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Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

By on July 11, 2020

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are also referred to as renal calculi, urolithiasis, or nephrolithiasis. They are hard deposits, which are formed inside our kidneys. 90% of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate. When recognized earlier, Kidney stones usually do not cause any permanent damage, but passing them can be painful.kidney stones

Symptoms Of Kidney Stones

Symptoms associated with kidney stones are noticed only when it moves around and passes into the ureter. The ureter is a small tube, it connects the kidneys with the urinary bladder. When kidney stones get lodged in the ureter, it blocks the flow of urine, stops the flow, and causes inflammation in kidneys and spasm in the ureter. At this point, one may notice the following symptoms.

  • Sharp pain in the side and back, usually below ribs, sometimes pain may be unbearable, it may also radiate to the abdomen or groin area
  • Pain may come in wave and it usually fluctuates, it may shift as the stones change its position in the urinary tract
  • Pain and burning sensation during urination
  • Red or brown-colored urine
  • Persistent need to urinate, and yet not feeling satisfied
  • Urinating in a small amount
  • Nausea and vomiting in a few cases
  • Fever and chills because of infection

Time to See a Doctor

You should immediately seek medical attention if you encounter severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, or difficulty in passing urine.

Causes Of Kidney Stones

It is often difficult to pinpoint a single cause responsible for kidney stones. Though, few factors aggravate the risk of the formation of kidney stones. Most of the time, once the doctor detects kidney stones, the patient is advised to avoid calcium and oxalate-rich food, but this not the only reason for kidney stones. There are many reasons for the formation of kidney stones in the body. Following is the list of factors that aggravate the body’s tendency to precipitate kidney stones.

Excess sugar

Excess sugar in diet results in an imbalance of minerals in our kidney. Sweets have fructose, which causes an imbalance in the ratio of calcium and magnesium in the body. Diet rich in sugar may increase the risk of kidney stones, this has been validated by research published in the British Medical Journal.

Soft Drinks Like Sodas and Colas

These soft drinks have phosphorus, which acidifies your urine, this promotes stone formation.

High Oxalate Foods

High Oxalate food includes spinach (palak), black pepper, chocolates, these food items may aggravate kidney stone formation.

Calcium Supplements

Calcium supplements usually come in the form of calcium carbonate. Calcium transport is facilitated by vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and magnesium, many supplements lack in these compounds. Hence, it is vital to ensure the type of calcium supplement. Likewise, supplements such as vitamin C, excessive use of laxative, calcium based antacids, medicines of migraines and depression, can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Dehydration, obesity, certain surgeries like gastric bypass surgery, diseases like chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, recurrent urinary tract infection, also increases the risk of kidney stones.

Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

Home Remedies For Kidney StonesStay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is a vital part of preventing and treating kidney stones. Liquids help in flushing the toxins and kidney stones out of the body. Increase your water intake, it will speed up the process of flushing the kidney stone from the body. You should continue to drink an optimum quantity of water about 8 -12 glasses per day. Dehydration is a major risk factor associated with a kidney stone, pay attention to the color of your urine, any sign of dehydration like dark yellow colored urine should not be avoided.

Lemon

Lemon is a good source of Vitamin C, consume lemon as often as you can in any form. Citrate present in lemon helps in preventing kidney stones.

Lemon

Lemon

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with acetic acid, it dissolves the stones and eases the pain associated with it. You can consume 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, mix it to 6-8 ounce of water and drink this throughout the day. A large amount of apple cider vinegar can cause low levels of potassium, which can trigger mineral imbalance in the body, therefore avoid consuming more than required.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar

Diet

Include Bell peppers, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Pumpkin Seeds, and Onions in your diet, they help in clearing the toxins which contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice improves kidney function, it is packed with antioxidants and it flushes toxins from the body. It also lowers the acidity levels of the urine and reduces the risk of formation of kidney stones.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Other potential home remedies include wheatgrass juice, dandelion root juice, and celery juice.

Although home remedies are time tested, yet it always advised to talk to your doctor before choosing any one of these remedies. Seek medical advice if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, let your doctor guide, if these remedies are helpful to you.

Dr. Reena Prajapat
Dr Reena Prajapat is a dentist, she post graduated in hospital management from Apollo Institute of hospital Administration, Hyderabad. Her strong belief in natural and home remedies lead her to Pursue bachelor in naturopathy.
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