another way to flush the urinary system. Fruits with high water content—such as grapes, figs and strawberries—can increase urine output, as can melons. Watermelon is most effective for this purpose and is often recommended as a natural aid in passing kidney stones.

Cranberry

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It’s impossible to discuss urinary health without mentioning cranberry. In addition to its high-antioxidant and nutrient content, cranberry is an excellent remedy for urinary-tract infections. According to Science Daily, cranberries contain compounds that inhibit the ability of bacteria to attach to cells and cause bladder infection 2.

When buying cranberry products, choose 100 percent cranberry juice with no sugar added, as sugar can feed the bacteria that cause infection. If pure cranberry juice is not available, cranberry supplements are equally effective and can be found in most grocery stores and herbal-supplement shops.

Steam-Distilled Water

Obvious as it may seem, many people overlook the importance of water in cleansing the urinary system. Without adequate water intake, the urine becomes concentrated, allowing infection-causing bacteria and toxins to build up in the bloodstream. Water is needed to flush these harmful products out of the body and keep the kidneys functioning at optimal capacity.

Some water contains high levels of arsenic, fluoride and other toxins. According to WebMD, prescription drugs like Prozac and birth-control medications have even been identified in some water sources 3. For this reason, steam-distilled water is recommended over tap, drinking or spring water for cleansing purposes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration. While cleansing the urinary system, 10 to 14 glasses may be needed.

Warning

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Large amounts of water can flush vital nutrients out of the body, so take a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to prevent imbalance during your cleanse. Sports drinks like Gatorade and the children’s supplement Pedialyte can help keep electrolyte levels in check.