A kidney cleanse is usually marketed as a quick way to improve the overall health of your kidneys. Many of these detoxes use juices, supplements or diets focused on certain foods or herbs. The programs often make big promises, including: Toxin elimination Better kidney function Improved nutrient absorption Increased energy Reduced risk of kidney stones and infections Hormone regulation It’s best to view those sorts of claims with suspicion. There’s no good medical evidence or science that backs this up. A cleanse isn’t magical. Your kidneys don't need a special detox. Your kidneys are in the detox business, after all. They filter your blood and work to remove waste and toxins from your body all day, every day. They don’t need special cleansing to do their job. While an intense detox may not solve problems, it can create them. Elements of some cleansing programs can actually stress your kidneys, particularly if they’re done for extended periods. Potential issues from kidney detoxes include: Dehydration: Some cleanses encourage long fasts or restrict fluids. That can cause problems, as staying hydrated helps your kidneys efficiently remove waste from your system. System overload: Juices or “superfood” kidney detox blends often pack in huge amounts of beets, spinach, rhubarb or kale. They’re all loaded with oxalates, which can — in high amounts — impair kidney function and raise your risk of kidney stones. Medication reactions: Detoxing while taking over-the-counter or prescription medications can be risky. That’s really calling for trouble