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.

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

Stay 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

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

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

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.

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Apple cider vinegar commonly found in our kitchens and is used in cooking and other household purposes. It also helps with several health concerns.

It is prepared in 2 ways. The first process is to expose the crushed apples to the yeast so that they ferment and turn the sugars into alcohol. The second method is bacteria are added to this alcoholic solution that further ferments and converts the alcohol into acetic acid.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The organic apple vinegar thus contains various enzymes, protein and good bacteria. It also contains some amounts of potassium and antioxidants. However, it does not contain many minerals and vitamins, but is low in calorie.

Let us discuss in brief the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

1. Anti- microbial and antiseptic- Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms due to the presence of acetic acid in it. Because of this property, it is used for cleansing and as a disinfectant. It is also used to treat an ear infection, lice, nail fungus and warts.
2. Natural food preservative- Use apple cider vinegar to preserve food. It kills and restricts the growth of E-coli that may spoil and contaminate the food.
3. Removes acne- Dilute apple cider vinegar with essential oil and apply it on the acne to get rid of it. Also, it softens and exfoliates the skin by maintaining the pH balance.
4. Prevents and fight type-2 diabetes- Apple cider vinegar not only improves the insulin sensitivity, but also lowers the level of blood glucose. Just take 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar before going to the bed. This will reduce the fasting blood glucose by 4 percent.

Prevents and fight type-2 diabetes

If you are already taking medication to control the level of blood sugar, please consult your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar.
5. Reduces risk of cardiac disease- Apple cider vinegar reduces the bad cholesterol and blood triglycerides thus prevents heart diseases.
6. Prevents cancer- Research shows that apple cider vinegar has the capability to shrink tumor cells and slows the cancer cell growth.
7. Weight control- Apple cider vinegar on one hand is low in calories and on the other hand it gives the feeling of fullness and suppresses appetite thus helps to control weight. Also, due to high acetic acid content, it aids digestion, promote metabolism and reduces the retention of the water.

Weight control-

8. To aid digestion- Take 2 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar and one glass of water. Mix the ingredients and drink it before every meal to improve digestion. You may also gargle with it too and get rid of bad breath.
9. Treat piles- Soak a ball of cotton with apple cider vinegar and apply it on the piles. This will give instant relief from pain and itching. You may also add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a half cup of water and drink it daily to cure piles.
10 Relieves a sore throat – Apple cider vinegar kills germs. Whenever you have a sore throat take one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of warm water. Gargle with this preparation several times in a day. As germs are unable to survive the acidic environment they will be killed and you will be relieved from a sore throat soon.
11. Helps to get rid of post nasal drip- Whenever you catch a cold or suffers from a cold, nasal drip dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it. Potassium present in it will thin the mucus and will aid drainage of the sinus.
12. Relieves a headache- If you suffer from a regular headache then take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of honey in a glass of water. Mix the ingredients and drink it daily to get rid of a headache and migraine.

Relieves a headache

13. Remove dandruff- Take equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix well and rinse off your scalp with it. After 20 minutes, wash your hair. For best results, try this 2 to 3 times a week. The acidity property of apple cider vinegar will make it impossible for the yeast to grow and you will get rid of dandruff.
14. To get rid of hiccups- Take half teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with a little water and slowly drink this solution. The sour taste distracts you and helps to get rid of hiccups.
15. To relieve stiff neck- Soak a ball of cotton with apple cider vinegar and keep it over the affected area for 15 minutes to relieve stiff neck.

To relieve stiff neck

16. Boost immunity and reduce stress- The amino acids present in the apple cider vinegar act as an antidote against the lactic acid build-up due to stress. Also, the presence of enzymes and potassium ward off tiredness. You may add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water or any vegetable drink of your choice to boost your energy.
17. Reduces nighttime leg cramp- It is usually caused due to deficiency of potassium. Take 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and add it to a glass of warm water. You may add 1 teaspoon honey to the mixture. Drink this solution and you will be relieved by night cramps within few minutes.

Reduces nighttime leg cramp-

18. In the case of bruises- Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply to the bruises or wounds. It helps to fade the color owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
After acknowledging so many benefits of apple cider vinegar I hope you will always find a space for this wonderful remedy in your kitchen.

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