Kidney stones can cause sharp debilitating pain in the kidneys and also while urinating. And if left ignored, it can further damage the kidneys. Hence, it is mostly advised to consult a doctor at the earliest if you experience any symptoms of kidney stones such as pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or suspect kidney infection. While your doctor might give medications or advice surgery based on the size of the stones, you can also try your bit to deal with kidney stones with the help of natural remedies.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Kidney Stones
Yes! kidney stones can be treated with the help of home remedies when taken along with medications. These remedies not only ease the pain and discomfort but also causes the stones to be easily washed off from the kidneys and lower the risk of permanent damage to the organs(if any). So here is a list of home remedies for kidney stones that might work!
1. Barley Water
Barley water is considered to be one of the most common natural remedies for kidney stones. This is because, it is rich in dietary fiber, which helps in reducing the excretion of calcium into the urine. Moreover, it also cleanses the kidneys by flushing out the toxins and waste materials from the body. It is a known fact that the more alkaline the urine is, the higher is the risk of kidney stone formation. Hence, it plays a key role in maintaining the pH balance in the body and thus, restrict the growth of kidney stones. Lastly, regular consumption of barley water creates pressure on the urinary bladder and thus, makes it easy for the elimination of the kidney stones.
How to take it: Barley water is an age-old home remedy for kidney stones. To a glass of boiling water, add a teaspoon of barley seeds. Continue to boil it on a low flame until the water reduces to half the quantity. Strain and cool the mixture. Drink it throughout the day on a regular basis to help you fight kidney stones and relieve the symptoms.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps in dissolving the aggregated crystals of calcium and oxalate through urine, thus preventing the stone from growing in size. Lemon juice is ultimately a form of liquid that will only up your intake of fluids. This will help in flushing the toxins from the body and not allowing the crystals to aggravate to form stones.
How to take it: Squeeze a medium-sized lemon and extract its juice in a glass. Fill it with water to the brim. Add a teaspoon of sugar. Make sure that you do not add too much of sugar. You can drink at least 5-6 cups of lemon juice in a day, if suffering from kidney stones to prevent it from worsening.
3. Pomegranate Juice
How about drinking a glass of pomegranate juice everyday? Well, it not only keeps the kidneys healthy but also lower the risk of kidney stones in a person who is at risk. However, if you are already suffering from kidney stones it can help you to get rid of it naturally (along with medications). Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect the body from the attack of harmful free radicals. It also reduces the acidic level of urine, which also lower the risk of development of stones and prevent the already present kidneys stones from growing into bigger stones.
How to take it: Take a medium-sized pomegranate and remove its seeds. Add these to a juicer to get its juice. With the help of a strainer, strain it to get clear fluid. Drink this juice every day as it acts as a wonderful home remedy for kidney stones. It is advised to drink freshly prepared pomegranate juice for effective results. You can also eat pomegranate instead of its juice.
4. Water
It goes without saying that hydration is the key to a healthy body, especially your kidneys. Hence, it is important to ensure that you meet your daily dose of water intake. Also, increasing the intake of water helps to wash out the existing stones. Moreover, it also reduces the chances of stone formation and plays a key role in keeping the kidney healthy and helps you to fight kidney stones naturally.
How to take it: For people suffering from kidney stones, it is suggested to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every day. It is best to drink plain water to reap its benefits. However, you can also add flavoring agents such as lemon or mint leaves to improve its taste and ensure you drink enough water in a day to keep your kidneys healthy.
5. Basil Tea
Not many people are aware that basil can act as a perfect home remedy for kidney stones. It is a rich source of acetic acid and helps to break down the kidney stones. It has been found to reduce the increased uric acid levels which can be indicative of stones, if left unattended. Moreover, basil leaves are known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties which can help you to get rid of kidney stones.
How to take it: You can either drink a glass of tulsi tea in the morning. If you are a tea person, you can add a few tulsi leaves in a cup of boiling water and drink it to treat kidney stones naturally. You can also chew basil leaves the first thing in the morning after brushing your teeth as it boost immunity and helps you to stay healthy.
So, in the very first place, eat healthy and drink a lot of water to ensure your kidneys are working fine and are healthy. However, in the case of kidney stones, make sure you try a few of these natural remedies along with taking your medication on time to get rid of these stones at home.
*Consult India’s best doctors here**
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General Physician and Dr. Deepak Kumar Soni, Ayurvedacharya)
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