If symptomatic, kidney stones are experienced as excruciating, unrelenting radiating pain, originating in the upper backside. Some experience nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention; others may also experience chills, fever and increased urination if infection is also present. In many cases, however, kidney stones are not symptomatic until they cause blockage of the ureter. Although most kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, about one in five are made of either calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite or cystine. Knowing which type of stone the person has informs the treatment recommended. Consulting a holistically trained physician, such as a naturopathic doctor, will yield the best results when attempting natural treatments.
Diet Rich in Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates
There is no change in diet that could resolve acute episodes, especially blockage, and surgery may be necessary. However, depending on the type of stones the person tends to form, her diet can help prevent future stones from forming. For calcium oxalate stone formers, a diet rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates and green leafy vegetables are beneficial, as well as increasing high-magnesium calcium ratio foods. Best foods to accomplish this include brown rice, barley, bran, corn, rye, buckwheat, soy, oats, avocado, banana, cashew, sesame seed and potato. Also consider decreasing simple carbohydrates and purine rich foods, such as meat, fish, poultry and yeast, as well as oxalate foods such as black tea, spinach, beet leaves, parsley, rhubarb, cranberry, nuts and cocoa. For uric acid stone formers, a decrease in purine rich foods is recommended. Cystine stone formers should avoid methionine-rich foods such as wheat, dairy, soy, fish, meat, garbanzo and lima beans, mushrooms and nuts.
Nutritional Supplements
Certain nutritional deficiencies may contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Assessing and best addressing those needs may require consulting an expert in natural medicine, such as a naturopathic physician. In general, calcium stone formers benefit from supplementation with vitamins B6 and K, as well as magnesium and calcium. Uric acid stone formers may benefit from supplementation with folic acid.
Botanicals
Compounds found in certain botanical herbs have been shown to bind calcium, reduce the size of stones and prevent the formation of more stones. The specific compounds called anthraquinones are typically extracted from rubia tinctura, rumex, aloe, senna, mitchella repens and rhamus alnus. Other herbs found to have smooth muscle-relaxing effects--facilitating the passage of stones--include ammi visnaga, ruta graveolens, leptotania and hydrangea. Consult a naturopathic physician for the appropriate combination and dosages of herbs. Intense pain may indicate urinary tract obstruction that may require immediate surgery.
Physical Medicine
For acute pain, the goal of treatment should be to relax the smooth muscle and possibly allow passage of the stone. One simple way that has a relaxing effect on the abdomen in general--and urinary tract in particular--is the topical application of hot vinegar packs. Use equal amounts of hot water and vinegar, and soak a hand towel in it. Wring it gently and apply it to the painful side of the back and abdomen. While lying down, focus on your breath and keep the towel on until it becomes cool to the touch. Repeat as necessary, but call your doctor if the pain persists.
References
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention
- Mayo Clinic: Kidney stones: Prevention
