Kidney stones can be a painful and frustrating condition that affects over half a million people each year, as noted by the National Kidney Foundation. Many folks experiencing kidney stones end up in the emergency room due to the severe pain.
While there are effective medical treatments for dissolving stones and reducing pain, several natural home remedies can also help. However, always consult your doctor before trying any home remedies.
Medical professionals often use potassium citrate for treating chronic kidney stones. You can get similar benefits by consuming fruits high in natural citrate, such as limeade, lemonade, and other citrus fruits. The citrate helps your body get rid of calcium oxalate and prevents calcium from combining with other substances that form kidney stones. According to the United Kidney Stone Research Council, this is just one of the many effective remedies.
Watermelon is an excellent choice as it is rich in potassium, a mineral known to combat kidney stones, especially those made of magnesium and calcium phosphate. Potassium reduces the acid levels in urine, making it less likely for stones to form. Plus, watermelon is almost all water, which helps keep you hydrated—a critical factor since dehydration is a leading cause of kidney stones.
Kidney beans and other legumes with high levels of insoluble fiber are also great for preventing kidney stones. This type of fiber binds calcium in the stool, keeping it out of the urinary system. Lower calcium levels in the urine make it harder for stones to form. Foods high in insoluble fiber include eggplants, corn, peas, greens, garlic, and onion.
Apple cider vinegar, known for its highly astringent properties, can help prevent kidney stones by dissolving them and having an alkalinizing effect on the urine and blood. Regular intake can make a significant difference for those at risk of developing stones.
Not drinking enough water leads to highly concentrated urine, which contains minerals and substances that can form kidney stones. These stones are then harder to pass through the ureter, causing more pain. The Urology Care Foundation recommends drinking about three quarts, or ten 10-ounce glasses, of water daily to help flush out the kidneys and break up any stones.
If you’ve experienced kidney stones, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. To help prevent more stones from forming, try incorporating these natural home remedies into your daily routine.