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Kidney Stones

How to reverse or manage kidney stones naturally

Elaine Godley

Last Update 8 months ago

Kidney stones are caused by a combination of dietary, lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors, resulting in high concentrations of crystal-forming substances in the urine such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Small stones can be reversible and may pass naturally, but larger stones usually require medical or surgical intervention. Medical solutions include pain management, medications, and procedures like shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. There are many natural approaches that may assist in supporting kidney health and possibly preventing or helping to pass stones, although their effectiveness can vary and should be used alongside medical support.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

Causes of Kidney Stones

· Concentration of crystals in urine (calcium, oxalate, uric acid).[8][1]

· Low fluid intake and dehydration.[12][13]

· Diet high in animal protein, salt, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods.[14][15]

· Obesity, metabolic conditions, family history, and recurrent urinary infections.[2][1][14]

· Some medications and medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, and hyperparathyroidism.[2]

Are Kidney Stones Reversible?

· Small stones may pass on their own with hydration and support.[5][6]

· Larger stones can obstruct urine flow and cause severe pain or complications, requiring medical removal.[3][5]

· Prevention is possible by addressing dietary and lifestyle risk factors.[15][16]

· Many natural remedies may help prevent recurrence.[9][10]

Medical Solutions

· Pain relief with OTC medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).[4][17]

· Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to relax ureter muscles and help stones pass.[18][4]

· Potassium citrate for making urine less acidic and reducing stone formation.[4]

· Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): breaking stones with targeted sound waves.[19][3]

· Ureteroscopy: stone removal or laser breakup via a thin tube.[3]

· Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): removal or breakup via surgery through the back.[20][3]

· Hydration and dietary guidance.[21][22][23]

Top 20 Natural Solutions for Kidney Stones

· Drink plenty of water for hydration.[16][9]

· Lemon juice (citrate helps prevent and break up stones).[10][24][9]

· Basil juice (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects).[25][11][9]

· Apple cider vinegar (acetic acid, may help prevent and ease pain).[11][9][25]

· Celery juice (traditional remedy, may increase urine output).[26][9][25]

· Pomegranate juice (antioxidants, possible kidney support).[9]

· Kidney bean broth (traditional remedy).[9]

· Dandelion root or tea (may increase urine output, anti-inflammatory).[10][9]

· Wheatgrass juice (may support kidney health).[9]

· Horsetail tea (for urinary health).[9]

· Chanca piedra tea (Phyllanthus niruri, "stone breaker").[11][10]

· Black mulberry tea (diuretic, antioxidant).[10]

· Java tea (Orthosiphon aristatus, anti-inflammatory).[10]

· Hibiscus tea (diuretic, may reduce crystal accumulation).[10]

· Miner's tea (Echinodorus grandiflorus, diuretic and detox).[10]

· Steamed asparagus (mild diuretic effect).[25][26]

· Cucumber juice (hydration and flushing effect).[26]

· Watermelon (hydration, mild diuretic).[26]

· Dietary changes: reduce salt, animal protein, and processed foods, increase fruit and vegetable intake.[27][23][15]

· Magnesium-rich foods or supplements (may help reduce stone formation).[14][15]

Considerations

· Many remedies cited above have traditional or preliminary supporting evidence, but should be used in conjunction with professional medical advice.[9][10]

· Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe, persistent, or for tailored prevention and treatment plans.[14][3]

· Maintain hydration and a balanced diet to lower the risk of recurrence.[15][16]

These natural strategies focus on supporting kidney health, diluting stone-forming substances, and promoting urinary flow, but large or symptomatic stones require prompt medical evaluation.[7][5][3]

⁂

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755

2. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-stones

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/treatment/

4. https://www.jaslokhospital.net/blogs/medical-treatments-for-kidney-stones-from-medication-to-surgery

5. https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/HealthU/2023/02/01/Can-a-Kidney-Stone-Go-Away-on-its-Own

6. https://www.drlesani.com/blog/can-kidney-stones-go-away-on-their-own

7. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment

8. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/what-causes-kidney-stones

9. https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones

10. https://www.tuasaude.com/en/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones/

11. https://www.jaslokhospital.net/blogs/natural-remedies-for-kidney-stones-what-works-and-what-doesn-t