Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract, and each year, more than a million people visit doctors in the U.S. alone seeking help for kidney stone relief. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience a painful kidney stone at some point in their lives.
What exactly are kidney stones? They are small, hard deposits that develop inside the kidneys, made from materials that are naturally present in your body. They can block the normal flow of urine, causing pain in the bladder as it swells and urine becomes concentrated in minerals as it accumulates and cannot be eliminated.
While most kidney stones will not leave permanent damage once they are removed, some can. Untreated kidney stones can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure in some cases, which is considered a very serious condition that poses a risk to life and requires emergency surgical intervention. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones such as pain, urgency, and bathroom issues, read on to discover some of the best natural remedies for kidney stones, plus how to best prevent their recurrence in the future.
Do you have these symptoms?
The kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs, about the size of a fist, located in the middle of the back, beneath the rib cage. They are important organs for draining waste, excess fluids, and urine from the body. The kidneys connect to the urinary tract, including the two ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Amazingly, they filter through the blood supply of the body each day to produce about 1 to 2 liters of urine, which is eliminated through a tube called the urethra.
Symptoms of kidney stones may include:
– Intense pain along the kidneys (on the side and back under the ribs) – the pain may come and go, with varying intensity, lasting between 5 and 15 minutes (especially when going to the bathroom)
– Lower back pain that may radiate under the kidneys, down to the groin area and inner thighs
– Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
– Discoloration of urine, including brown or pink hues
– Persistent urge to urinate more than normal, sometimes without passing much urine
– Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting (especially when experiencing intense pain)
– Fever and chills when the problem worsens
Sometimes, stones may not be painful until they reach a certain size or begin to move in the kidneys. Who is most at risk of experiencing these symptoms? Statistics show that individuals susceptible to kidney stones include:
– Men (more men than women tend to have kidney stones for reasons that are not fully understood)
– Middle-aged individuals, especially those around 30-50 years old
– People taking medications, including diuretics, that can lead to dehydration
– Anyone with a history of chronic urinary tract infections, gout, hyperthyroidism, and issues with normal mineral digestion
– Inactive individuals
4 Natural Remedies for Managing Kidney Stone Symptoms
For most people, passing kidney stones occurs successfully during a waiting period of a few days (albeit likely with much pain during the process), but there are several ways you can speed up this removal and then prevent the recurrence of kidney stones. Depending on your situation, you may not need anything more than pain medication and to drink plenty of water to pass a kidney stone. In other cases – for example, if stones block the urinary tract or cause complications – surgical intervention may be necessary.
1. Stay Hydrated
Insufficient fluid intake can expose you to the risk of developing kidney stones, especially if you exercise, live in a warm climate, drink diuretic beverages, and sweat a lot. Drink enough water and plenty of hydrating liquids. While fluid intake varies based on weight, diet, etc., try to drink about 250 ml every hour.
2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
If you consume a generally nutrient-poor diet, low in electrolytes, antioxidants, and a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and adequate protein, you have an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Consuming a very high-protein or low-nutrient diet can lead to an increase in ammonia in the urine.
Focus on fresh foods or a rainbow diet to balance the body’s pH and prevent excessive acidity.
Here are some top foods for preventing kidney stones:
Fresh fruits and vegetables – Some studies show that individuals following a largely plant-based diet, low in dairy and meat, tend to have fewer kidney stones than those who consume a lot of processed meat, sodium-packed packaged foods, and conventional dairy. Fresh foods that promote healthy kidney function include bananas, all kinds of leafy green vegetables (and fresh vegetable juice), sprouted legumes, whole grains, and small amounts of pasture-raised meats.
Foods rich in vitamin E – Berries, olive oil, almonds, avocados, and zucchini are some of the best sources of antioxidant vitamin E, which helps balance oxalate levels and other toxins in the body, preventing damage to the mucous membrane, thus reducing the risk of stone formation.
Alkaline foods – It may seem counterintuitive, but foods that are acidic in nature and help balance the body’s pH, such as lemon or apple cider vinegar, can help the body pass kidney stones. Mix a small amount with water or add a little to a smoothie with raw honey.
Foods rich in magnesium and potassium – Consuming plenty of magnesium and potassium can help balance calcium levels in the body, so include plenty of leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, melons, bananas, and avocados in your diet.
Whole grains (as opposed to refined grain products) – Whole grains reduce their anti-nutrient content, making nutrients more digestible.
On the other hand, here are some foods that may contribute to the symptoms of kidney stones:
Sugary foods – There is some evidence that a diet high in sugar can worsen kidney stones. Make sure to limit the amount of packaged sugary snacks you consume, sweetened beverages (especially if carbonated), dairy, and even fruits if they seem to aggravate symptoms.
Regular unrefined grains or refined cereals – Most grain products (including flour and products like cereals, bread, rolls, cakes, etc.) contribute to the formation of kidney stones because they have high levels of anti-nutrients, including phytic acid.
Foods high in oxalic acid – While all fruits and vegetables generally offer a variety of electrolytes and nutrients, some that can increase oxalate accumulation in individuals predisposed to kidney stones include: spinach, rhubarb, beets, eggplant, sweet potatoes, peanuts, almonds, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, parsley, and cocoa.
Processed meats and cold cuts – Processed meat can cause the body to excrete calcium, meaning more is sent to the kidneys, where it can accumulate and form stones.
Foods with zinc – Some studies have found that individuals consuming more zinc (from foods like pumpkin seeds, cashews, meat, or spinach) may increase their risk of having kidney stones.
Too much vitamin C – While vitamin C has numerous benefits, too much can worsen kidney stones. Research suggests that more than three to four grams of vitamin C per day (such as taking high doses in supplement form) could worsen kidney stones by contributing to oxalate accumulation.
Caffeine and alcohol – Both are dehydrating and can be hard to digest, which may aggravate kidney stones.
3. Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises such as strength training or various bodyweight exercises, is good for building bone strength and preventing bone demineralization. On the other hand, being sedentary can cause bones to release more calcium into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of it accumulating in the kidneys.
4. Castor Oil Compresses and Warm Compresses
Castor oil has special anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for relieving pain associated with kidney stone symptoms, such as cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen. You can do this by soaking a clean towel in pure castor oil, applying it to the kidneys, and allowing it to penetrate the skin.
Similarly, try to apply a warm compress over the kidneys several times a day to increase blood flow, relax tense muscles, and help stones pass more easily. You can soak a towel in hot water to make this even more effective for pain relief, such as using a 50:50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
The Most Common Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from clusters of minerals, acids, and salts in the body that bind together inside the kidneys, sometimes blocking the urinary tract, causing pressure and intense pain when you try to go to the bathroom. Kidney stones form when urine contains a high level of substances that form crystals, while at the same time, too few of the substances needed to break down the crystals and eliminate minerals from the body.
The most common causes include:
– A poor diet, especially one that is high in oxalates
– Synthetic calcium supplements, which are not always well absorbed
– Dehydration
– Genetic factors
– An abnormal pH balance, meaning the body becomes too acidic
– Digestive issues
– Food allergies or sensitivities that can affect digestion
– Electrolyte imbalances
– Obesity
– Use of medications or drugs
– Nutrient and mineral deficiencies
– Infections
– Inactivity
– Thyroid disorders (which can cause the thyroid to produce too much parathyroid hormone, increasing calcium levels)
