Kidney Stones, which are small, hard mineral deposits in the kidneys, are made up of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys.  Kidney Stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder.  Passing kidney stones can be painful or unnoticeable, provided they are very small.  Kidney Stones are comprised of minerals and acid salts, and 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.  

Kidney Stones don't tend to cause any symptoms until they start moving around in the kidneys and pass into the ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidneys and the bladder.  When this happens, symptoms like the following may arise. 

• Severe pain in the side or back, beneath the ribs
• Pain that spreads to lower abdomen and groin
• Blood in the urine
• Vomiting and nausea
• Frequent or painful urination
• Cloudy or foul smelling urine
• Pain which comes in waves (this pain fluctuates in intensity)
• Urinating small amounts of urine
• Constant need to urinate

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.  Common causes are:

• Dehydration
• Not drinking enough water
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Crohn's Disease
• Reduced urinary flow and volume
• Family history of Kidney Stones
• Obesity
• Rare genetic conditions
• High chemical levels in the urine (high in calcium, oxalate, phosphate, or uric acid)
• Low chemical levels in the urine (such as citrate)
• Obesity

• An easy and effective remedy is drinking 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. 
• 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 your are drinking enough water.  It is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.  You can also drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weigh 150lbs and divide that by 2 to get 75, you should be drinking 75oz of water per day. 
• 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. 
• 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 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. 
• Wheatgrass juice, which is rich in chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, iron, amino acids, and B vitamins, 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. 
• 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. 

• Watermelon
• Basil
• Lemons
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Celery
• Dandelion Root
• Kidney Beans
• Pomegranates (and the juice)
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Grapefruit
• Lettuce
• Cantaloupe
• Apples
• Peas
• Rhubarb
• Beets
• Okra
• Sweet Potatoes
• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, chard & kale)