9 Home remedies for kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that build up in the kidneys, and form crystals. Its Also known as nephrolithiasis.(1,2)

A 2005 study on US population found that about 5% and 12% of women and men respectively will develop kidney stones in their lifetime.

They cause severe pain passing through the urinary tract. Some medical symptoms include nausea, fever, and severe pain.(3,4)

Stones are hard deposits that have crystalline structure made up of calcium oxalate and other compounds.(5,6)

There are several ways to manage formation of kidney stones. Find here medical backed natural home remedies for kidney stones. You can use them throughout the day at any given time.

What dissolves kidney stones fast?

The OTC drugs can relieve instant pain caused by kidney stones faster than home remedy. Kidney stones are hard crystals that must be dissolved for ease of passing urine. (7,8)

But, here are outlined medically reviewed natural home remedies for kidney stones that will deal with both severe pain and stone formation.

Unless you have a doctor’s directions on these drugs try to avoid them for optimum health.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking liquids plays a vital role in Kidney Stones prevention. This method is one of the most recommended home remedies for passing a kidney stone and also prevents new Stones from forming.

Keeping yourself hydrated increases the volume of stone-forming substances when passing urine, making them less likely to crystallize.

However, not all liquids exert this effect equally. For example, a high intake of water, orange, lemon juice, can help dissolve the deposits of minerals and salts in the kidneys.

Therefore, to prevent kidney stones, drink plenty of water, for it will help you pass the stones effectively.

On the other hand, taking fluids as colas may contribute to a high risk of Kidney Stones formation. Doctors recommend drinking 8-12 glasses of water daily. Drinking-Water alone is very beneficial to your health.

Soft drinks containing fructose increase calcium excretion of calcium, uric acid, and oxalates. These are important factors for kidney stone risk.

2. Reduce the intake of oxalates foods

Oxalic acid is a compound found in some diets, which when consumed exits the body through the urine.

A high oxalate intake can bind calcium and other minerals, forming crystals that can lead to Kidney stone formation.

According to medically reviewed journals, Oxalic acid is found in many plants; like vegetables, cocoa, nuts, fruits, etc. Strict low intake of oxalates can also affect your health.

3. Meet daily vitamin C requirements

Consuming a regular amount of vitamin C juice reduces the probability of Kidney Stones. However, high dosages of more than 500g may create oxalates and result in kidney stones.

A case study conducted in 2019 found that those who drink Vitamin C juices and vinegar had a lower Kidney stone likelihood.

However, more research has confirmed the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, Lemons specifically, as natural remedies for kidney stones.

It’s not proven whether vitamin-C supplements can form kidney stones. However, getting vitamin C from fruits and lemon juice have several health benefits that supplements.

4. Consume Enough Calcium

Consuming enough calcium is one of the easiest home remedies for Kidney Stones. It’s a common misconception that you need to reduce your calcium intake to decrease your threat of forming Kidney Stones. 

High calcium diet can decrease the danger kidney stones according to a study by NCBI.

Healthline recommends the daily allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,000 mg per day for adults. The recommended allowance is 1,200 mg daily for women over the age of 50 and everyone over the age of 70.

5. Reduce the intake of animal protein

Intake of animal protein such as meat, fish, and dairy, is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones. As stated in the earlier paragraphs, Calcium and Vitamin C (Citrate) are essential vitamins to curb kidney stones.

High intake of animal protein may decrease levels of citrate, which will make you prone to the risk of having kidney issues.

Animal protein such as Kidney, liver, and other organ meats sources are rich in purines. These compounds are broken down into uric acid and may increase the possibility of Kidney Stones.

6. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drink

Alcohol, Carbonated, and caffeinated substances can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Substitute these with with a glass of water.

Research conducted exposed that drinking caffeine can increase the risk of stones. Also, Drinks and sodas that contain artificial sugars have a high likelihood of developing kidney stones.

Caffeine intake is independently and linearly associated with a higher risk of recurrent kidney stones. This is prominent in adults, especially for women of non-white race, and non-overweight subjects. The high risk may arise from the caffeine.

7. Reduce Salt Intake

High salt diets increase the likelihood that kidney stones will form. Salt contains sodium, a component that increases calcium excretion which is one of the main risk factors this urinary defect.

Other dietary professionals recommend that people limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. Reducing the intake of these minerals will increase urine passage.

8. Dandelion root Juice

Dandelion roots are often used in form of tea. It stimulates the production of bile which aids in kidney stones.

The juice eliminates waste, improves digestion, and increases urine output. It contains vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium.

One study proves that drinking dandelion juice is effective in preventing stone formation.

You can make fresh dandelion juice or buy it as tea. If you make it fresh, you may also add apple, ginger, and orange peel to taste. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.

9. Magnesium

Magnesium is another recommended home remedy for kidney stones. It partakes in numerous metabolic reactions within your body, including muscle movements and energy production.

The RDI (reference daily intake) for magnesium is 420 mg per day. If you want to increase your dietary magnesium intake, legumes, tofu avocados are all good dietary sources.

To reap maximum benefits, up to your intake of servings high in oxalic acid. You can also consume this mineral within 12 hours of eating oxalate-rich diet.

Medical research shows that magnesium administration decreases oxalate absorption when magnesium is taken together with oxalate.

How do I get instant relief from kidney stones?

Where you cannot access the home remedies, you can seek advice from your doctor. To relieve the pain fast, you can get over-the-counter drugs to give instant relief. These pain medications can include naproxen, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), and acetaminophen.

What foods help clear kidney stones?

Unsalted or low salted servings

Salt is one of the major causes of kidney stones because of the sodium in it. By reducing the amount of sodium intake, you will inhibit stones from forming and reduce the increase of the existing ones.

High calcium based dish

Calcium can lower the risk of new stones. It reduces the absorption of oxalate into the bloodstream, therefore preventing the formation of kidney stones. You should get the best of this mineral from almonds, broccoli and many green vegetables.

Citrate containing diet

Citrate is high in citrus fruits. The citrate in them helps hinder the kidney stone from forming. The best source of citrate are orange and lemon juice because of the citric acid . Increase your intake of lemon juice for your overall health too.

Kidney beans

Just like the name suggests kidney beans resemble the human kidneys. In India, cooked kidney beans have been used to treat urinary tract issues and improve kidney health.

It helps to dissolve the stones and flash them from the kidneys. The broth from this beans is also a delicious meal that have other nutrients for general health. Beans are also good source of proteins for strict vegetarians.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice has high composition of antioxidants that are good for your urinary tract health. The antioxidants will keep your kidneys healthy and prevent the development of stones.

According to medically reviewed publications, pomegranate lowers urine acidity. The lower the urinary acidity the lower the chances of stones developing in your kidneys.

Basil herbal tea

Basil is rich in acetic acid which help dissolve the stones. Medical practitioners pose that basil leaves can help balance the urea in urine. To expel kidney stones, take basil leaves tea.

How does apple cider vinegar dissolve kidney stones?

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help you pass the stone. Regular intake of apple cider vinegar also helps ease pain caused by the stones because of its composition of citric acid.

Apple Cider Vinegar can alkalize blood and urine. This helps prevent kidney stones from forming. You should avoid this vinegar when you are suffering from peptic ulcers, gastritis and chronic kidney disease.

Medical professionals recommend adding 2 tablespoons of this vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of pure water. Drink it throughout the day. You can also use it on salads.

When to see a doctor

If you are concerned about kidney stones, you should consult an experienced medical doctor. However most of the times kidney stones do not require surgery and may be treated with these remedies. You should also seek medications when the symptoms are severe.

Word from Gilead on kidney stone

At Gilead we strongly advocate for natural remedies which include what you eat and drink instead of medications.

This post is for your optimum health without side effects. Although it seems difficult, to treat kidney stones at home, the treatment is possible.

Fortunately, these home remedies for kidney stones may help reduce this risk even for future kidney issues.

Also, there are a few simple measures that may go a long way in preventing painful kidney stones. Be sure to continue treatment until the stone pass, and don’t drink alcohol.

You might add these home remedies to your usual regimen and continue use after the stone passes. This may help prevent more stones from forming.

Medical research has it, If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re very likely to develop another one within 6 to 15 years. therefor, watch out on your urinary tract health after previous problems.