Information on Natural Cures for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are solid, stone-like masses that form inside the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. No matter what their size, they usually cause extreme discomfort and may even block the flow of urine entirely or cause infection if left untreated. If you are suffering from the intense pain of a kidney stone, there are natural ways to relieve your pain and move the stone through the kidneys and out of your body.

Jump and Bump Method

• The "jump and bump" method of relieving stones uses the laws of inertia and movement to remove a blockage. First, drink up to two pints of warm water. Then, when you feel the urge to urinate, stand on a patio or in your backyard (preferably where you won't be seen by your neighbors), and jump 2 inches off the ground, landing with your knees and legs as straight as possible. You should wear heavy boots or thick-soled shoes to make the impact more impressive and help to dislodge the stone from your kidney. Repeat this exercise three times, every five to 10 minutes, for about an hour. Be sure to relieve your bladder when you feel the need, and as often as possible during the procedure. The stone should work its way through your kidney and into your bladder, where it will be expelled within an hour or so.
  You may also do this exercise in the bathroom by getting into the position to sit on the toilet and then allowing your body to free fall the last several inches onto the toilet seat. Repeat the exercise as many times as is necessary to dislodge the stone.
  Both of these exercises will increase your discomfort while you are performing them, but they will eventually dislodge the stone and flush it through your system and out of your body in short order.
  Before beginning any exercise designed to flush a stone out of your body, speak with your doctor to make sure the cure is right for you. If you have scarring in your ureter due to previous surgeries, these methods may not work as well for you.

Diet and Exercise

• Drink at least three liters of water a day, and remain physically active to help move your stone out of the body. Cut refined sugars and foods from your diet entirely, as well as animal products, like meat, eggs, milk and cheese. Reduce or eliminate entirely caffeine and alcohol consumption, sodas and salt. Eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains and vegetable proteins. Reduce your intake of black tea, chocolate, nuts and other oxalate-rich foods, like spinach, rhubarb, wheat bran, strawberries and beans. If your doctor believes that your stones are caused by an excess of uric acid in your system, cut back on meat, fish and poultry. Speak to your doctor about any dietary changes and if your stones do not move out of your body within a few days after improving your diet and increasing your water intake and amount of physical exercise. If you have an infection, you may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Magnesium Citrate

• Because one cause of kidney stones is low magnesium in the bloodstream, taking a magnesium citrate supplement once a day can decrease the size of your kidney stone, dissolve it altogether and prevent your chances of having another stone. Speak with your doctor about the benefits of magnesium supplementation and proper dosage for your height, weight, age and overall condition of health. He may wish to perform blood work to determine if you are suffering from a magnesium deficiency.

Chanca Piedra

• Translated from the Quechua and Spanish, the name of the rain forest plant, chanca piedra means "to break stones." The herb is well-known for its ability to break up kidney stones naturally, as well as treating edema and excess uric acid in the body. Aside from the pain of expelling the stones themselves, there have been no toxic or other side effects reported with the use of this herb. Speak to your physician about the benefits of using chanca piedra to naturally heal your kidney stones.