There are home remedies for kidney stones’ easy passing. Although I’d rather you not have them than having to pass them – because they hurt. A lot! You shouldn’t even wish kidney stones on your enemy.
Your kidney is one of your most important organs. Without the waste and impurity filtering system of the kidney, your body won’t function right. The kidney excretes toxins and wastes into the bladder for removal (your urine contains more than you know). And just so you know, kidney stones are more common than you thought.
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones – but what are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are simply put, stones formed in the kidney. Also known as nephrolithiasis or renal stones. They are hard crystals formed from solidified waste materials that build up in the kidneys. About 80% of kidney stones are formed from calcium oxalate, cysteine, uric acid, and struvite.
These stones form more frequently than you know, but it’s the larger ones that cause issues. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 15% of the total population of Americans have kidney stones, and some don’t even know – well, in this case, ignorance may not be bliss! This is because, if left untreated and unattended to, kidney stones may cause more significant kidney problems in the future.
So, whether you have kidney stones or not, here are some home remedies you should know. You can never tell when this information will come in handy.
9 home remedies for kidney stones
These are simple home remedies that you can use in preventing kidney stones. Most of them also work in easing the passage of kidney stones should in case you get them. But, in any case, remember to contact your doctor!
Water
The easiest way to prevent kidney stones and to treat them is by staying hydrated. Kidney stones primarily form because of a concentrated buildup of wastes. So, drinking sufficient amounts of water every day will help you flush out toxins and dilute substances that could form stones. Even in the presence of kidney stones, water enables you to ease its passage.
Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day will help in preventing kidney stone formation. If in case you develop kidney stones, you will have to up that quantity to 12 glasses. All in all, stay hydrated.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice goes a long way in breaking down kidney stones. Lemon juice contains a healthy amount of citrate, which is vital in the breakdown of calcium deposits (the building block for kidney stones).
Combining lemon juice with honey packs a bigger punch in your fight against kidney stones. This combination is one of the healthiest elixirs, even on this list. About 5 to 6 glasses of lemon juice and honey per day, will help in dissolving stones and dulling the associated pain. And hey, if you can get fresh lemon juice, opt for it.
Basil Juice
Basil contains acetic acid – a compound that stabilizes uric acid levels and reduces the likelihood of kidney stones. Asides from helping prevent and treat kidney stones, basil juice also has effects on inflammatory and digestive disorders.
You can easily add basil leaves to your smoothies, or add to your tea and drink. The anti-oxidative properties of basil can maintain the urinary and respiratory systems.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Just like basil, apple cider contains acetic acid. Which, as you know by now, is effective in dissolving kidney stones – and in relieving pain (which is the primary complaint from people who have kidney stones). Asides from this, apple cider also has numerous health benefits.
Additionally, before you take apple cider, you should be sure it is not contraindicated with any other medication you are on. You should also ensure not to take more than 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar per day, as it can cause a sharp drop in potassium levels.
Celery Juice
Toxins that form kidney stones are quickly cleared away because of nutrients found in celery. So, drink up! Celery juice has been used traditionally as an alternative medicine for several years. Blend a stalk or two with water and enjoy the juice all day long.
Due to the peculiarities attached with celery, you shouldn’t drink it if you have low blood pressure or any bleeding disorder.
Pomegranate Juice
While further studies still need to be done on the effects of pomegranate on the urinary system, it is known that it flushes toxins out of the kidney. It lowers urine acidity levels, and its antioxidant properties keep the kidney healthy.
Take caution in drinking pomegranate juice if you are on blood pressure medications.
Kidney Bean Broth
Using kidney bean broth as one of the home remedies for kidney stones originated from India – a region that has lots of people suffering from kidney stones. Kidney beans, called rajma in India, contain vitamin B, which are necessary for dissolving kidney stones and maintain the overall health of the urinary system.
You can easily add kidney beans to your diet as it contains proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, and slow-release carbohydrates.
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass contains compounds that increase the production of urine. Thereby reducing the likelihood of stone formation, and easy passing if formed. Wheatgrass also has antioxidant components that remove calcium deposits along the urinary tract. In general, wheatgrass helps maintain the proper functioning of the kidney.
It is most beneficial to take wheatgrass juice rather than pills or powder.
Dates
To start with, dates are tasty! You’ll enjoy them. Furthermore, they contain magnesium, manganese, copper, among other essential nutrients. All of these elements help in reducing the risk of kidney stones and in flushing out toxins and unnecessary fluids from the kidney.
Asides these home remedies, there are simple lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent kidney stones. Some of which are: meeting daily calcium requirements, managing weight, proper diet, avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks and drink lots of water!
Concluding Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
Before you decide on these home remedies for kidney stones, see your doctor. A physician is best trained to treat kidney stones. These remedies are adjunct ways to prevent and to manage them. Your kidney is vital to your health. So, please take care of it.
