4 Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

Women have about a nine percent chance of having kidney stones in their lifetime. For men, the risk is approximately 19 percent. The tiny stones cause so much pain and discomfort that more than half a million people head to the emergency room for relief from them every year.

Learning about factors that may put you at risk and knowing steps that can help prevent them may help you avoid the excruciating agony of a kidney stone. If you should suffer from this ailment, there are several natural remedies you can try to help you pass the stone without seeking medical intervention.

Kidney Stone Risk Factors

If you or someone in your family has a history of kidney stones, you are more likely to experience them. In addition, several other factors may increase your risk, including the following.

• Not drinking adequate water
• A diet high in protein, sodium or sugar
• Obesity
• Previous intestinal surgery
• A history of cystic kidney disease
• Certain medical conditions or medications

Prevention of Kidney Stones

Preventing kidney stones from happening is the best solution. While some factors, such as hereditary risks and medical conditions, may be unavoidable, you can take some simple measures to decrease your odds. While these may help lessen your chance at getting kidney stones, there’s no guarantee you won’t get them at some point.

So, what can you do once you have kidney stones? Beyond medication, is there anything that can help with the pain and discomfort?

Home Remedies Help With Pain

If you suffer symptoms such as severe pain, pink, red, brown, cloudy or foul-smelling urine and a persistent need to urinate, then seek medical attention to rule out other causes.

If you are diagnosed with a kidney stone, you may wish to try one or more of these remedies.

• Hydrate. Two to three quarts of water per day may help you pass the stone more easily.
• Limit oxalate. Cutting down on foods such as green leafy vegetables, chocolate and nuts may be beneficial.
• Don’t skimp on calcium, as doing so can increase your risk for more stones.
• Ride a roller coaster. After anecdotal reports from patients,  Dr. David Wartinger of Michigan State University found that the jarring and dropping movements of roller coasters can indeed help you pass a stone very quickly.

[h/t: Consumer Reports]