Kidney stones are mineral deposits made of hard minerals such as calcium, uric acid and oxalate, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. These minerals gradually accumulate along your urinary. Taking grapefruit seed supplements will strengthen your urogenital system during and after receiving treatment for kidney stones. Keeping your urinary system strong and augmenting your diet helps prevent kidney stones from recurring. Consult your doctor before taking grapefruit supplements and grapefruit in order to avoid risks.
Grapefruit and Kidney Stone Treatment
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit contains d-limonene, a substance that dissolves gallstones and prevents the formation of renal stones, Drugs.com notes. Take grapefruit juice as a means of preventing kidney stone formation. Avoid taking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while getting treated for kidney stones because they impede your ability to absorb the oral medications you are taking for your treatment, according to MayoClinic.com. This increases your risk of experiencing adverse effects from the medications. You may resume taking grapefruit after your kidney stone treatment is complete as a means of preventing them from forming in the future.
Dosing of Grapefruit on Kidney Stones
Drinking 8 oz. of grapefruit juice or consuming half a grapefruit before breakfast, lunch and dinner will help you lose weight if sustained for 12 weeks, Drugs.com reports. Obesity has been linked to the occurrence of kidney stones, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Losing weight is important in preventing kidney stones from recurring.
Positive Effects of Fiber-Rich Fruit and Grapefruit
Fiber-rich plants such as grapefruit contains phytate, a compound that prevents calcium salts from crystallizing, according to a 2009 article in the "New York Times Health Guide," a medical reference guide accredited by the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. The fiber in grapefruit helps your body purge toxins and unwanted substances and prevents toxins from building-up. Grapefruit seed extract contains antioxidant properties as well as antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Grapefruit and grapefruit supplements help promote weight loss and cholesterol reduction. Grapefruit is a potential source of potassium, vitamin C and fiber, Drugs.com says. Grapefruit helps keep your body fight infections such as Klebsiella, Straphyloccoccus aureus and Escherichia coli urinary tract infections.
Kidney Stone Medications and Treatment
About 85 percent of kidney stones you may develop are small enough to be excreted through urination, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Surgery is usually reserved for kidney stones too large to be urinated out without causing tissue damage. Regardless of kidney stone size, take pain relievers to manage the severe pain associated with kidney stones. Should you require medications, you may be prescribed hydrochlorothiazide, cellulose sodium phosphate and orthophosphate for kidney stones made up of calcium. Allopurinol, thiazide, potassium citrate and potassium-magnesium citrate hinder the formation of kidney stones, according to a 2009 article in the "New York Times Health Guide."
