Best Drinks for Kidney Health and Better Kidney Function

Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste and extra water from your blood. They also help control blood pressure, balance important minerals, support strong bones, and help the body make red blood cells.

Kidney disease is common and may cause few warning signs in its early stages. Diabetes and high blood pressure are major causes, so protecting overall health is one of the best ways to protect the kidneys.

For most people with healthy kidneys, plain water is the simplest drink choice. Water helps the kidneys remove waste through urine and prevents dehydration, which can contribute to kidney stones and other problems.

Research published in the journal Nephrology has examined the relationship between fluid intake and chronic kidney disease. How much water a person needs varies with body size, activity, climate, diet, pregnancy, and health conditions, so there is no single amount that is right for everyone.

Lemon water can also be useful, especially for some people who develop kidney stones. Lemons contain citrate, a substance that can make it harder for certain calcium stones to form.

Research published in The Journal of Urology has studied lemonade and other citrate-containing drinks as part of kidney stone prevention. However, people with repeated stones should ask a healthcare professional about the best prevention plan for their specific type of stone.

Cranberry products are better known for their possible role in preventing urinary tract infections than for directly improving kidney function. Research published in Advances in Nutrition has examined whether cranberry products can reduce repeated urinary infections, which can sometimes spread to the kidneys.

Unsweetened cranberry juice may be an option for some people, but it is not a treatment for a kidney infection. Anyone with kidney disease, repeated kidney stones, or medicines that may interact with cranberry products should ask a doctor or dietitian for advice.

Milk and plant-based alternatives can fit into a healthy diet, but their mineral content varies widely. People with chronic kidney disease may need to watch potassium, phosphorus, sodium, or fluid intake, depending on their kidney function and treatment.

Herbal teas also need some caution. Natural does not always mean safe, and some herbs can interact with medicines or contain substances that may be harmful when kidney function is reduced.

One of the most useful changes is to limit drinks with large amounts of added sugar, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit drinks. Research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has linked frequent consumption of sugary beverages with a higher risk of kidney disease.

No special drink can guarantee healthy kidneys. For most people, choosing water regularly, limiting sugary drinks, staying active, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar are more important than buying special kidney drinks or supplements.

People who already have kidney disease, heart failure, or another condition that affects fluid balance should follow their healthcare team’s advice. In some cases, drinking too much fluid can also be harmful.