Kidney stones affect many people. About 12% of all men and 5% of women in India get them in their lives. They can cause a lot of pain. If you’ve had one, you might get another in 5-10 years. But, there are ways to prevent and treat them naturally.

One way is to drink more water. You should also change what you eat. Some supplements can also help. This article will tell you all about these home remedies. They can make dealing with kidney stones easier.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard, solid waste materials that grow in the kidneys. They’re made of things like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These substances come together to form hard deposits.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are four main types of kidney stones:

  • Calcium oxalate stones: They make up about 80% of all kidney stones.
  • Struvite stones: These form when you have a urinary tract infection.
  • Uric acid stones: They happen more often if you have a lot of uric acid in your pee.
  • Cystine stones: A rare genetic disorder can cause too much cystine in the urine, leading to these stones.

Some kidney stones are small and don’t cause problems. But bigger stones can block the urinary system on their way out. This blockage causes intense pain, vomiting, and bleeding.

types of kidney stones

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are pretty common and can be very painful. They can happen to people of any age. It’s important to know what causes them to prevent and deal with them. The main reasons for getting kidney stones are not drinking enough water, eating too much animal protein or salt, not getting enough calcium, some medicines, and certain health problems.

Not drinking enough water leads to kidney stones. If your urine is too concentrated because of not enough water, minerals in it can form stones. The American Institutes of Health say you should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to avoid this issue.

Eating lots of animal protein or salt can also cause kidney stones. Too much animal protein makes your urine acidic, which is bad for your kidneys. And a high-salt diet can make you pee out more calcium, which raises the risk of getting a calcium kidney stone.

  • Most people should drink more than 12 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and kidney stones.
  • Animal protein produces urine that has more acid, increasing the risk for kidney stones.
  • People with the lowest dietary calcium intake have an increased risk of kidney stones.

Health issues like IBD, hyperparathyroidism, gout, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease up your chances of getting kidney stones. Also, if your relatives had kidney stones, you might get them too because of genetics.

To lower your risk of kidney stones, lead a healthy life. Drink plenty of water. If you think you might have a problem with kidney stones, talk to a doctor.

 

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a very painful problem. Knowing the key signs can help you act fast. You might experience various symptoms if you have kidney stones. Yet, some signs are more common than others. These include:

  • Extreme pain in the lower back or abdomen
  • Persistent stomach pain
  • Chills and fever
  • Blood in the urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

The pain from kidney stones is very strong and keeps hurting. As stones get bigger or start moving, this pain can get worse. Sometimes, small stones don’t show any signs until they leave your body.

If you have these symptoms, it might not always be kidney stones. Seeing a doctor is the best move. They will run tests like checking your blood and urine. They might also do scans to see the stones. This helps know how big they are and what they are made of.

symptoms of kidney stones

Quick treatment is key if you suspect kidney stones. Without help, they can cause other issues. This includes infections or harm to your kidneys. Your doctor will suggest the right treatment. It might be drinking more water, taking pain medicine, or needing a medical procedure.

Home remedies for kidney stones

Dealing with kidney stones can be hard. But, you can ease the pain with some home remedies. Drinking a lot of water and lemon juice can really help.

Water for Kidney Stones

Keeping hydrated is key for kidney stones. Water helps wash out bad stuff and lets small stones move easier. You should try to pee 2 liters of fluid a day. This helps stop new stones from forming.

Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones

Adding lemon juice to your water is also good. Lemons have citrate, which stops calcium stones from forming. It can even break down stones you already have. This simple step can make a big difference for your kidneys.

Use water and lemon to fight kidney stones. This mix can lower the pain and make stones smaller. But, always check with your doctor for the best help.

water and lemon for kidney stones

Herbal Remedies for Kidney Stones

Some people look for natural ways to help with kidney stones. Certain herbs are showing potential. Basil juice and apple cider vinegar are two popular herbal remedies.

Basil Juice

Tulsi, or basil, offers many health benefits. The juice from its fresh leaves is rich in antioxidants. It also fights inflammation. This may help keep kidneys healthy. While more studies are needed, early research shows basil juice might help get rid of kidney stones. Adding basil juice to your daily diet could ease the pain from kidney stones.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is famous for its health benefits. It has acetic acid. This acid might break down kidney stone forming minerals. Combining 2 tablespoons of it with 6-8 ounces of water could be beneficial. Drink one glass of this mixture a day to help with kidney stones. But, limit to avoid any side effects.

But, always talk to your doctor before using these herbal remedies. They’ll help choose the best treatment for you.

Fruits and Vegetables for Kidney Stone Relief

Some fruits and veggies can help with kidney stones. Studies show they can help in breaking down stones. Let’s talk about two good ones: celery juice and pomegranate juice.

Celery Juice

Celery is good for the kidneys. A study found out that women who had kidney stones ate less celery. Drinking celery juice can help break down stones. It makes you pee more, helping to get the stones out.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice has stuff that keeps the kidneys safe. Scientists are still looking into whether it stops stones from forming. But it’s tasty and good for you. The juice can lower swelling and help the kidneys work better.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can make your kidneys happy. Try drinking celery and pomegranate juice often. These juices can be a powerful, natural way to help with kidney stones.

fruits and vegetables for kidney stones

Other Natural Remedies

Many common home remedies help with kidney stones. But some find kidney bean broth helpful too.

Kidney Bean Broth

In places like India, kidney bean broth is a common dish. It’s thought to be good for your kidneys and pee system. But, there’s not much proof that it fights off kidney stones.

If someone has kidney stones, their doctor might suggest more plant-based foods. This includes kidney beans. Adding these to your diet could keep your nutrients in balance. It might also lower your chance of getting more stones. Remember, always talk to your doctor first before making big diet changes.

kidney bean broth

So, kidney bean broth isn’t a miracle cure for kidney stones. But it’s a healthy choice for your meals. If you’re thinking of trying it, check with a health expert. This is very important, especially if you have had kidney stones before or have other health issues.

Preventive Measures for Kidney Stones

Some natural ways can help stop new kidney stones from forming. Dandelion, wheatgrass juice, and horsetail are three good things to try. They might lower the chance of getting kidney stones.

Dandelion

Dandelion acts like a diuretic. It helps get rid of waste and boosts how much you pee. This could stop kidney stones because it keeps minerals from building up.

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice makes you pee more. It also gives your kidneys the good stuff they need to work well. So, it stops minerals from turning into kidney stones.

Horsetail

Horsetail is a diuretic too. It cuts down on swelling and certain crystals that make stones. It helps by getting rid of extra minerals and lowering the chance of stones.

Remember, talking to a doctor before trying these is smart. They might not be good for you if you’re on other meds or have health issues.

When to Seek Medical Help

Some cases of kidney stones can be treated at home. But, if you have severe pain or see blood in your urine, go to the doctor right away. Other signs like fever, chills, and throwing up are danger signals too.

About 1 in 10 men will get kidney stones in their lifetime in the U.S. For women, it’s 1 in 14. Most stones come from calcium, but there are other kinds too. These include uric stones (1 in 10 cases), struvite stones (5-15%), and cystine stones (rare).

When the pain from a kidney stone is really bad, see a doctor. They can give medicine or do things to help it pass. Ignoring the pain could cause more problems. So, get help as soon as you need it.

  • Severe pain in the back, abdomen, or groin
  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

In children or teens, kidney stones might show another health issue. Always have them checked by a doctor. With proper care, kidney stones can be controlled. Knowing the right time to get help is key to getting better.

Dietary Tips for Kidney Stone Prevention

To help avoid kidney stones, adjust what you eat. Focus on drinking more water. Also, cut back on salty and protein-heavy foods.

Drinking enough water is key. Aim for 2-3 liters daily, with half from water. This way, your pee gets less concentrated and stones have fewer chances to form.

  • Avoid too much coffee, tea, and cola, which are linked to kidney stones.
  • Eat citrus fruits like lemons and limes. They’re full of citric acid, a natural stone fighter.

Watch out for salt and a lot of meat in your meals. They up your stone risk. Go for a mix of lots of plants for a safer diet.

  1. Hold off on foods high in oxalate, like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts. They can cause stones.
  2. Watch your servings of organ meats and alcohol. Too many can bring on specific kinds of stones.
  3. Try to eat less fat. Greasy foods might raise the calcium in your pee, leading to stones.

For the right diet advice, talk to a health pro or a dietitian. They can steer you toward the optimal food choices. With their help, you can craft a diet that lowers your risk of forming kidney stones.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can hurt a lot and might come back. But, if you try some natural ways and change what you eat, you can stop them. Drinking lots of water and eating fruits like lemons helps. So does taking herbs like basil, and using apple cider vinegar. Talk to a doctor before trying new things, especially if you feel really bad.

To fight kidney stones, it’s best to be ready and take care of yourself. The tips in this article can help you stay healthy and beat the pain of kidney stones.

Don’t forget, stopping kidney stones is the best plan. Stay healthy by drinking lots of water and eating right. Herbs and special diets can also help. Talk to your doctor to make a plan that fits you. This will keep you from getting kidney stones and help you stay well.

FAQ

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, solid waste materials that build up in the kidneys. They form crystals. The types are calcium oxalate, struvite, uric acid, and cystine.

What are the common causes of kidney stones?

The main causes include not drinking enough water. Also, a diet with a lot of animal protein or salt. A lack of calcium in your diet can lead to stones too. Certain medicines and illnesses like obesity or gout play a part.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms are bad lower back pain and stomach ache. You might have chills, fever, or see blood in your pee. Nausea, vomiting, and bad-smelling urine are signs too.

How can staying hydrated help with kidney stones?

Drinking lots of water helps wash out bad stuff from your body. This can push small stones out of your body. Try to drink enough so that you make about 2 liters of pee a day.

What are some herbal remedies that may help with kidney stones?

Some people find relief with basil juice or apple cider vinegar. Herbs like dandelion, wheatgrass, and horsetail might be good too. But, we need more studies to be sure they help.

How can certain fruits and vegetables help with kidney stones?

Celery and pomegranate juice can help kidney stones break down. They are also good for your kidneys. Drinking cooked kidney bean broth might make your urine and kidneys healthier.

When should you seek medical attention for kidney stones?

If you have really bad pain, urine with blood, or a fever, see a doctor right away. Feeling cold, throwing up, or nausea needs quick medical attention too. These can be signs of a serious problem.

What dietary changes can help prevent kidney stones?

Drink more water and less soda or eat fewer meats to avoid kidney stones. Fruits like citrus, which have a lot of citric acid, can stop some kidney stones from forming.

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