The formation of kidney stones is the result of several factors. When the substances that are usually suspended in urine do not pass during urination, they form stones. Ed Ren of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Renal Unit explains that when urine is concentrated and acidic, stones are more likely to form. Kidney stones are more prevalent in men than in women and appear in the ages of 30 to 60. Certain natural treatments may be beneficial for eliminating kidney stones but may cause side effects. Consult your health practitioner before starting any new treatment.
Step 1
Make dietary changes, especially if you have gout or urate crystals forming stones in your kidneys. Reduce the amount of animal protein in your diet by eliminating meats, poultry and shellfish, all associated with the formation of uric acid. Food such as fish and tofu will provide adequate protein and may help prevent the formation of kidney stones, according to Gout Pal. Consult with a health practitioner for dietary guidelines if you have calcium oxalate stones or struvite crystals.
Step 2
Use apple cider vinegar to reduce the acidity of the urine, helping to neutralize the formation of kidney stones by changing the pH, suggests the book "The pH Miracle." Organic vinegar is best as it has no impurities like pesticides and herbicides. Mix 2 tbsp. vinegar in 8 oz. water and drink two glasses of this mixture daily. If the vinegar is too strong, reduce the quantity to 1 tsp. and work up to the full dose.
Step 3
Drink plenty of freshwater daily to keep the urine diluted and flush the kidneys of any residue that may have formed. The recommended amount of water is 1/2 oz. per pound of body weight. In other words, a 150 lb. individual needs 75 oz. of water daily.
Step 4
Use baking soda to prevent urate kidney stones. If you have gout, you may also have urate stones, the result of having excess uric acid in the urine. Mix 1/2 tsp. baking soda with 8 oz. water and drink. Repeat the drink every two hours if you are experiencing pain from a kidney stone. Use up to a maximum of 4 tsp. baking soda daily. Once the pain is relieved, reduce the amount of baking soda. Drink a glass or two daily to prevent additional attacks. Baking soda can raise the blood pressure, so consult a health practitioner if you are taking medicines for high blood pressure.
Step 5
Use homeopathic remedies for the kidneys. Homeopathy may be helpful in strengthening the kidneys and or preventing kidney stones, according to the "Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicines." Certain remedies are known for their ability to treat kidney disease such as pulsatilla, berberis vulgaris and urtic urens. Do not self-treat with homeopathic remedies for kidney disease. Consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct remedy and dosing protocol.
Tips and Warnings
- The Journal of the America Society of Nephrology reported on the results of a the first randomized, controlled clinical study in 2009 in which sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, was administered orally to a group of participants to examine the effects of the treatment on kidney disease. The conclusion is that baking soda may slow the progression of kidney disease and the development of kidney stones.
- Always consult a health practitioner first when using alternative remedies for kidney disease. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop the remedy and seek medical attention.
References
- Journal of the America Society of Nephrology, Vol. 20;
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- "Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicines"; Dr. S.R. Phatak; 1988
- Edren.org--Website of the Edinburgh Renal Unit: Kidney Stones
- Gout Pal: Foods that Cause Gout
