Kidney stones are mineral deposits or salts of acid, that get accumulated in the kidneys. Medical surveys have confirmed that the occurrence of stones has increased since 1970. The reason could be both genetic as well as environmental. Kidney stones do not cause any lasting damage after their removal. But, passing stones can come with pain for some people, but that depends on the size of stones.
Types Of Kidney Stones
There are various types of kidney stones, which differ in composition as well as size.
Calcium stones are caused when there is a high amount of calcium present in urine. Calcium accumulates to form calcium oxalate, which gets deposited to form stones in kidneys.
Struvite stones happen to women significantly more than men. This happens due to some urinary tract infections. And, struvite stones are generally bigger than calcium stones.
Uric acid stones occur due to the presence of high amount of uric acid in urine, that gets accumulated to form stones.
Cystine stones occur rarely, as it happens only to people who are suffering from a rare genetic disorder called cystinuria. In this disease, the body eliminates excess amino acids with urine.
What Can Cause Kidney Stones?
There are many reasons for kidney stones to form. One of the most common reasons is insufficient intake of water. Calcium stones can occur due to consumption of calcium oxalate rich diets, too much vitamin D concentration, hypercalciuria, chronic kidney disease and hyperactive parathyroid gland. Uric acid stones are formed due to the intake of excessively protein rich diets, gout, side effect of chemotherapy and genetic predisposition of having high uric acid in the body.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Kidney stones can often move and cause urinary infections. Some prominent symptoms of having kidney stones are constant pain on the sides and back. The pain can also be felt in the abdominal area in some cases. Painful urination is another symptom. The color of urine can be pink, brown or red. Fever with chills, nausea, and restlessness are few other symptoms.
3 Home Remedies For Treating Kidney Stones
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a medicinal gem. Preventing or aiding the passing of kidney stones is one of its many benefits. But, the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in eliminating kidney stones directly depends on the size of stones. Small stones can be more effectively eliminated by this treatment.
Apple cider vinegar and honey can help in eliminating kidney stones. Take two spoons of honey and one spoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix it well and gulp it down. Have it several times a day to treat kidney stones. You can also dilute this concoction with some water, if you want.
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda can help in eliminating uric acid stones. Take half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix this concoction into a glass of water and drink it daily for a few days to eliminate stones.
2. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
Take four teaspoons of both extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it down. Follow it up by drinking a generous amount of water. Do this three times a day till the time you pass the stone. It should generally happen in three days. If not, consult a doctor.
This treatment can help with both kidney stones and gallbladder stones. Lemon juice can help in breaking down the stone, and olive oil can lubricate the way for the stone to pass.
3. Basil
Research shows that basil leaves can help in eliminating kidney stones. Take six to seven leaves of basil and boil them in hot water to make some tea. Drink this every morning. You can also chew some fresh leaves. This should help in passing kidney stones.
So, drink plenty of water, and take up one of these natural treatments to make that kidney stone disappear.
