Did you know that the largest kidney stone on record weighed around 1.12kg and 17 cm in diameter? Don’t think that the patient actually swallowed a big stone the size of a coconut. Kidney stones are a hard mass of crystals that are formed inside your kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. It can either be small or big, depending on how grave the situation is.
Kidneys are one of the most essential parts of your body, and their healthy functioning is required to ensure the smooth running of your body. Kidneys help to detox and filter the impurities from your blood, further regulating the fluid balance in your body.
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They remove the toxins as well as excess water to the bladder for elimination as urine. If the kidneys are not able to excrete the toxins from the body, crystals or unprocessed minerals start to develop known as kidney stones.
Causes of Kidney Stones
The common causes of kidney stones include less water content in the body, urinary tract infections, and urine pH. It can be cured easily if diagnosed at an early stage. If kidney stones are not diagnosed, the crystals will gradually grow over a few weeks, months, or maybe years forming a detectable stone.
A poor diet can also lead to kidney stone formation. Sodas and sugary foods are filled with unhealthy chemicals, including processed bleached sugar, caffeine, phosphoric acid, and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients are very much harmful to your body, especially the urinary system and can cause kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in your back or lower abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent need to urinate or urinating in small amounts
- Foul-smelling urine
A kidney stone goes undetected until it starts to move. As the stone moves, pain starts increasing in intensity. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. You can also consult doctor online.
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
These are some of the home remedies for kidney stones:
1. Dandelion root juice
The root of dandelion contains chemicals that may help in increasing urine production and decreasing swelling.
Chop some dandelion roots coarsely. Boil some water in a saucepan and add two teaspoons of chopped dandelion roots. Cover the pan and lower the heat. Keep it for one minute and remove the pan from the heat. Let the dandelion root steep in the closed pan for at least 40 minutes. Strain the mixture.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon is one of the best home remedies for kidney stones. It contains a compound known as citrate which prevents the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys. This compound also helps in breaking down the smaller stones that are already present in the kidney.
3. Basil water
Dandelion if consumed regularly, prevents the formation of kidney stones. The dandelion root taken in the form of tea is good for cleansing kidneys. It can be used to treat and prevent digestive as well as urinary tract problems.
Basil acts as a detoxifier and helps in removing kidney stones from your body, thereby strengthening the kidney function. It also lowers the uric acid levels in your blood and cleanses the kidneys.
The acetic acid as well as other essential oils present in basil, helps in breaking the stones down to pass through urine. Apart from removing kidney stones, basil acts as one of the best ayurvedic medicines for weight loss.
Add water and basil leaves in a pan. Bring them to boil and strain the mixture. Drink it warm.
4. Water
Drinking enough water every day helps to flush out toxins from your body. Water helps in diluting the substances in the urine that leads to the formation of stones.
5. Dates
Dates contain a high amount of fibre that helps in lowering the risk of kidney stones. The magnesium content in dates is also helpful in cleansing the kidneys.
6. Figs
Figs are considered as a nutritional powerhouse high in fibres and so many nutrients. Boil water and add some figs into it. Let it cool. After that, consume this water for a few days to prevent kidney stones
7. Apple cider vinegar
The citric acid content present in apple cider vinegar helps in dissolving the kidney stones. It also helps in alkalizing the blood and increases the level of acid in the stomach.
Do not consume excess amount of apple cider vinegar every day as it can lead to low potassium levels and osteoporosis.
What is a Kidney Stone Diet?
Kidney stones can be avoided through a healthy diet. If you wish to avoid kidney stones, then, what you eat and drink is equally important as what you shouldn’t eat and drink. Stay hydrated and increase the intake of food and drinks that are high in citrate.
Eat lots of calcium and vitamin D rich foods. Know that, if the calcium level in your body is low, oxalate levels may increase. Good sources of calcium include yoghurt, nuts, seeds, cheese, legumes, and dark leafy vegetables.
High sodium level in the body promotes the calcium buildup in the urine, which leads to kidney stones. Try to avoid salt as much as you can and check the sodium content in the labels when you buy processed foods.
Lower the animal protein intake as it may increase the amount of uric acid in your body. It also reduces the amount of citrate, the chemical which helps in the prevention of kidney stones. Avoid drinking colas as it is high in phosphate, another chemical that promotes the formation.
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If you have kidney stones, you are at high risk of getting them again and again, unless you actively work to eliminate them completely. Talk to a doctor if you have any queries regarding your kidney stone diet.
