Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Our body contains 60-70% water. Water is important to carry our many processes in our body. Kidneys do the work of flushing out toxins from the body. In tropical countries, where one sweats more, it is very important to stay hydrated, as one loses a lot of water through sweat also.
Drinking plenty of fluids is a vital part of passing kidney stones  and preventing new stones from forming. Not only does the liquid flush out toxins, it helps move stones and grit through your urinary tract.

Although water alone may be enough to do the trick, adding certain ingredients can be beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.

Talk to your doctor before getting started with any of the home remedies listed below. They can assess whether home treatment is right for you or if it could lead to additional complications.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies. Your doctor can determine whether a juice may cause side effects for you or your baby.

1. Water

When passing a stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process. Strive for 12 glasses of water per day instead of the usual 8.

Once the stone passes, you should continue to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water each day. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you want is for more to form.
Pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be a very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

2. Lemon juice

You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, which is a chemical that prevents calcium stones from forming. Citrate can also break up small stones, allowing them to pass more easily.

A great deal of lemons would be needed to make a huge effect, but some can help a little.
Lemon juice has numerous other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit bacteria growth.

3. Basil juice

Basil contains acetic acid, which helps to break down the kidney stones and reduce pain. It’s also full of nutrients. This remedy has been used traditionally for digestive and inflammatory disorders. There are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in basil juice, and it may be helpful in maintaining kidney health.
Use fresh or dried basil leaves to make a tea and drink several cups per day. You may also juice fresh basil in a juicer or add it to a smoothie.
You shouldn’t use medicinal basil juice for more than six weeks at a time. Extended use may lead to:

• low blood sugar
• low blood pressure
• increased bleeding

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps to dissolve kidney stones.
In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can help ease pain caused by the stones. There are numerous other health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

To reap these benefits, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of purified water. Drink this mixture throughout the day.
You shouldn’t consume more than one 8-ounce glass of this mixture per day. You can also use it on salads straight or add it to your favorite salad dressing. If ingested in larger amounts, apple cider vinegar can lead to low levels of potassium and osteoporosis .
People with diabetes should exercise caution when drinking this mixture. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:
insulin
digoxin ( Digox)
diuretics such as spironolactone ( Aldactone)

5. Celery juice

Celery juice is thought to clear away toxins that contribute to kidney stone formation and has long been used in traditional medications. It also helps flush out the body so you can pass the stone.
Blend one or more celery stalks with water, and drink the juice throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you have:

• any bleeding disorder
• low blood pressure
• a scheduled surgery

You also shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:

• levothyroxine(Synthroid)
• lithium (Lithane)
• medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as isotretinoin (Sotret)
• sedative medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax)

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice has been used for centuries to improve overall kidney function. It will flush stones and other toxins from your system. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help keep the kidneys healthy and may have a role in preventing kidney stones from developing.
It also lowers your urine’s acidity level. Lower acidity levels reduce your risk for future kidney stones.
There’s no limit to how much pomegranate juice you can drink throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink pomegranate juice if you’re taking:

• medications changed by the liver
• blood pressure medications, such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• rosuvastatin (Crestor)

7. Kidney bean broth

The broth from cooked kidney beans has been used to improve overall urinary and kidney health. It also helps dissolve and flush out the stones. Simply strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink a few glasses throughout the day.

Other natural remedies

The following home remedies may contain ingredients that aren’t already in your kitchen. You should be able to buy them from your local health food store or online.

8. Dandelion root juice

Dandelion root is a kidney tonic that stimulates the production of bile. This is thought to help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion. Dandelions have vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc.
You can make fresh dandelion juice or buy it as a tea. If you make it fresh, you may also add orange peel, ginger, and apple to taste. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.
Some people experience heartburn when they eat dandelion or its parts.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:

• blood thinners
• antacids
• antibiotics
• lithium
• diuretics, such as spironolactone

Talk to your doctor before taking dandelion root extract, as it can interact with many medications.

9. Wheatgrass juice

Wheatgrass is packed with many nutrients and has long been used to enhance health. Wheatgrass increases urine flow to help pass the stones. It also contains vital nutrients that help cleanse the kidneys.
You can drink 2 to 8 ounces of wheatgrass juice per day. To prevent side effects, start with the smallest amount possible and gradually work your way up to 8 ounces.
If fresh wheatgrass juice isn’t available, you can take powdered wheatgrass supplements as directed.
Taking wheatgrass on an empty stomach can reduce your risk for nausea. In some cases, it may cause appetite loss and constipation.

10. Horsetail juice

Horsetail has been used to increase urine flow to help to flush out kidney stones and can soothe swelling and inflammation. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that aid in overall urinary health.
However, the Cleveland Clinic warns against its use. You shouldn’t use horsetail for more than six weeks at a time. There are dangers of seizures, decreased levels of B vitamins, and loss of potassium.
You shouldn’t use horsetail if you take lithium, diuretics, or heart medications such as digoxin. Horsetail isn’t recommended for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Horsetail contains nicotine and shouldn’t be taken if you are using a nicotine patch or trying to quit smoking.
You also shouldn’t drink horsetail juice if you have:

• alcohol use disorder
• diabetes
• low potassium levels
• low thiamine levels

11. Banana stem 
It is high in fibre, can be consumed as a vegetable everyday. The best way to get kidney stones out is make juice of banana stem adding water, can be strained, or best drink the whole juice adding some lime juice to it for added benefit. This is what I gave my husband for 8-10 days when he had kidney stones, as when the next scan was done, it showed no more stones !

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you’re unable to pass your stone within six weeks or you begin experiencing severe symptoms that include:

• severe pain
• blood in urine
• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting

Your doctor will determine whether you need medication or any other therapy to help you pass the stone.

The bottom line

Although it may be uncomfortable, it’s possible to pass a kidney stone on your own.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to lessen any pain you may be experiencing. These includes acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).
Be sure to continue treatment until the stone passes, and don’t drink alcohol.
Once you pass a kidney stone, you may want to save it to take to your doctor for testing. To save the stone, you need to strain your urine. Your doctor can determine what kind of stone it is and help develop a targeted prevention plan.
You might add these remedies to your usual regimen and continue use after the stone passes. This may help prevent more stones from forming.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                
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HEALTHY DIET IS A MUST TO COMBAT STRESS

STRESS IS SOMETHING WHICH MOST PEOPLE FACE THESE DAYS, MAINLY AT WORK-PLACE. TO OVERCOME STRESS, MANY TRY YOGA, MASSAGE, VARIOUS THERAPIES, SELF-HYPNOSIS, MEDITATION, MUSIC THERAPY & SO ON. UNLESS YOUR DIET IS HEALTHY, NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRY, STRESS WILL TAKE A TOLL ON YOU.

DURING A PERIOD OF STRESS, WHEN ONE IS EXPECTED TO BE EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY & INTELLECTUALLY RESILIENT, A HEALTHY PERSON IS IN A BETTER POSITION TO HANDLE THE SITUATION THAN AN UNHEALTHY & MALNOURISHED PERSON. A BALANCED DIET IS THE KEY TO ENSURE THAT OUR BODY GETS ALL THE NUTRIENTS WE MAY NEED TO FACE ANY SITUATION.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE BODY DEPLETES ITS STORE OF NUTRIENTS DURING STRESS, MAINLY CALLING UPON PROTEINS, VITAMINS A, B & C. CERTAIN FOODS & DRINKS ACT AS POWERFUL STIMULANTS & HENCE ARE DIRECT CAUSES OF STRESS. THIS SHORT TERM STIMULATION IS HARMFUL IN THE LONG RUN. CAFFEINE, FOUND IN COFFEE, TEA, CHOCOLATE, AERATED DRINKS, CAUSES THE RELEASE OF THE HORMONE ADRENALINE, THEREBY INCREASING STRESS LEVELS. CONSUMED IN MODERATION, IT CAN INCREASE ALERTNESS & ACTIVITY IN MUSCLES, NERVOUS SYSTEM & HEART.

THERE ARE CERTAIN FOODS THAT HELP TO REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY. THESE  INCLUDE ALMONDS, BANANA, BROCCOLI, COTTAGE CHEESE, GINSENG,GREEN TEA, LIME JUICE, MILK, BLUEBERRIES, ORANGES, OATS, WHOLE-GRAIN RICE & SPINACH. NORMALLY PEOPLE USE VITAMIN-C TO BOOST THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM OR TO REDUCE ALLERGIES. A NEW STUDY HAS SHOWN THAT VITAMIN-C IS BENEFICIAL IN STRESS MANAGEMENT TOO. DRINK PLENTY OF FRESH LIME JUICE TO ENSURE THAT YOU GET ENOUGH OF VITAMIN-C.

BANANAS CONTAIN A TYPE OF PROTEIN THAT IS CONVERTED INTO SEROTONIN, WHICH HELPS A PERSON TO RELAX, IMPROVES THE MOOD & MAKES ONE FEEL HAPPIER. IT IS ALSO A GOOD SOURCE OF MAGNESIUM, WHICH IS ANTI-STRESS MINERAL, BECAUSE OF ITS CALMING EFFECT. 

MILK IS RICH IN ANTI-OXIDANTS, VITAMIN-B 2 & B-12, ALSO A GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN & CALCIUM. FOODS CONTAINING CALCIUM ARE VALUABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR CALMING EFFECT ON MUSCLES.

SO, WHEN STRESSED OUT, BETTER TO GO FOR MILK, BANANAS, BROCCOLI, COTTAGE CHEESE ETC THAN CAFFEINE RICH FOODS.

KIDNEY STONES- ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT

Kidneys are always hard at work, removing the toxic build up from our body. Sadly, at times, due to the food we eat & our body’s predisposition, a hardened mass can form in our kidneys from the crystals naturally present in urine. These pebble like ‘stones’ can hinder kidney functions. They can also travel to the ureter & lodge themselves there. Eliminating this can be excruciatingly painful. Kidney stone formation can happen to anyone & usually 5-10% of the population are affected by this condition. Men are more vulnerable than women. Women are protected by the hormone, oestrogen, which plays a vital role in preventing stone formation. But women are also at risk after menopause & sometimes a family history can make women prone to this condition. Lifestyle factors too are to be blamed. For instance, lack of sufficient fluid intake, obesity, eating deep fried foods, can aggravate stone formation.

Dehydration remains a major cause. Chronic dehydration causes a super-saturated urine utput, which can put you at risk. Everyone should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water & fluids, i.e., 2- 2 ½ litres , a day/ if you’ve suffered from stones before or have a family history, you require a daily fluid intake of 3 litres. Fluids can include buttermilk, fruit juices, tender coconut water also. Most fluid intake should be from water. Remember the less concentrated the urine is, the better.

Myths & misconceptions

Kidneys stones are formed from the deposits of many different kinds of chemicals, but the most common one, making up nearly 80% of all stones if calcium oxalate. For this reason, many people tend to think that cutting down on calcium intake can help prevent the formation of this kind of stone. This is a widespread misconception & is just not true. Cutting back on calcium can actually be harmful because inadequate calcium in your sustem can have the opposite effect & even hasten stone formation. For this reason, be sure to make calcium, from antural sources, an important part of your diet, especially if you’re over 50. Buttermilk with minimum salt is highly recommended. Avoid animal proteins, junk foods, chat items, pickles, processed & packaged foods, deep fried items & salty fare. Vegetables & fresh fruit juices are ideal but there are some restrictions. Avoid chickoo & grapes that have seeds. Home-made fresh foods are best.

Banana stem, vazhathandu, juice is highly recommended. Too much of this juice can actually cause the formation of oxalate. Even the sautéed form of banana stem as vegetable is good, as it has lot of fiber.

Oxalate foods- limiting high oxalate foods may help reduce the risk of forming oxalate stones. Foods that are rich in oxalate are- peanuts, tea, instant coffee ( more than 8 ounces a day), rhubarb, beets, beans, berries(, strawberries, gooseberries), chocolate, Concord grapes, dark leafy vegetables, oranges, tofu, sweet potatoes & draught beer.

Risks from metabolic factors- parathyroid disease changes the way your body metabolises calcium. With such a condition, regardless of your diet or lifestyle, you’ll be at risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones. Nearly 15% of kidney stones are the result of uric acid deposits. If you’re affected by gout, you’ld be more prone tp uric acid stones. Obesity & diabetes can leave one vulnerable also. Treating these metabolic conditions & going in for regulat screening for stones by taking an ultrasound of the abdomen & the kidneys every year is important.

Most small stones pass out in urine by themselves, but today there is help at hand for chronic sufferers & invasive treatment is kept at a minimum. The most preferred treatment for stone removal is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In this technique, small stones, less than 1 cm are broken down into fragments by high energy shock waves from a device outside the body. For larger stones, treatment options include, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), which involves making a small perforation & inserting a tube to endoscopically disperse the stone, without affecting the kidney tissue. Prevention is still the best option.