Hard stone-like deposits that form in the kidney are called kidney stones. Also known as renal stones, these deposits can be extremely painful while passing through urine. When there isn’t enough fluid in the body, the minerals and salts stick together to form calcium oxalate which hardens over time (Learn how kidney stones are formed). Kidney stones are usually treatable through medical intervention but can end up being fatal if left untreated. Here are a few home remedies that can be followed to clear kidney stones and to make sure they don’t form again after surgery.
1. Drink Enough Water
Keeping your body hydrated is the first routine to be followed if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones. Water helps the free flow of salts through the urinary tract and keeps the calcium molecules from sticking with each other. Most doctors advise drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water every day or more if your body demands. Sodas and aerated drinks that contain artificial sweetening agents should be completely avoided as they may worsen the situation.
2. Consume Citric Juices
Juices extracted from citric fruits such as lemon and orange are not only a great source of Vitamin C but also help treat kidney stones. The acidic property of these juices helps break down the complex stones making them easily pass through urine. 1 glass of lemon juice on an empty stomach can do a great deal to decrystallize the stones.
3. Cut down on Protein Intake
It is important that you drink more water while consuming protein-rich foods. The protein waste that doesn’t dissolve in the urine gets settled in the kidney forming stones. Hence, doctors recommend consuming less protein by avoiding foods such as fish, meat, eggs, milk, etc. Instead, consume more fibrous foods such as wheat, oats, and vegetables that help break down the hard molecules.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar are numerous. From controlling diabetes to stabilizing cholesterol level, apple cider extract is a god-sent gift to the human race. The acidic properties of ACV dissolve the kidney stones and let it pass through urine without much pain. Drinking 2 spoons of ACV dissolved in 1 glass of water first thing in the morning is useful in more than one way. Other kidney diseases due to an increase in creatinine levels can also be cured with regular consumption of apple cider vinegar.
5. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Replace vegetable oils and refined sunflower oils with extra-virgin oil in your everyday cooking. Extra-virgin olive oil is thick and rich in nutrients. This basically soothes the urinary tract for the easy passing of kidney stones. It is also highly recommended for its anti-oxidant properties. Olive oil can either be used in your cooking or directly added as salad dressings.
Recent studies say that people treated for kidney stones have a high probability of developing the same in a span of 5 to 10 years. But, with proper food habits and high water intake, you can avoid surgeries and unwanted medication to treat this commonly occurring ailment.
