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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Kidney Stones
- National Institutes of Health: Black Tea
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diet For Kidney Stone Prevention
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How To Treat Kidney Stones Naturally
Kidney stones occur when mineral and salt acids accumulate in your kidneys, causing the development of rock-like deposits typically composed of calcium. Kidney stones vary in size 1. Once discovered, the primary treatment goal is to help you process them and pass them in your urine. If you have kidney stones, there are steps you can take if you prefer a natural method of treatment, but natural treatment methods alone may not fully cure them.
Drink a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water to produce urine. Drinking ample water can help you produce urine and help you pass the kidney stones. Drinking water also prevents dehydration. Dehydration can make it extremely difficult to pass the kidney stones. You should attempt to drink water at regular increments throughout the day to promote consistent production of urine. Drinking one glass of water each hour during the day is an easy way to get the minimum recommended daily amount.
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Drink a cup of black tea daily. Although scientific evidence is lacking, the National Institutes of Health says that it may be helpful in preventing kidney stones or reducing the risk of their development 12.
Drink orange or lemon juice. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that the citrate in citrus juices helps stops crystals from forming into kidney stones. Because citric acid can cause the development of other symptoms, such as heartburn, some patients may add orange or lemon juice to water to reduce acid levels and prevent dehydration.
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Use a heating pad to treat pain associated with passing kidney stones. Your physician may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication. If you prefer a natural treatment method, using a heating pad can help relieve pain near your ribs or abdomen in lieu of taking medication. You may also find relief by applying a warm compress to the affected area. A warm compress can be made by saturating a clean towel with warm water and wringing out the excess water.
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References
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Kidney Stones
- National Institutes of Health: Black Tea
- National Institutes of Health. Eating, Diet & Nutrition for Kidney Stones. Updated May 2017.
- Cereda M, Kennedy S. Cereda M, Kennedy S Cereda, Maurizio, and Sean Kennedy.Chapter 61. Anesthetic Considerations for Genitourinary and Renal Surgery. In: Longnecker DE, Brown DL, Newman MF, Zapol WM. Longnecker D.E., Brown D.L., Newman M.F., Zapol W.M. Eds. David E. Longnecker, et al., eds. Anesthesiology, 2e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2012.
- Hwang JQ, Poffenberger C. Hwang J.Q., Poffenberger C Hwang, James Q., and Cori McClure Poffenberger.Chapter 10. Renal and Urinary System Ultrasound. In: Carmody KA, Moore CL, Feller-Kopman D. Carmody K.A., Moore C.L., Feller-Kopman D Eds. Kristin A. Carmody, et al., eds. Handbook of Critical Care and Emergency Ultrasound. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2011.
Writer Bio
Shemiah Williams has been writing for various websites since 2009 and also writes for "Parle Magazine." She holds a bachelor's degree in business and technology and a master's degree in clinical psychology. Williams serves as a subject matter expert in many areas of health, relationships and professional development.