Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful urological disorders faced by many people. They're hard mineral deposits that develop in the kidneys and cause extreme pain and discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract.

The consequences of kidney stones extend beyond physical discomfort. It negatively impacts the quality of life and overall health of an individual. There are many home remedies for kidney stones that can offer relief and help to maintain an individual’s kidney health.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are small crystals (generally made of calcium oxalate and other substances), which develop within the kidneys. These stones may be as tiny as a grain of sand and as big as a golf ball. When they move into the urinary tract, they block urine circulation and cause severe pain.
The causes of kidney stones could include dehydration, lifestyle, and various genetic predispositions. Urine with higher amounts of minerals, low urinary volume, or lack of substances that prevent crystal formation raises the risk of kidney stones. The common symptoms of kidney stones include serious pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, and blood in the urine.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors that alter the balance of substances in the urine can lead to kidney stones. The triggers and conditions that encourage stone formation have been listed below:

Dehydration: Insufficient water intake is the leading reason for kidney stones. Dehydration produces concentrated urine and also increases the risk that minerals will crystallise and stick together to form stones.
Dietary Factors: Certain food items could directly affect stone formation. Salt, sugar, and other foods loaded with oxalates (like rhubarb and spinach) could stimulate stone formation. Oxalates bind with calcium in urine to create calcium oxalate stones (the most common type of kidney stone).
Excessive Animal Protein: Diets loaded with animal protein increase uric acid and reduce citrate levels. Citrate in urine prevents stone formation.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions (such as hyperparathyroidism) can cause an increase in calcium levels in the urine. Urinary tract infections can also increase the risk of stone formation (struvite stones).

Home Remedies and Tips

There are several home remedies to relieve the pain from kidney stones and stop them from occurring again. These natural strategies along with diet modifications can help you control kidney stones.

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: The combination of lemon juice and olive oil facilitates the passage of kidney stones. Mix 1/4 cup each of lemon juice and olive oil, followed by drinking a large glass of water. It helps lubricate the urinary tract and ease the passage of the stones.
Basil Juice: Basil contains acetic acid. It helps break down kidney stones and reduce pain. You can add 1 teaspoon of basil extract or fresh basil juice mixed with honey daily and drink it regularly. It will help clear the stones from the urinary tract. You can also chew 2 to 4 basil leaves daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has citric acid, which dissolves kidney stones. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of purified water. Drink it throughout the day.
Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate juice has been used for centuries as a health tonic and is great for kidneys. It has antioxidants and lowers the acidity of the urine. Drinking fresh pomegranate juice regularly can stop the development of stones and also help eliminate substances that could cause new stone formation.
Kidney Bean Broth: Kidney beans are healthy and beneficial for kidney health as they have plenty of fibre. The conventional use of kidney bean broth might improve urinary and kidney health. To make a kidney bean broth, remove the beans from their pods, then boil the pods in water for several hours (until the nutrients are leached into the water). Strain the liquid and allow it to cool. Drink it throughout the day to relieve kidney stone pain and help flush out urinary crystals.
Celery Juice: Celery juice acts as a diuretic, which means it helps the body flush toxins through increased urine output. You can drink celery juice regularly. Blend 1 stalk with water, strain, and drink the juice daily.
Horsetail Tea: Horsetail is a herb that improves kidney health and eliminates kidney stones. It has diuretic properties and flushes toxins out of the urinary system. To make, steep dried horsetail in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain and drink the tea several times a day.
Wheatgrass Juice: The high antioxidant content and powerful diuretic qualities of wheatgrass help remove kidney stones. Drink 1 glass of wheatgrass juice daily to reduce the size of kidney stones. You can add fresh lemon juice for best results.
Dandelion Root: Dandelion root is also a natural diuretic that cleanses the kidneys and the liver. It promotes the elimination of toxins and excess minerals that could form stones. You can drink dandelion root tea regularly.
Uva-Ursi Tea: Uva-ursi (bearberry) is a conventional urinary cure used for stones and infections. The herb has properties that lower inflammation and clean the urinary tract. To use, brew the leaves to make tea and drink several times a day.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

Managing and preventing kidney stones extends beyond home remedies. It also includes lasting lifestyle and dietary changes. You can adapt the below-mentioned healthy habits to prevent kidney stones:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient water throughout the day prevents all kinds of kidney stones. It helps in diluting the substances in urine that cause the stones to develop. You must drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise (walking, swimming, or cycling) keeps a healthy weight and encourages regular urine output, which helps to prevent stone formation.
Reduce Stress: High-stress levels could impact the balance of vitamins and hormones within the body and damage kidney health. Try relaxing methods like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation. Ensure adequate sleep and regular relaxation to help the body handle stress.

Diet for Kidney Stones

Diet plays an important role in managing kidney stones. Here is a list of food items (to be included and avoided) that will help you improve kidney health:

Increase Calcium-Rich Foods: A diet high in calcium can actually help prevent certain types of kidney stones (such as calcium oxalate stones). Include foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt, leafy greens, etc., in your diet.
Limit Sodium Intake: High sodium consumption can increase calcium in urine and cause stones to form. Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods over canned or processed items. Flavour dishes with herbs and spices rather than salt.
Moderate Protein Intake: Excess consumption of animal protein might increase uric acid and citrate levels in urine. This increases the likelihood of kidney stones. Balance animal proteins with plant-based proteins (like rice, lentils, and soy).
Avoid Oxalate-Rich Foods: If you're prone to oxalate stones, reducing oxalate intake can help. Limit foods like spinach, chocolate, nuts, and tea. Pairing high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods can help as calcium binds to oxalates, reducing their absorption.