Kidney stones nowadays have become a very common health problem, dehydration and mineral deposits in the kidney are few of the main causes of kidney stones. Kidney being an essential organ in the human body, cleanses the blood from anything that is not needed and passes it through urine. There are times few minerals that are not flushed out, forms crystals in the kidney; the kidney stones. It is a very hurtful phenomenon if not taken care in time.
Dehydration becomes very common in the areas with frequent weather changes. Lahore is a typical example for such an area. Although there are so many natural remedies that are available and good against the deposits, you should consult a urologist in Lahore, before you try some of the remedies.
1. Stay hydrated
One of the essentials for the healthy body is to take ample water. Water helps dilute urine preventing formation of stones and dissolving unneeded substances. For passing a kidney stone a good water intake boosts the process. For a day about 3 litres water is enough, for passing a stone you can take it up to 4 to 5 litres a day. Dehydration is a key factor in forming these stones.
Water is essential but there are many other fluids that can work for hydration. Orange juice, sugarcane juice are some of the beverages which can help you with kidney stones.
Please beware, artificially sweetened beverages and soda can be a risk factor in forming a stone.
2. Lemon juice and honey, Citric intake
Citrate is one of the abundant minerals in citrus fruits. It has the ability to prevent calcium stone from forming. Thus, it helps in breaking down the stones already formed.
Honey is an anti-inflammatory rich food. Added with lemon juice it has various health benefits. The lemon juice with honey is a very healthy combination against kidney stone forming.
Other than that citrus fruit intake not only increases citrate intake, it also gives vitamin C and helps against bacterial growth, which is why using high doses of vitamin C can increase the oxalate within the body, that helps form kidney stones.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is rich in nutrients like vitamin B and C, acetic acid and citric acid. Acetic acid is good for dissolving stones and is effective at reducing risks of stones forming.
The apple cider vinegar is also a very good remedy to ease the pain along with passing of the stone. It has numerous other health benefits too.
Cons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Excessive intake can cause acidity, so moderation is the key. One or two spoons once a day is enough.
- The excess use leads to osteoporosis and low potassium levels.
- It is not recommended to be used with insulin and diuretics.
4. Kidney beans
Kidney beans are rich in proteins and carbs that help the digestive system. The vitamin B in kidney beans is beneficial against kidney stone formation and flushing it out.
Kidney beans are said to be beneficial for the health of kidney and urinary functions. A broth or simply drinking the water cleared out from the cooked beans is helpful.
5. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are very rich in minerals. They are abundant in fibres, vitamins B,C and K, potassium and they are fully loaded with antioxidants. Pomegranates are considered very beneficial for arteries and blood related functions. Pomegranates are very useful against flushing toxins and the potassium in it takes out the stones. The pomegranates are best in improving overall health of kidneys. It also reduces acidic levels in urine, completely lowering risks of formation of kidney stones.
The best thing about pomegranates is they don’t have any risk when taken in excess. On the other hand, pomegranates pose a risk in blood pressure to get low if you’re taking medication for high BP and medications changed by the liver (broken by the liver) may interact with pomegranate to alter effects.