Kidney stones, while uncomfortable, are more and more common these days, affecting about 1 in 11 Americans. Although they are more prevalent in men, women can also develop kidney stones. Having kidney stones is no walk in the park. In fact, it can be very painful, so let’s take a look at what they are and naturally remedies to help treat them.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, which are small, hard mineral deposits in the kidneys, are made up of unprocessed minerals and acid salts, which form when urine becomes over concentrated with them. They are more likely to form in those who don’t regularly drink a lot of water. It is important that kidney stones leave the body because they can cause further infection and discomfort if they remain inside.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
The leading cause of kidney stones is the lack of water or being constantly dehydrated. The body needs water to balance the pH level in the kidneys. If the person lacks water, then the uric acid in the urine cannot be diluted, making the pH level in the kidneys very acidic. The highly acidic environment helps the formation of kidney stones. They can also form if the urine has more crystal forming compounds than the fluid in the urine can dilute.
8 Natural Remedies To Help Kidney Stones
Lemon & Olive Oil
An easy and effective remedy is drinking cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix 2oz of each together and drink it straight, following it up with a 12oz glass of distilled or alkaline water. After 30 minutes, mix the juice of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 12oz of distilled or alkaline water. Drink this solution. Repeat this process once every hour until your symptoms improve.
Drink Water…A Lot of It
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. When you have kidney stones, it is important to continually replenish the body with enough fluids to flush out the minerals and other substances that cause stones to form. If your urine is dark, then you need more water. If your urine is clear, then you are drinking enough water. It is recommended to drink 8-10 8oz glasses of water every day. You can also drink half your body weight in ounces to ensure you are properly hydrated for normal functions. If you weigh 150lbs and divide that by 2 to get 75, you should be drinking at least 75oz of water per day.
Eat Watermelon
Watermelon is a great natural remedy because the potassium in it can help treat kidney stones that are comprised of magnesium phosphates, calcium, and carbonates. Potassium is an essential mineral for proper kidney health. Additionally, watermelon contains a lot of water, which helps to flush kidney stones out of your system.
Kidney Beans
Aside from resembling the shape of kidneys, kidney beans are beneficial for most kidney problems. Remove fresh beans from inside the pods and boil them until they are tender. Strain the liquid into a pot, allow it to cool, and then strain it into a pot again. Drink this liquid a few times throughout the day to help relieve symptoms of kidney stones. Don’t keep the liquid for more than 24 hours because it will lose its healing properties. You can eat the beans in a salad or soup.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones. Drink one or two servings of pomegranate juice every day to help relieve symptoms of kidney stones. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and that can help protect the body from damaging free radicals.
Drink Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice, which is rich in chlorophyll, is a great natural remedy for treating kidney stones. You can also mix wheatgrass juice with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of fresh basil juice for maximum healing benefits.
Change Your Diet
It can be beneficial to cut out energy drinks, soda, processed foods, alcohol, meats, and dairy products because these unhealthy foods can contribute to the growth of kidney stones. It is optimal to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to nuts and seeds, to help alkalize the body and promote overall health.
