Are you experiencing severe pain in the back radiating to the front? Have you noticed cloudy urine or burning sensation during urination? These are the signs of Nephrolithiasis, aka Kidney stones! Before they grow in size and ruin your kidneys, you must take immediate action. Along with your regular medication, home remedies can help in flushing out these kidney stones and prevent them from recurring.
Types Of Kidney Stones :
1. Calcium Stones:
This is the most common type of kidney stones. They are made of calcium oxalate mostly, phosphate and maleate too. They usually occur due to consumption of an oxalate-rich diet like spinach, beets, peanuts etc.
2. Uric Acid Stones:
They occur when the urine is too acidic, especially in people with gout. They are more frequent in men than in women.
3. Struvite Stones:
This type of stones usually occur in women with urinary tract infections. These stones can be large and can cause urinary obstruction.
4. Cystine Stones:
This type is rare, and occurs in people suffering from cystinuria. The amino acid cystine leaks into urine and forms stones.
Causes Of Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are mineral deposits formed in the Kidney, as a result of excess Calcium or uric acid. They usually grow in size and sometimes can cause urinary obstruction if too large. The following factors increase the risk of Kidney stones in your body:
- Lack of enough water – dehydration.
- Foods rich in oxalate like nuts, chocolate etc.
- Frequent Urinary tract Infections, esp in women.
- Intake of protein rich foods excessively
- Certain medications
- Genetic Factors
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones:
Here are a few common symptoms experienced with kidney stones:
- Pain in the lower back or side of the ribs.
- Pain in the lower abdomen radiating from loin to groin.
- Burning sensation or pain during micturition.
- Cloudy Urine with the foul smell.
- Urge to urinate frequently.
- Passing urine in very small quantities.
- Fever with chills.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones:
As a famous saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Even if you have a history of stones, following these precautions can ensure reduced reoccurrence in future:
- Stay adequately hydrated to avoid concentration of Urine
- Decrease consumption of Oxalate-rich foods like beetroots, tea, chocolate, Soya etc.,
- Consume a diet low in sodium to safeguard your kidneys.
- Maintain proper hygiene and avoid recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Have regular medical checkups to detect any problems early.
See Also: Healthy Foods For Kidney Stones
Best Home Remedies To Cure Kidney Stones:
The below is the list of the best 20 natural home remedies for kidney stones which are very helpful in the quick cure of kidney stones. Read on to discover more about them.
1. Drink Plenty Of Water:
Water cleanses the entire system and if consumed regularly, prevents kidney stones. It dilutes the stone forming substances in the urine, making them less likely to crystallize. It flushes out the toxins from the body. Drinking 10 glasses of water or more per day is advised each day for prevention of kidney stones
2. Dandelion Root Treatment For Kidney Stones:
Dandelion root can be used for the treatment of painful kidney stones as a kidney cleanser. It acts like a diuretic and increases the amount of urine and eliminates toxins and waste from the body.
How To Use:
- Dandelion extract is available in pill or capsule form. Consumption of about 500 mg of dandelion extract per day helps in the elimination of kidney stones.
When To Avoid:
- Proper data is not available in pregnant and lactating mothers, so better not to use in them.
3. Pomegranate Juice:
Another best remedy for kidney stones is Pomegranate Juice. It helps in flushing the toxins out of the body very effectively. It also reduces the acidity of the urine, thus preventing the formation of kidney stones. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, which play a role in keeping the kidneys healthy and is specially recommended to patients on dialysis and chronic kidney disease patients. (1)
How To Use:
- Incorporate freshly squeezed pomegranate juice regularly in your diet and get rid of kidney stones. Drink pomegranate juice at least once a day for desired results.
4. Uva Ursi:
Uva Ursi has been used as a natural remedy for removing kidney stones for many years. The leaves of uva ursi are used as a medicine for kidney problems. The disinfectant and solvent properties of uva ursi help cleanse the urinary tract and ease the passage of kidney stones without pain. It is also used in treating urinary tract infections, painful urination and urine which contains excess uric acid. Thus it prevents the formation of kidney stones. (2)
How To Use:
- It reduces the formation and recurrence of kidney stones if taken as 500 mg capsules or pills thrice each day until the problem is solved.
See Also: Yoga Asanas For Kidney Patients
5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey:
Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in dissolving the kidney stones because of its acidic nature. The acetic acid present in the vinegar helps in dissolving the kidney stones. In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar also reduces stone associated pain in kidneys. Raw honey has antiseptic properties and prevents infections. It also helps in making the urine alkaline and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 2 glasses of water
How To Use:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar and honey in the water and consume it.
How Often Should I Do This?
- This mixture can be consumed several times a day for best results.
6. Basil And Honey:
Basil is one of the home remedies for kidney stones. It contains acetic acid which breaks down the kidney stones and flushes them out. It causes dieresis and acts as a detoxifier and helps in removing kidney stones. Basil lowers uric acid levels and makes it hard for the formation of kidney stones. It also reduces infection and pain associated with kidney stones.
Ingredients Needed:
- 5-10 basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 glass of water
How To Use:
- Take a handful of basil leaves and extract the juice out of them.
- Mix the fresh basil juice with some amount of raw honey in a glass of water.
How Often Should I Do This?
- Consume this mixture at least 2-3 times per day.
- It needs to be consumed early in the morning for atleast 4-5 months for visible outcomes.
7. Wheatgrass:
One of the best home remedies for kidney stones in men is Wheatgrass juice. It contains compounds which increase urine production, helps to pass stones easily and reduces their formation. Wheatgrass helps to remove salts from the urinary tract and prevents their crystallization into kidney stones. It also contains several vital nutrients which cleanse the kidneys and eliminate toxins.
How To Use :
- Freshly extracted wheatgrass juice should be consumed 2-4 times a day for maximum benefits.
8. Kidney Beans:
Kidney beans are high in fibre and vitamins and minerals and help in cleansing the urinary tract very effectively. It also helps in dissolving and flushing out the stones.
How To Use :
- Strain the liquid broth from the cooked beans and drink a few glasses per day.
See Also: Tips To Keep Kidney Healthy
9. Celery For Kidney Stones:
A glass of freshly extracted celery juice is another home remedial cure for kidney stones. It not only has antispasmodic properties but also helps in cleansing the toxins well from the body. Celery acts like a diuretic which helps in increasing urine flow and helps in the elimination of kidney stones.
How To Use :
- Boil 1-2 celery stalks in water for 10 mins and consume the water.
How Often Should I Do This :
- This drink can be consumed 2-3 times everyday to reduce kidney stones formation and recurrence.
10. Olive Oil :
Olive oil is extremely beneficial when it comes to kidney stones. It is thought to help in the easy passage of kidney stones by lubricating the urinary tract. Olive oil is also known to reduce pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones. It can also be consumed in conjuction with lemon juice wherein the citric acid present in lemon helps further.
How To Use :
- It is recommended to drink 2 oz of olive oil with 2 oz of lemon juice along with 8 oz of water, first thing in the morning. Drink this remedy twice a day for good results.
11. Baking Soda:
Sodium bicarbonate in baking soda helps in alkalinizing your body and makes urine less acidic, thus preventing the formation of kidney stones. It also helps in dissolving uric acid kidney stones.
How To Use :
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it once or twice a day.
- However, too much of baking soda is detrimental to health and causes adverse effects like hives, gastrointestinal irritation etc.
12. Coconut Oil Treatment For Kidney Stones:
If you are wondering how to dissolve kidney stones naturally, you must try Coconut oil. This wonderful ingredient is believed to flush out the stones and protect your kidneys. It also reduces the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones.
How To Use :
- Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of coconut oil.
- Now mix these two really well and now mix them both in warm water.
- Shake this concoction very well to mix in the oil and consume it at least twice a day.
13. Raw Lemon Juice:
Wish to know how to get rid of kidney stones naturally? The answer is lemon juice. Studies show that citrate, a salt in citric acid binds to calcium and helps block kidney stone formation. This can help in the prevention of kidney stones, along with flushing them out easily.
How To Use :
- Extract fresh juice from a lemon.
- Consume it raw without mixing any water in it.
- Have this at least 2-3 times every day for a speedy recovery.
14. Tribulus Terrestris For Kidney Stones :
Tribulus terrestris possesses antiurolithic and antioxidant potential. It is known to improve renal function and modulate stone structure to aid in easy passage of stones. It also inhibits calcium oxalate crystallization and hence prevents kidney stone formation.
How To Use :
- Consume the powder mixed in water once everyday for optimum results. Too much consumption, however, might lead to neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.
15. Horsetail Tea For Kidney Stones:
Horsetail tea is one of the best home remedies for kidney stone pain. It increases urine flow to flush out kidney stones. Horsetail tea also soothes swelling and reduces inflammation. It possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties which prevent kidney infections.
How To Use :
- Mix horsetail juice in warm water and consume this tea 2-3 times a day.
- However, excessive consumption of this tea causes potentially dangerous side effects like seizures etc.
16. Orange For Kidney Stones:
Orange contains citric acid, which has citrate. Citrate helps in the prevention of kidney stones by decreasing the acidity of urine. It also has high antioxidant properties which promote kidney health.
How To Use :
- Drink freshly squeezed orange juice 2-3 times a day for prevention of kidney stones.
See Also: Is Orange Good For Health
17. Nettle Leaves For Kidney Stones:
Nettle leaf is one of the best remedies for kidney stone pain relief. It acts as a natural diuretic and increases urine flow. Nettle leaves flushes out toxins from the body. It also reduces the pain and inflammation associated with kidney stones.
How To Use :
- To make this home remedy, you will have to take about 2-3 spoonfuls of dried nettle leaves and then mix with very hot water.
- Let it rest for a while till the leaves seep in and then drink this solution for about 2-3 times a day.
18. Bran Flakes:
Fiber is extremely important for the body when you are suffering from kidney stones. You should definitely include a lot of bran flakes, fibers and oats in your everyday diet and prevent recurrence of kidney stones.
19. Artificial Caffeinated Drinks :
Avoid the consumption of excessive sugary and caffeinated drinks as it is known to increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
20. Limit Your Intake Of Animal Protein :
Excessive consumption of animal protein such as meat, seafood and eggs leads to increased production of uric acid in the body, which predisposes to the formation of kidney stones. Hence, limit your daily protein intake to the recommended levels.
These home remedies for kidney stones are the most economical and simple ways to curb them. It is to be noted that none of these methods is scientifically approved by the doctors and must not be used as an alternative to your medical treatments. Consult a healthcare provider before starting these home remedies. Which method proved to be the most effective for you? Do let us know !!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to and should not be construed for medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs:
1. Is Banana Good For Kidney Stones?
Ans. Yes. Research has shown that banana is rich in potassium and magnesium. Magnesium combines with the oxalates in the foods that we eat, thereby preventing the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
2. Can Stress Cause Kidney Stones?
Ans. Clinical studies have shown that stress is an indirect contributor towards kidney stones. Stress is usually associated with poor diet, less exercise, increased caffeine intake and inadequate hydration, which lead to the formation of kidney stones gradually.
3. What Is The Latest Treatment Of Kidney Stones?
Ans. Several new interventions have been developed for kidney stones. Some of them are ESWL ( Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy ), PCNL ( Percutaneous NephroLithotripsy ), ureteroscopy etc.
