Kidney problems may occur as a result of chemicals and waste matter being deposited in the kidneys when urine is scanty or too acidic. By increasing the amount of urine in the kidneys, in addition to changing the pH to a level more alkaline, an individual may be able to prevent a variety of problems from developing, including kidney stones. Drinking certain fruit juices on a regular basis may relieve kidney problems and help dissolve stones. If you have kidney disease, consult with your health practitioner before starting any new health treatments.
Step 1
Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice to raise the pH of your urine and protect your kidneys against forming kidney stones, suggests Dr. Roger Sur, director of the University of California San Diego Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center. Lemon juice is high in potassium according to "The pH Miracle," and is able to alkalize the urine in order to keep uric acid in solution, preventing the formation of urate stones.
Step 2
Mix 4 oz. fresh or reconstituted lemon juice with 1 1/2 quarts water, says Sur, and drink the contents of the mixture throughout the day.
Step 3
Add cranberry juice to your diet, recommends the "British Journal of Urology" to protect against the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Cranberries have been used to protect the kidneys and upper urinary tract for centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Use only pure cranberry juice or extract with no added sugars or other juices. Mix 1 cup cranberry juice extract with 3 cups water and divide up throughout the day, every day, recommends the "British Journal of Urology."
Step 5
Add honey or stevia to the cranberry juice to sweeten if desired. Drinking the juice mixture daily may prevent new stones from forming and avoid future kidney problems.
Step 6
Drink tart cherry juice, which is high in antioxidants and potassium, suggests Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." The potassium in cherry juice helps alter the pH of the urine making it more alkaline; and in turn, prevents uric acid from forming into urate stones and crystals that cause gout.
Step 7
Drink 12 to 16 oz. tart cherry juice diluted with water every day, recommends "The pH Miracle.
Tips and Warnings
- All three juices can be used daily, alternating throughout the day. Try mixing the lemon juice with either the cranberry or tart cherry juice and adding stevia to sweeten. Stevia is a plant-based, natural sweetener that has no calories and is and excellent sugar substitute. Try sweetening with a small amount of raw, organic honey to add additional healthy digestive enzymes to your juices.
- Do not use artificial sweeteners in your juices. There is anecdotal evidence that they may be problematic for some people. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you are in pain, contact your health practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh lemons
- Reconstituted lemon juice
- Cranberry juice
- Cranberry concentrate
- Tart cherry juice
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. 52; Influence of cranberry juice on the
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
