There's a home remedy for just about everything and kidney stones are no different. Vinegar is often associated with a wide variety of remedies, including those for kidney stones, and it supposedly aids in relieving inflammation. Even though vinegar may play a role in preventing kidney stones, it's best to seek medical care if you suspect you may have kidney stones.
About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones occur when chemicals and substances that are suspended in the urine crystalize and form hard "stones." Most often, kidney stones are made up of calcium oxalate crystals and form when the urine is highly acidic and concentrated, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. However, they can also be composed of uric acid or struvite crystals.
Function
Apple cider vinegar supposedly can cut back on the acidity of urine. With less acidic urine, you're less likely to develop kidney stones, according to Theodore Baroody, author of "Alkalinize or Die." He says consuming apple cider vinegar is best for maintaining an alkaline urinary tract and preventing kidney stone formation.
Use
If you're looking to prevent kidney stones, you may find that drinking a combination of 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed in 8 oz. of water twice a day helps, according to "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." If this is too strong, you can always add apple cider vinegar to your diet in other ways -- through salad dressings, for instance.
Warning
Though consuming apple cider vinegar may help to prevent kidney stones, it could cause or worsen gout symptoms for a brief period of time. According to Baroody, the uric acid crystals that attach to your joints and cause the inflammation and pain of gout starts to dissolve when you drink vinegar. This could make symptoms worse for a time until the uric acid is flushed from your system. Discuss this with your doctor before consuming vinegar of any kind for any medical condition.
References
- "Alkalize or Die"; Theodore A. Baroody, D.C., N.D., Ph.D.; 1991
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, M.S., et al.; 2002
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Kidney Stones in Adults; September 2010
