Kidney stones are usually the result of chemicals that do not dissolve in urine and are deposited in the kidneys. If these chemicals are not properly suspended in enough urine, there is too little urine or it is too acidic, the stones may attach to the inner wall of the kidney and grow larger over time, according to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Renal Unit. Several natural products and even certain foods may help kidney stones dissolve and pass with little or no pain. Consult with a health practitioner before using new treatments.
Step 1
Drink water and other clear fluids to stay hydrated and produce enough urine, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended amount is six to eight glasses daily. They add that an additional glass of water should be taken before bedtime and another during the night.
Step 2
Add cranberry to your daily diet to help existing kidney stones pass and prevent the formation of new ones, suggests the British Journal of Urology. The nutrients and antioxidants in cranberries help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Step 3
Place 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice in a container and combine with 3 cups water. Divide the quantity and drink throughout the day, every day. Consuming cranberry juice every day may help keep your kidneys healthy.
Step 4
Raise the pH of your urine by taking potassium citrate daily, writes the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend 100 mEq tablets twice daily. Consult a health practitioner before taking supplemental potassium, especially if you are taking medication for high blood pressure.
Step 5
Use apple cider vinegar to raise the pH or your urine, suggests "The pH Miracle." Having slightly alkaline urine prevents uric acid from forming into urate kidney stones and uric acid crystals from depositing in the joints, causing gout. Add apple cider vinegar to salads and cooking.
Step 6
Mix a drink consisting of 1 to 2 tbs. apple cider vinegar with 8 oz. water. Drink one or two glasses throughout the day to raise your body's pH, says "The pH Miracle."
Step 7
Change your diet and eliminate potential allergens such as wheat, dairy and chemical additives, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, they recommend cutting back on foods known to contribute to the formation of kidney stones, such as spinach, nuts, chocolate, coffee and tea, strawberries, beans, animal fats and red meat.
Tips and Warnings
- Organic apple cider vinegar is superior to using non-organic types. The organic version is free of impurities and pesticides that might add to problems for those with kidney stones.
- If you think you are having an acute kidney stone attack, always contact your health practitioner even if you use alternative remedies for treatment. In the event pains persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh water
- Cranberry juice
- Potassium citrate tablets
- Apple cider vinegar
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kidney Stones
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- "British Journal of Urology", Vol. 92; Influence of cranberry juice on the urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate kidney stone formation
- EdRen.org: Website of the Edinburgh Renal Unit: Kidney Stones
