Home Cures for Kidney Stones

Home Cures for Kidney Stones
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Kidney stones are made of urine waste products. Symptoms can be nausea or vomiting, fever, cloudy or bloody urine or a more frequent need to urinate. These stones vary in size. Often, small kidney stones will pass on their own, according to Familydoctor.org. If not, your doctor can use a special machine that uses shock waves to break up the kidney stone. There are also some natural ways to help break up kidney stones. Because the symptoms of kidney stones can mimic other conditions like infections, it's a good idea to get a diagnosis from a doctor first.

Water

One of the most effective at-home treatments for kidney stones is also the cheapest and easiest: Drinking large amounts of water can help flush small kidney stones from the body. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 2 to 3 qt. of water daily to properly hydrate and help flush out kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water can also help to prevent new kidney stones from forming.

Basil Juice

To help give the kidney strength and drive kidney stones from the body, mix 1 tsp. of honey and basil juice and consume daily, states Natural-homeremedies.org. Basil juice is available at most health food stores. This mixture should be consumed for about six months to keep kidney stones from forming again.

High Water Content Fruits

Fruits such as watermelons and grapes can be helpful in curing kidney stones. These fruits have a high water content, which acts as a diuretic and can help flush kidney stones out.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can be dehydrating to the body, which can make kidney stones worse and also allow new ones to form. People who are prone to kidney stones should avoid alcohol as much as possible, particularly while suffering from the stones.

Low-Salt Diet

Sticking to a low-salt diet can help treat kidney stones naturally. This is because the sodium contained in salt causes more calcium to be excreted by the kidneys in urine, which can lead to development or worsening of kidney stones. It's also a good idea to minimize the consumption of meat while suffering from kidney stones, and to instead choose protein sources such as nuts or beans, advises The Mayo Clinic.

References

Article reviewed by Kathleen Stebbins Last updated on: Jun 5, 2010

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