Jul 16 , 2025
Your kidneys deserve more attention than they get. These two bean-shaped champs quietly filter your blood 24/7, and when they’re not working well, everything else starts acting up. One key number doctors use to measure your kidneys’ performance is the GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate). Think of it as your kidneys’ report card.
Now, if your GFR is lower than it should be, don’t panic. We’re not here to make you feel like a biology project gone wrong. Let’s see how to increase GFR naturally so that you do not have to face future complications.
GFR stands for Glomerular Filtration Rate, a fancy name for how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. A healthy GFR is usually above 90. If it drops below 60 for over three months, you might be looking at chronic kidney disease. Below 15? That's end-stage, and we don’t want that.
So, the goal? Keep that GFR number as high and mighty as possible. And yes, you can boost it naturally, without living on celery juice and meditation alone.
Below are some of the natural ways to improve GFR:
The cheapest answer to the question, “How to Increase GFR Naturally?” is plain water. When you’re dehydrated, your kidneys slow down like an old laptop. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day, unless your doctor says otherwise. Hydration is key to kidney detox Ayurvedic treatment.
Pro Tip: Don’t go overboard chugging liters. Your kidneys aren’t at a Holi water fight; they just want enough to keep things flowing.
Foods that boost GFR are the opposite of what you crave at 1 a.m. (Sorry, chips and cheese dip.)
Here’s what helps:
Mini-Hack: Steam, sauté, or bake your veggies with olive oil and herbs instead of drowning them in salt. Your kidneys love subtle flavors.
Sodium is sneaky; it hides in sauces, snacks, and anything that tastes like heaven. But too much salt = high blood pressure = more kidney stress.
The trick? Flavor your food differently.
Warning: Reading nutrition labels may not be thrilling, but it’s oddly satisfying once you start decoding sodium levels like Sherlock Holmes.
You don’t need to run a marathon to help your kidneys. Just 30 minutes of daily movement, like walking, yoga, or dancing in your pajamas, can improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, both great for GFR.
Idea: Take a post-meal walk. It’s like dessert for your kidneys (minus the sugar).
You may be taking all the necessary steps for the natural kidney detox for GFR, but if you smoke, then everything goes to waste. Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys. Alcohol, especially in large amounts, can stress your kidneys out like a last-minute tax filing.
If you want to increase your GFR, it’s time to cut back or quit. Your kidneys will thank you in ways only lab tests can show.
Motivation Tip: Every cigarette you don’t smoke gives your kidneys a high-five. Literally.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of poor kidney function. Controlling them naturally helps your GFR, too.
Nudge: If you have a sweet tooth, try dates or stevia instead of refined sugar. Even your pancreas will applaud.
Your grandma was onto something when she brewed herbal decoctions for everything.
Some herbs to increase GFR are:
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner before going herb-happy, especially if you're on other meds.
Lack of sleep = higher blood pressure + poor sugar control = sad kidneys.
Aim for 7–8 hours a night. And no, scrolling Instagram until 2 AM does not count as “resting your eyes.”
Tip: Create a wind-down routine. Herbal tea, a book, and maybe a little gratitude journaling. Very kidney-chic.
Improving kidney health through lifestyle changes is the best way to improve GFR naturally. Stay hydrated, eat a kidney-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium foods, and manage blood pressure and sugar levels.
Wanting to improve kidney function naturally doesn’t mean a full life overhaul. Small, consistent changes make the biggest difference. Eat a bit cleaner, walk a bit more, and keep stress and salt at bay. Sprinkle in low-GFR natural remedies in your life, and you’re golden.
Remember, your kidneys are quiet workers. Let’s not wait for them to send out SOS signals before we show them some love. You don’t need to be perfect; just be kind to your body, and your GFR might just return the favor.
Stay hydrated, eat kidney-friendly foods, and follow a natural kidney detox plan.
Yoga, a low-sodium diet, and herbal remedies can naturally improve GFR levels.
Yes, Ayurveda utilizes herbs such as Punarnava and Gokshura to support kidney repair and enhance GFR.
Yes, through diet changes, herbal support, and avoiding processed foods.
Herbal remedies, a kidney-friendly diet, and stress-free living may help.
Punarnava, Varun, and Gokshura are popular Ayurvedic herbs for improving GFR.
A GFR improvement diet, herbal tonics, and gentle natural detox methods work best.
Karma Ayurveda, established in 1937, is an Ayurvedic hospital with a rich legacy of over eight decades. Led by Dr Puneet Dhawan, the fifth generation... Read More