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Dealing with kidney stones can be extremely painful and frustrating. These hard deposits of minerals and salts can form in the kidneys and cause severe pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Thankfully, there are several natural remedies you can try at home to help relieve kidney stone pain and potentially dissolve or eliminate the stones. This article will discuss the top home remedies for kidney stones that are safe, effective, and easy to implement.
Table of Contents
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Before diving into home treatment for kidney stone pain, it helps to understand what causes kidney stones in the first place. Kidney stones form when there is an imbalance in the minerals and fluids in your urine. Certain minerals, such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus, can crystalize and stick together to form stones.
Some of the leading causes and risk factors for kidney stones include:
– Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids causes more concentrated urine with higher mineral levels.
– Diet – Eating a lot of sodium, protein, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods can increase risk.
– Obesity – Being overweight or obese increases uric acid levels in urine.
– Certain medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, and gout.
– Family history – Kidney stones can run in families.
– Certain medications, such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids.
Knowing these risk factors can help you make dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent future kidney stones. But if you are currently dealing with an already-formed stone, home remedies can provide much-needed kidney stone pain relief at home.
Top 6 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Drink Lots of Fluids
One of the best things you can do to deal with kidney stone home remedies is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This helps flush out your kidneys and reduces the concentration of minerals in the urine which leads to stone formation.
Aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. Some sources recommend drinking up to a gallon of water daily while passing a stone to help it pass faster. Besides water, other hydrating fluids like herbal tea, lemon water, and freshly squeezed vegetable juices can help too. Just avoid sugar-sweetened beverages as these can increase kidney stone risk.
2. Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a go-to home treatment for kidney stone pain for all kinds of health conditions, including kidney stones. It contains acetic acid that helps dissolve kidney stones by lowering urine pH and increasing urine volume. Plus, malic acid in vinegar may help prevent kidney stone formation altogether.
Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water. You can sweeten the mixture with a little honey if desired. Drink this once or twice daily to help pass kidney stones.
3. Use Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice also contains citric acid that can help break down and dissolve kidney stones and is considered one of the best home remedies for kidney stones. It makes urine less favorable for the crystallization of stone-forming minerals. Lemon juice increases urine volume and makes it more alkaline.
Squeeze the juice from 1-2 lemons and mix with a cup of warm water. Drink this lemonade a few times a day to eliminate small kidney stones or relieve pain. Combining lemon juice with olive oil is also a great home treatment for kidney stone pain.
4. Take Potassium-rich Foods
Potassium helps reduce calcium levels in urine, lowering the risk of kidney stone formation. Eating potassium-rich foods can help flush kidney stones out in the urine.
Some great high-potassium foods to add to your diet include bananas, avocados, melons, oranges, apples, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, potatoes with skin and beans.
5. Basil and Parsley Tea
Herbal teas provide a delicious way to increase fluid intake and prevent kidney stones. Basil and parsley tea is an effective home remedies because these herbs act as natural diuretics to promote urine production. Plus, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can relieve kidney pain and muscle spasms.
Steep a few sprigs of fresh basil and parsley in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can add lime juice for extra flavor and stone-clearing benefits.
6. Take Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium helps prevent kidney stones by controlling calcium absorption in the body and binding oxalates in the digestive tract before they can form stones. Taking a magnesium supplement daily can help dissolve calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Look for a supplement with at least 200-400 mg of magnesium per serving. Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium oxide are among the best forms. But check with your doctor before starting magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney disease.
When to See a doctor
While home remedies can help pass small kidney stones and relieve pain, they may not be enough for larger stones. See your doctor immediately if your pain becomes severe or you experience the following symptoms:
– Persistent nausea and vomiting
– Blood in the urine (hematuria)
– High fever and chills
– Pain that spreads to your sides or groyne
For very large kidney stones, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or medical procedures like shock wave therapy and surgery to break them up or remove them. The sooner you get treatment, the less damage the stone will cause.
Preventing Future Kidney Stones
To avoid dealing with painful kidney stone pain relief at home, be sure to:
– Drink 3-4 liters of fluid daily, especially water.
– Follow a low-sodium, low-sugar diet.
– Eat less meat, salt, and processed foods.
– Increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Take supplements like magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium.
– Limit foods high in oxalates like spinach, nuts, and chocolate.
– Get regular exercise and stay active.
Conclusion
Dealing with kidney stones is never fun, but this kidney stone home remedy can often help relieve pain and discomfort while the stone passes naturally. However, see a doctor right away if your symptoms worsen or become unbearable. With the right combination of natural treatments and medical care when needed, you can successfully manage and prevent kidney stones.
If you are also seeking such treatment, do contact Dr Dushyant Pawar, he is one of the best urologists in Ahmedabad. He is currently working at Shivanta Multispeciality Hospital as a Laparoscopy surgeon and a prostate cancer specialist. He is renowned for his prolonged practice in kidney cancer treatment, and prostate surgery.
FAQs
Q: What are kidney stones?
A: Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Q: What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
A: Symptoms include intense pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, and frequent urination.
Q: What causes kidney stones?
A: Kidney stones can form due to various factors such as dehydration, certain medical conditions, a diet high in oxalates or sodium, and family history.
Q: How can I prevent kidney stones?
A: Stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet low in sodium and oxalates, limit animal protein, and avoid excessive consumption of certain foods like spinach and chocolate.
Q: Can home remedies help treat kidney stones?
A: Yes, certain home remedies like increased water intake, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and dietary changes may help alleviate symptoms and facilitate the passing of kidney stones.
Q: When should I seek medical help for kidney stones?
A: Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, persistent vomiting, fever, chills, difficulty urinating, or notice blood in urine, as these could indicate complications.
