A kidney stone can be one of the most painful experiences that a person has to go through in their adult life.
And while they are fairly common — affecting one in 11 Americans, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information — anything we can do to keep kidney stones from developing will go a long way toward saving us from some truly terrible pain.
Fortunately, just as there are natural home remedies to combat foot health issues, there are quite a few easy, at-home remedies for combating kidney stones.
While anyone experiencing stomach or kidney pain should see a doctor immediately, these simple methods can help easy the pain or keep you from getting an awful kidney stone in the first place.
Scroll through below for an exclusive list of 10 natural and inexpensive ways to keep away kidney stones and kidney stone pain.
I won't be waiting to get my first kidney stone before taking action — I'll be trying these easy at-home ideas right away!
Which of these simple methods will you be trying? Let us know in the comments.
What Is A Kidney Stone?
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute."
While there are many types of kidney stones, each can be extremely painful and may require immediate medical attention.
However, there are quite a few ways to prevent kidney stones from forming and to ease the passing of kidney stones right at home.
Scroll through below for a look at 10 simple and natural stone-fighting methods.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This might sound obvious, but water is the most effective tool available in battling kidney stones.
The National Kidney Foundation writes, "One of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones is to drink plenty of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So be sure to keep well hydrated."
2. Use The Power Of Sound Waves
For those who are struck with a kidney stone, consider asking your doctor about using sound to break apart the stone.
According to WebMD, "High-energy sound waves pass through the body without injuring it and break the stone into small pieces."
This noninvasive method will save you from a massive amount of pain, and will allow the stone to pass more easily.
You can also use sound therapy at home by applying sound directly to the affected area, or by soaking in a bathtub while pumping music or other sound waves through the water.
3. Maintain Your Calcium Levels
Since kidney stones are made up of calcium, many people believe that they should avoid consuming calcium at all costs. Surprisingly, this is 100 percent incorrect.
The National Kidney Foundation writes, "A diet low in calcium actually increases one's risk of developing kidney stones. Don't reduce the calcium."
Instead, milk and other dairy products can provide you with the necessary calcium levels to keep kidney stones at bay.
4. Put Down The Red Meat
While hamburgers can be delicious, those who are prone to kidney stones should eliminate red meat from their diets as much as possible.
According to Harvard Medical School, red meat and other animal proteins "boost the level of uric acid and could lead to kidney stones.
A high-protein diet also reduces levels of citrate, the chemical in urine that helps prevent stones from forming."
5. Grab A Hot Water Bottle
For anyone with a kidney stone, a hot water bottle can definitely be the key to fighting the pain, especially if it is moving through your system slowly.
The Health Coach suggests that you use "moist, warm heat on the lower back with a hot water bottle."
This is a simple way to combat the pain and help with relaxation or sleep.
6. Try Moderate Exercise
A moderate level of exercise is perfect for anyone prone to kidney stones.
Maintaining a healthy weight will keep kidney stones away, while working out too hard can actually increase the possibility of getting one.
The National Kidney Foundation writes, "Heavy exercise may be good for your health, but may also lead to kidney stones. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract."
7. Mix Lemon Juice And Olive Oil
When it comes to eliminating kidney stones in a quick and natural way, one need look no further than lemon juice and olive oil.
According to the Health Wyze Report, "Our research has concluded that the popular lemon juice and oil combination is the most effective method. Lemon juice breaks down the stones, while oil provides lubrication to allow the stones to pass."
They suggest drinking a mixture twice daily until the kidney stone has left the body.
8. Cut Out The Salt
There are plenty of reasons to cut back on sodium, not the least of which is that salt causes kidney stones to form.
According to Harvard Medical School, "A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine… [Cutting salt] will also be good for your blood pressure and heart."
9. Experiment With Apple Cider Vinegar
Amazingly, apple cider vinegar has a long list of health benefits. It also can be great for eliminating kidney stones naturally.
HomeRemediesForLife.com suggests drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water or some raw honey.
They write that apple cider vinegar "acts as an effective internal cleanser that flushes the kidney to remove the formed stones… [It also] prevents the formation of new kidney stones."
10. Eat Kidney-Stone-Fighting Foods
There are quite a few ways to adjust your diet to fight kidney stones.
Watermelon, kidney beans, pomegranate juice, basil, and celery are all great for different reasons.
Foods particularly high in water content can help keep the body hydrated, aiding in the prevention and quick elimination of painful kidney stones.
These simple at-home methods can help to keep you from ever having to experience the terrible pain associated with kidney stones.
Will you be giving these easy, natural remedies a try? Let us know in the comments.
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