Dr. Juan Calle, MD, said that kidney detoxes and cleanses are not medically necessary and may carry potential health risks [1].
This warning comes as wellness trends increasingly promote specialized diets and supplements to "flush" toxins from the body. Because the kidneys are the primary filtration system for the human body, improper supplementation or restrictive detox protocols can lead to unintended medical complications.
Appearing on a Cleveland Clinic podcast, Calle said the evidence behind these trends [1]. He noted that the kidneys are naturally designed to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, a process that occurs continuously without the need for external "cleansing" products.
Many commercial detox kits promise to improve organ function or remove impurities. However, Calle said these claims lack medical necessity [1]. He emphasized that the body's own biological systems are sufficient for detoxification when functioning correctly.
Patients seeking to improve kidney health should focus on evidence-based habits rather than short-term cleanses. These include maintaining proper hydration, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels to protect long-term renal function.
Calle said that some detox products can actually strain the kidneys or interact poorly with existing medications [1]. He advised individuals to consult with healthcare providers before starting any supplement regimen intended to detoxify a specific organ.
“Kidney detoxes and cleanses are not medically necessary.”
The medical community continues to push back against the 'detox' industry, which often markets products based on pseudo-science rather than clinical data. By highlighting that the kidneys are self-cleaning organs, health experts aim to redirect patients toward sustainable lifestyle changes, such as hydration and chronic disease management, rather than temporary, potentially harmful supplement cycles.
