How to Improve Liver & Kidney Function

According to Pureinsideout.com, the liver, kidney, colon and skin are the main organs responsible for cleansing the body. If the liver or the kidney is diseased or sluggish, it cannot function property. This leaves the body vulnerable to infection, disease and other problems. Cleansing the liver and kidneys can help improve their function. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best ways to promote good liver and kidney performance.

Instructions

1

Drink water. The body requires at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day, reports the American Dietetic Association. Water is necessary for the liver to create bile and for the kidneys to produce urine. Fluids also wash wastes from all the organs of the body. In addition to water, drink fruit juices, vegetable juices and herbal teas. Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine also helps keep the kidneys and the liver healthy.

2

Exercise more. Exercise is important for good digestive health, reports the Mayo Clinic. It stimulates activity of the intestines, helps keep the muscles in the digestive tract moving and also helps lethargic organs increase their activity. Exercise also burns fat tissue, where many toxins are stored. All types of exercise help the liver and kidneys, so do those you enjoy and are comfortable doing.

3

Eat better. A diet with adequate fiber, protein and carbohydrates and limited high-fat foods supplies the liver and kidneys with the resources they need to carry out their many processes. According to the Mayo Clinic, many liver problems can be prevented. The Mayo Clinic suggests choosing "a plant-based diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables"--high-fiber foods that help move things efficiently through the digestive tract. Other high-fiber foods are whole grains and legumes. A good daily dose of fiber is 20 to 35 grams.

4

Use herbs. Many herbs can help boost the function of the liver and the kidneys. The Gay Men's Health Crisis Center recommends milk thistle, dandelion, burdock root and ginger. Vitaminstohealth.com recommends uva ursi, horsetail, couch grass, parsley and nettle as cleansing herbs. Take only one herb for each organ, and start with a small dosage. See an herbalist for more advice.