18 Natural Solutions for Kidney Stones

In a classic fairy tale, a small pea hidden under 20 mattresses and 20 featherbeds kept a princess awake all night. Similarly, a tiny stone in your kidney can cause sleepless nights filled with pain, leaving you desperate for medical relief.

Kidney stones are crystallized formations of minerals or organic materials that develop in the kidneys. About 10% of individuals experience kidney stones at some point. Those at higher risk include men, people aged 20 to 40, and those with gout. Men are four times more prone to kidney stones than women, likely due to protective effects of female hormones.

Kidney stones often have a hereditary component, so those with a family history of stones should take precautions. Most first-time sufferers are typically aged 30 to 40 and are otherwise in excellent health.

Similar to asymptomatic gallstones, kidney stones can remain unnoticed for years without causing issues. However, when they grow large enough to obstruct urine flow through the ureter (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), the resulting pain can be unbearable. Symptoms include intense pain near the affected kidney, painful urination, blood in urine, nausea, fever, chills, and severe fatigue.

Diet plays a significant role in the development of kidney stones. Simple lifestyle adjustments can help prevent their formation. Explore the next section for natural remedies to avoid the discomfort caused by kidney stones.

For additional insights into managing kidney and gallbladder disorders, check out the following resources:

This content is intended for informational purposes only and DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Natural Solutions for Kidney Stones

If you’ve previously experienced kidney stones or believe you might be prone to them, take proactive steps to avoid recurrence by exploring the home remedies outlined below.

Stay Hydrated. Boosting your fluid intake is the most crucial step (and sometimes the only one needed) to prevent kidney stones. Aim to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses daily. While water is ideal, other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages also contribute (though excessive decaffeinated tea may be discouraged if you have high urinary oxalate levels).

Monitor your intake. Keeping track of daily fluid consumption can be challenging. Measuring urine output is a more accurate way to gauge hydration levels. (Pharmacies sell devices that fit into toilet bowls for this purpose.) A healthy daily urine output is typically 40 to 45 ounces.

Limit oxalate-rich foods. While fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, some contain oxalates, which should be consumed in moderation if you're prone to kidney stones.

Those susceptible to calcium-oxalate stones may need to reduce intake of certain foods if their urine has high oxalate levels. These include beets, chocolate, coffee, cola, nuts, parsley, peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tea, and wheat bran. However, consult your doctor before eliminating these foods entirely, as they can often be enjoyed in moderation.

Moderate vitamin C intake. While vitamin C is beneficial, excessive doses (over 3,000 mg daily) can increase oxalate levels, posing risks for kidney stone formation. If you've had kidney stones, opt for vitamin C from foods rather than high-dose supplements. (The Recommended Dietary Allowance is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women daily, so don’t skip it entirely.)

Reduce meat and certain fish consumption. High animal protein diets are linked to uric-acid stone formation, as they increase uric acid and calcium in urine. Moderating meat intake can help reduce this risk.

Uric acid is produced when purines in protein-rich foods are metabolized. If you’re prone to uric-acid stones, reducing protein intake, especially purine-heavy foods, is advisable. These include anchovies, fish roe, herring, mackerel, mussels, sardines, and shrimp. Other high-purine foods to avoid are beer, organ meats like liver and kidney, and certain alcoholic beverages. High-protein fad diets should also be avoided.

Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity helps move calcium from the bloodstream into the bones, promoting bone strength and reducing the risk of kidney stones. If you need motivation, remembering the pain of a kidney stone might just do the trick.

Choose antacids wisely. Some over-the-counter antacids contain calcium, which can contribute to stone formation. Check labels for calcium content and consult your doctor to find a safer alternative for stomach relief.

Your kitchen holds natural remedies that can help prevent the pain of kidney stones. Discover these solutions in the next section.

For additional insights into managing kidney and gallbladder conditions, explore the following links:

This content is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Natural Solutions for Kidney Stones

Preventing kidney stones involves not only avoiding certain foods but also incorporating beneficial ones. Discover kitchen-based remedies, including foods and supplements, in the following section.

Kitchen Cabinet Remedies

Bran flakes. Fiber aids in eliminating calcium and oxalate from your urine, reducing the likelihood of kidney stones. A serving of bran flakes provides 8 mg of fiber.

Mesh strainer. If you’re passing a kidney stone, doctors advise capturing it. Using a mesh strainer while urinating is an effective way to collect the stone for analysis. This can help identify the cause of stone formation and improve treatment strategies.

Two-liter bottle. Monitoring urine output is often recommended for those at risk of kidney stones. Aim to produce at least two liters of urine daily. While carrying a bottle to measure output might seem unusual, it ensures your kidneys are functioning properly.

Whole-wheat bread. A few slices of whole-wheat bread are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps prevent stone formation. Research shows that adequate magnesium intake can eliminate kidney stone recurrence.

Salt. High salt intake is strongly linked to kidney stone formation. Keep your daily sodium intake below two grams to reduce the risk.

Nettle leaf. While staying hydrated is the top strategy for preventing kidney stones, herbal teas like stinging nettle can amplify water’s benefits by acting as natural diuretics.

Nettle leaf has been used for centuries to safely encourage urination. By promoting fluid flow through the kidneys and bladder, it helps prevent crystal formation and flushes out bacteria. It may also balance electrolytes in urine to combat stone formation. Although more research is needed, drinking 2 to 3 cups of nettle leaf tea daily could aid prevention. To prepare, steep 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried nettle leaf in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Store dried nettle leaf in an airtight container, away from light and heat, to preserve it for up to a year. Fresh nettles should be kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Ensure you have a garden or nearby wild source to harvest them.

Refrigerator-Based Remedies

Carrots. Vitamin A is crucial for kidney health. A single carrot provides double the daily requirement of this kidney-supporting nutrient. Other vitamin A-rich foods include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, and broccoli.

Chicken. Vitamin B6, found in chicken, is a powerful ally against kidney stones. It helps prevent oxalate buildup, a key factor in stone formation. A three-ounce serving of chicken supplies over one-third of your daily B6 needs.

Milk. Surprisingly, insufficient calcium intake can increase kidney stone risk. Low calcium levels lead to higher oxalate production, raising the likelihood of stones. Studies show men with higher calcium intake had a 34% lower stone risk. Aim for 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily, equivalent to about three glasses of milk.

Supplement-Based Remedies

Vitamin A. Essential for urinary tract health, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is 5,000 international units. While a balanced diet typically meets this need, excessive vitamin A can be toxic. Consult your doctor to ensure proper intake.

Vitamin B6. Research indicates that vitamin B6 can reduce oxalate levels in the blood, lowering the risk of kidney stones. Magnesium also plays a role in prevention. Your doctor may recommend daily supplements of B6, magnesium, or a combination of both. Limit vitamin B6 intake to no more than 25 milligrams per day.

Kidney stones, ranging from peanut-sized to walnut-sized, can cause intense pain. By following the home remedies outlined here, you can better protect yourself and prevent stone formation.

For additional insights into managing kidney and gallbladder conditions, explore the following links:

David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is a university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also teaches in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not liable for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.