Kidneys perform the important function of removing waste products and excess fluids from our body through urine and also maintaining the chemical balance of our bodies. Kidney stones present in kidney when the kidneys are unable to process and throw out waste like chemicals and minerals in the urine crystallise. The main reason of kidney stone is our modern lifestyles that have contributed in a big way to increasing the occurrence of kidney stones because of improper diets, and the increase of toxic elements in water, soil, and air.
The size of kidney stones may vary from very tiny to as big as a grapefruit or a tennis ball. The smaller ones are likely to pass through urine unnoticed however the larger stones could stop the passage of urine and cause unbearable pain.
Kidney Stones form due to a number of reasons some of the main causes of kidney stones are describe below.
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Unhealthy diet for example processed, canned, frozen and fast foods that are high in salt content.
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Food that is high in Oxalates or Oxalic Acid
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Food that is not easily digestible or high in animal proteins like meat, fish and eggs.
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Over consumption of Alcohol and Beverages
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Low intake of water and fluids leading to dehydration or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
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High Blood Pressure
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Lack of exercise & Weight Issues
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Mineral Imbalances in the body.
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Family history of kidney stones
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Taking certain drugs and medications on a regular basis can also increase chances of getting kidney stones.
Kidney stones may go unnoticed for years and not produce any symptoms. Smaller stones are known to pass out through urine without ones knowledge. Larger stones however are reported to cause unbearable pain. Large Kidney stones usually give out very clear symptoms.
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Severe lower abdominal pain that radiates to your lower back, groin, sides and genitals. 2. Bloody or abnormal colour of urine like pink, red or brown is a common occurrence.
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Cloudy and Foul smelling urine
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Fever and chills.
Home remedies can help reduce the discomfort and treat less severe conditions without risking the side effects of allopathic medication. Here are some best home remedies for kidney stones.
Onions have antioxidant properties which prevent crystallization and further growth of kidney stones. This decoction can be made by boiling 2 to 3 small onions in a glass of water for about 15 minutes. Drain, add sugar and drink thrice a day for good results.
The citric acid in the lemon juice is known to help dissolve the stones while the olive oil acts as a lubricant. There are various versions, this is the easiest: ¼ cup each of lemon juice and olive oil, followed by 240 ml of water. To be taken two to three times a day.
Lemon juice is very effective for kidney stones. Honey makes it healthy and more palatable. Some remedies suggest adding rock salt or black salt to this mixture to help flush out kidney stones.
Coconut water can be consumed to treat kidney stones. It has shown good results in breaking and flushing out the kidney stones from the body and to relieve burning sensation during urination.
Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water. To be drunk a few times a day. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar raw or with water every day is also known to be helpful.
Kidney beans have been aggressively advocated for the treatment of kidney stones. Soak the beans overnight, boil in water or pressure cook. Strain the liquid, cool and drink throughout the day. Make a new batch the next day, don’t consume a stale concoction. Eating the beans too can give you your much needed dose of protein, Vitamin B and minerals which are essential for the health of your kidneys.
Pomegranate juice may prevent the formation of kidney stones. Pomegranate is full of antioxidants and eating pomegranate seeds or drinking its juice on a regular basis can help keep your kidneys healthy.
Watermelon helps maintain the acid levels in urine. It has high water content and is full of potassium. That is why it helps in cleansing the kidneys and flushing out kidney stones. Watermelon can be eaten, or its juice can be consumed for the necessary effect. Watermelon seeds steeped in hot water can make an excellent seed tea which can be drunk regularly. Adding a ¼ teaspoon of coriander powder in watermelon juice is also believed to be very effective.
Figs has been suggested for kidney stones pain relief. Boiling two figs in a cup of water and drinking it on an empty stomach every morning could be helpful to dissolve kidney stones.
Aloe Vera Aloe vera has many healing properties. You might want to try a ¼ cup of aloe vera everyday to reduce urinary crystals which lead to the formation of kidney stones. Aloe Vera can be very helpful to alleviate kidney stone problems.
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