How to Cleanse the Urinary System

The urinary system is comprised of the kidneys, ureters and bladder as well as sphincter muscles and the urethra. Each portion of the system works together to create, store and carry urine waste from your body once the nutrients from food is adequately attained, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The urinary system removes a waste product called urea from your blood into the kidneys for processing and formation of urine, which is stored in the bladder prior to elimination. Problems with the urinary system can result from infections and improper waste filtration by the kidneys. Maintaining urinary system health is necessary to prevent conditions including tract infections, kidney stones or prostate enlargement.

Cranberries contain chemicals to cleanse the urinary tract. (Image: Will Heap/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images)

Step 1

Drink cranberry juice daily. Cleansing the urinary system and preventing infections is easy with use of cranberry juice. The Cranberry Institute explains that cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which are natural bacterial inhibitors. Drink at least two, 8oz glasses of cranberry juice daily. Use 100-percent cranberry juice, not a cocktail with less juice and other mixers.

Step 2

Take bearberry capsules or tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the herb uva ursi, or bearberry, is an age-old remedy for cleansing the urinary tract. This herb contains arbutin, hydroquinone and tannins, which are infection fighting and astringent containing compounds to reduce inflammation of the urinary system. The uva ursi is an evergreen shrub popularly eaten amongst bears, hence the name. The leaves are the potent portion of the herb, however, consultation with your physician is necessary prior to use to prevent toxicity. The dried herb is available as capsules or tea leaves for system cleansing. Do not exceed 4 g per day of bearberry and take no longer than five days at a time.

Step 3

Drink water daily. Water is the most accessible urinary system cleanser and serves to maintain total body hydration. In the event of a kidney or bladder infection, drink two to four quarts, or 64 to 128 oz., of water daily, to flush your urinary system of excess proteins in the urine. Avoid use of caffeine and alcohol, which irritate the bladder.

Step 4

Go to the doctor and obtain an antibiotic. Antibiotics for urinary cleansing are appropriate for women with frequent urinary infection sensitivities. According to MedlinePlus, taking a single daily dose antibiotic prevents infections in women with recurrence of bacterial infections in the urinary system. Antibiotics are prescribed by a physician and use is subject to physician determination of need.

Step 5

Use the bathroom regularly. Avoid holding your urine as this can increase bacteria accumulation in your bladder. Urinate before and after sexual activity to cleanse your urethra of bacteria. The Drexel University College of Medicine advises against using douches to cleanse the urinary system, because this may also cause infections.

Tip

Cranberries are full of antioxidants for keeping your body clean of free radicals that can damage other organs.

Warning

If you have kidney stones, talk with your physician prior to using cranberry juice. Do not use bearberry if you have existing liver problems due to toxicity from the compound hydroquinone.