Remedy to Dissolve Kidney Stones

Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful. Usually starting in the side or back just under the ribs, pain from kidney stones radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. According to Gary Faerber, M.D. at the University of Michigan Health System, about 13 percent of men and 7 percent of women will have kidney stones at some point in their lives. If you are one of those unfortunate individuals who get kidney stones, you'll want to get rid of them quickly. There is a home remedy that just may do the trick.

Definition and Symptoms

• Kidney stones are small deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surface of your kidney. Under normal conditions, the substances that make up kidney stones are diluted in the urine. When urine is concentrated, minerals may crystallize and stick together, resulting in a kidney stone.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms you may experience if you're suffering from kidney stones include:

  Fluctuating pain in the side and back, below the ribs
  Pain waves radiating from the side and back to the lower abdomen and groin
  Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  Pain on urination
  Persistent urge to urinate

Treatment

• You may be able to dissolve a kidney stone using a home remedy of lemon juice. The citric acid in lemons aids in the dissolution of calcium-based kidney stones. Mix 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice with 1 quart of water. Drink the entire mixture. Repeat this process twice more in a 24-hour period. The stones should dissolve within a few days.

  If the kidney stones do not dissolve, and the pain persists, it may be time to visit your doctor. Your doctor has several treatment options available, including shock wave therapy and surgery.

Prevention

• The best way to deal with kidney stones is to not get them in the first place. To reduce your risk of getting kidney stones:

  Drink plenty of water
  Cut back on soda and iced tea
  Get plenty of exercise
  Drink lemonade (freshly squeezed, not powdered)
  If you're taking calcium supplements, ask your physician if it's really necessary
  Ask your doctor about eating foods rich in vitamin D