Natural Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney stones are painful mineral deposits that can accumulate on the inner part of the kidneys. According to the Mayo Clinic, most kidney stones do not require medical treatment. Natural treatment can alleviate pain and make the stones easier to pass. A doctor should evaluate large kidney stones and those that are difficult to pass.

Fluids

• Drinking plenty of water is the single most important thing a kidney stone patient can do to help pass the stones and prevent them from getting bigger. UrologyChannel.com suggests patients drink a minimum of 50 percent of their body weight in ounces of water each day, and the Mayo Clinic advises at least two to three quarts a day. Pale or clear urine is desirable, as bright or dark yellow signifies dehydration.

Foods to Consume

• Foods with a high magnesium to calcium ratio, such as brown rice, oats, soy and bananas can help prevent and loosen kidney stones. Flaxseed oil can help reduce the amount of calcium in urine to protect against kidney stones. Potassium fights calcium crystallization, which leads to stone formation in the kidneys. Yogurt, oranges, tomatoes and broccoli contain high potassium levels. Fiber helps bind oxalates in the digestive system, helping to prevent stones from worsening. Patients should consume whole grains, such as wheat, to maintain a diet with a high fiber content. Wheat is also a good source of zinc, which can help stop minerals in the urine from crystallizing in the kidneys.

Foods to Avoid

• Sugar may make kidney stones worse and should be avoided. Patients should check the labels of any foods they consume while fighting kidney stones, as some processed and canned foods contain hidden sugar. Foods high in oxalates can make kidney stones worse. Patients should avoid chocolate, spinach and beets, which have high oxalate content. Sweet potatoes, celery, strawberries, grapes and red raspberries have medium to high oxalate contents as well and should be avoided. Patients should check with their physicians for specific dietary recommendations.

Herbs

• Most herbs do not have side effects, but patients should check with their doctors before beginning any herbal treatment for kidney stones. Bearberry and corn silk are herbal diuretics that can make stone passing easier. Crampbark and kava kava have relaxing and antispasmodic properties to help soothe pain and relax the muscles around the urinary tract. Khella relaxes the ureter tissues, making smaller stones easier to pass. Gravel root, stone root and seven barks are other herbs that are often used to treat and prevent kidney stones.

Supplements

• Magnesium citrate may decrease the size of a kidney and help prevent others from forming. Supplementing Vitamin B6 in your diet helps to prevent the development of kidney stones. Both supplements are readily available at vitamin retailers.