Home Remedies That Can Help to Treat Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are usually small in size and can be as small as a grain of salt or as large as corn. The stone can be brownish or yellowish, plain, or coarse.
You may not be aware of your symptoms and may not know that you have them. But at other times, you will know. Pain is the most apparent symptom of kidney stones. Rinsing one out of the body while peeing can be painful and sometimes very painful. These are the main signs that you are consuming too many minerals and too little water.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones occur when high levels of minerals and other elements such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid gather in the urine to form crystals. The crystals stick together to include one or more stones. (1)
Stones occur when urine is deficient in water or other substances. Kidney stones can be as small as a piece of sand and can pass unnoticed. However, large ones can block the flow of urine and can be very painful. Some people say that the pain is worse than it was during childbirth. Various things, such as what you eat and certain medicines, can lead to kidney stones.
Types of kidney stones
Several types of stones are made up of different things. Knowing the type of stone, you need to understand what could have caused it and prevent it. If you pass a kidney stone (through urine), you should give it to your doctor, and they must be sent to the laboratory to find out what they are. (2)
- Calcium stones: Mostly kidney stones are composed of calcium in the form of calcium oxalate. Two types of calcium stones are there: –
- Calcium oxalate: Oxalate is a substance your liver makes daily. Some fruits and greens, nuts, and chocolate are high in content. When you eat these foods, your body absorbs these substances. Other factors that can increase urinary calcium or oxalate levels include high doses of vitamin D, bowel bypass surgery, and certain metabolic disorders.
- Calcium phosphate: This type of stone is common in people with metabolic disorders such as renal tubular acidosis and in people taking medications to treat migraines and seizures.
- Struvite stones: These can be due to a urinary tract infection. Bacteria that cause infection accumulate ammonia in the time of urine. This leads to the formation of stones. These stones can proliferate.
- Uric acid stones. These occur in people who lose too much water due to chronic diarrhea or malabsorption. Eat a high-protein diet or with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Certain genetic factors can also increase the risk of uric acid stones.
- Cystine stones. This rare stone occurs because the kidneys release too much of a particular amino acid called cystine into the urine. They occur in people with a hereditary disease called cystinuria.
Kidney Stone Symptoms:
- Burning sensation when peeing
- Need to pee more
- Problem with peeing
- A small amount of urine passes through
- Small stones in the urine
- Cloudy or Stinking Pee
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fever and Cold
Home remedies for kidney stone relief
Consult with your doctor before starting any of the following home remedies. You can assess whether home treatment is suitable for you or whether it can cause additional complications.
1. Hydration is important
Drinking water is an important part of kidney stones and prevents the formation of new stones. The liquid not only flushes toxins but also helps move stones and travel through the urinary tract. Water may be sufficient but adding certain ingredients may be beneficial. (3)
2. Lemon Juice
You can add freshly squeezed lemon to the water as many times as you like. Lemon contains citrate, a chemical that prevents the formation of calcium stones. Citric acid can also break small stones and make them easier to pass through.
It would help if you had many lemons to have a significant effect, but some lemons can help you a little. Lemon juice has many other health benefits. For example, it suppresses bacterial growth and provides vitamin C. (4)
3. Basil Juice
It contains acetic acid, which helps break down kidney stones and relieve pain. It is also rich in nutrients. This remedy is traditionally used for gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases. Basil juice contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help maintain kidney health.
Make tea using fresh or dried basil leaves and drink a few cups a day. You can also squeeze fresh basil with a juicer or add it to a smoothie. Do not use medicated basil juice for more than six weeks at a time.
After long-term use, the following symptoms may occur.
- Hypoglycemia,
- Hypotension,
- Increased bleeding.
4. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate Juice has been used for ages to improve the function of the entire kidney. It flushes stones and other toxins from your system. It is packed with antioxidants that help keep your kidneys healthy and prevent the development of kidney stones.
It also reduces the acidity of your urine. Low acidity reduces the risk of future kidney stones. Further research is needed but taking pomegranate extract seems to have some impact and reduce the risk.
Do not drink pomegranate juice if you are taking any of these:
- Liver-dependent medicine
- Medicine for blood pressure, such as Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Dandelion root juice
It is a kidney tonic that excites the production of bile. This is thought to help reduce waste, improve urine output, and improve digestion.
They have vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc. One study explained that dandelions help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Drink 3-4 glasses throughout the day. Some people get heartburn when they eat dandelions or part of them.
5. Celery Juice
Celery Juice is thought to remove toxins that contribute to kidney stones and has long been used in traditional medicine. Mix one or more celery stalks with water and drink juice all day long.
Do not take this mixture if:
- Blood coagulation disorder
- Hypotension
- Planned surgery. (5)
Do not take this mixture if you are also taking Levothyroxine. Includes increased sun sensitivity such as isotretinoin sedatives such as lithium alprazolam.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar not only flushes the kidneys but also relieves the pain caused by stones. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. (6)
Laboratory studies have shown that apple cider vinegar effectively reduces the formation of kidney stones, but more research is needed. However, the risk can be small because there are many other health benefits.
7. Horsetail Juice
Horsetail was used to increase urine flow, flush kidney stones, and relieve swelling and inflammation. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that support the health of the entire urinary tract.
Do not use the horsetail for more than 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) at a time. There is a risk of seizures, low B vitamins, and loss of potassium. Do not use horsetail if you are taking heart medications such as lithium, diuretics, or digoxin. Horsetail is not recommended for children and pregnant or lactating women.
Horsetail contains nicotine and should not be taken if you use a nicotine patch or try to quit smoking. Do not drink horsetail juice if you have:
- Alcohol Abuse Disorder
- Diabetes
- Low Potassium Level
- Low Thiamine Level.
When to see the doctor
- blood in your urine
- vomiting
- fever
- severe pain
- chills
- nausea
Considerations
It may be unpleasant, but it is possible to get through the kidney stones yourself. You can take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve pain.
These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Continue treatment until stones disappear and do not drink alcohol. If you have passed kidney stones, you can save them and see a doctor.
Your doctor can help you decide what kind of stone it is and make a targeted preventive plan. You can add these medications to your usual treatment plan and continue using them after the stone has subsided. This helps prevent the formation of more stones. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicines or herbs.
