There are several types of kidney stones that can form and block proper kidney functions. Many stones that develop are the result of foods eaten that are not properly metabolized. The majority of smaller kidney stones are dissolved in the urine and eliminated through natural excretory processes. Larger stones may have difficulty dissolving, especially if the urine is too acidic or quantities of urine are scanty. Getting rid of troublesome kidney stones may occur through the use of natural remedies and a change in dietary habits. A health practitioner should be consulted regardless of the method used to eliminate kidney stones.
Step 1
Drink water to maintain adequate hydration of the body. The kidneys need enough urine to dissolve calculi as it passes through, and too little water can compromise their function, notes the book Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. The recommended dose of water is six to eight glasses daily.
Step 2
Add cranberries and cranberry juice to your diet. Cranberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and may be effective in preventing the formation of oxalate kidney stones, according to the British Journal of Urology. Mix 1 cup pure cranberry juice with 3 cups water and drink the entire contents throughout the day.
Step 3
Use fresh lemon juice to help prevent kidney stones, suggests the Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Squeeze half a fresh lemon into an 8 oz. glass of hot water and add honey to sweeten for a soothing hot lemonade.
Step 4
Include baking soda drinks in your daily diet for prevention of urate kidney stones, suggests the Journal of the America Society of Nephrology. Mix 1/2 tsp. baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink every two hours if you are experiencing paid from your kidneys. Drink one or two glasses a day thereafter for prevention. Never drink more than a total of 4 tsp. baking soda daily. Baking soda may raise the blood pressure, so consult a health practitioner before starting this treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice is high in potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, which all work to help the kidneys function properly and prevent the formation of urate kidney stones. Lemon juice can also help adjust the pH of the urine, assisting in dissolving existing kidney stones, according to The pH Miracle. Baking soda is also helpful if you have gout, which is related to urate kidney stones, because both are the result of excess uric acid in the blood and urine.
- Never treat kidney stones with self-treatment. Consult a health practitioner for guidance and recommendations for proper dosing with natural remedies.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Cranberries
- Cranberry juice
- Fresh lemon
- Honey
- Baking soda
References
- "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease"; Maurice Shils; 2005
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- "Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition"; Audrey H. Ensminger; 1995
- British Journal of Urology, Vol. 52; Influence of cranberry juice on the urinary risk factors for calcium
- Journal of the America Society of Nephrology, Vol. 20;
