Kidney stones are a very common health issue. Kidney stones are simply mineral or salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. Now the question is, why do these deposits form in the kidney? In most cases, these occur when you do not drink enough fluids, which makes your urine concentrated leading to the formation of kidney stones.
The Functioning of the Kidney
The kidneys are your filtering system to filter out all the waste products from the body, maintaining a balance in electrolytes, and other fluids necessary to keep the functioning of the body smooth.
The symptoms do not appear immediately when kidney stones form. When the stones pass through the urinary tract, this is when you will feel discomfort or pain.
What are the Possible Causes of Kidney Stones?
Here are some possible causes of kidney stones.
- You have a family history of kidney stone occurrences
If someone in your family had kidney stones previously, you are most likely prone to this condition as well. Hence, you must take care of what you consume.
- You do not drink enough water
This is much relatable to the people who stay in warm climates. When the ambient temperature is high, it is necessary to consume sufficient water to keep your body hydrated. Always remember, 60 to 70 percent of the human body is water.
- You consume substantial amounts of protein but not enough water
According to a Harvard health blog, when you consume too much protein, the level of uric acid increases, which induces the formation of kidney stones. Moreover, with the increase in protein in the diet, the citrate level reduces, its role is to prevent the formation of the mineral deposits inside your kidney.
- Your intake of sodium and sugar is significantly high
A study on 14 people to find out the role of salt intake in risking the chances of kidney stone formation gives the conclusion that when your salt intake is high, the urinary sodium levels increases along with a change in pH levels of the urine and the urinary citrate decreases. In simple terms, it means that if you love to take a lot more salt than the usual quantity, you are very likely to suffer from kidney stones.
People with weight gain issues and obesity are most likely to suffer from kidney stones.
- Intestinal diseases and surgery
People who have gone through gastric bypass surgery, have any other kidney disease, or have bowel movement issues can induce the formation of kidney stones.
Medications
Certain medications such as calcium-based pills and any meds that can change the salt concentration of your body can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
A recurring problem
You are more prone to suffer from kidney stones if you have a prior history of the condition.
There are several treatment options available in the case of kidney stones such as fluid therapy, pain medication to help with the pain, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary if it leads to urinary tract infection.
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Drink Water
Drinking water sufficiently is of utmost importance to reduce the chances of kidney stones or to help the stones pass through urine smoothly. For best guidance on how much quantity of water is necessary, a visit to a doctor is necessary.
2. Drink Lemon Juice
Do not make the mistake of adding salt or sugar into your lemon juice. It will be tangy to drink but it will help you recover from kidney stones. Most importantly, lemons contain citrate which reduces the further chances of kidney stones formation. You have to add only a few drops of lemon into a glass full of water and drink it.
3. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are full of antioxidants and are great to include in your diet if you want to detox your body. It reduces the chances of kidney stone formation and helps the kidney to function better.
4. Kidney Beans or Rajma
Another excellent way to get rid of kidney stones faster is the consumption of kidney beans. Consumption of kidney beans makes the excretion of stones from the body easier and less painful as it dissolves the stones.
5. Reduce Salt Consumption
Salt plays an important role when it comes to kidney stones. So, minimize your salt or sodium intake. Do not take extra salt with your food.
6. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
If you are a heavy drinker of alcohol, this may be another reason for the formation of kidney stones. So, you have to lower your alcohol intake or if possible, stop drinking until you recover.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural way that helps dissolve kidney stones making the recovery process easier. 1 to 2 teaspoons of the vinegar are enough and add it to one glass of water. Drink this only once a day. Do not drink more than this.
8. Celery
Celery is known for its detoxifying effects on our bodies. Throw one or two celery sticks into your mixer with water and your healthy drink is ready. Drinking this will help in passing the stones faster.
Take Medical Guidance Before trying the Home Remedy
Home remedy is natural and has less or no negative impact on our bodies. However, if you are taking any other medications or recently went through any surgery, consult with your doctor with the home remedy that you will be trying.
Under normal circumstances, kidney stones form mainly due to bad lifestyle choices. So, try to eat healthily and drink plenty of water to keep your organs healthy. Your body is just like a car or a bike. If you fill your car or bike with low-quality fuel, it will harm the functioning of the car, right?
So, take good care of your body and love your body♥
Also Read: Herbs And Other Foods To Cleanse Your Kidneys