SAFELY PASSING KIDNEY STONES AT HOME: NATURAL REMEDIES

Originally Authored by Dr. Mersad Alimoradi - December 05, 2022 

Medically Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Sony Sherpa (MBBS) - July 18, 2024

More than 10% of people worldwide are affected by kidney stones at least once in their life.

If you have ever had to pass a kidney stone, you know it can be a long and excruciating experience.

Luckily, several home remedies can help you with passing kidney stones at home faster and with less pain.

Read on to learn more about kidney stones and the best natural ways to fight them.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are solid deposits made of crystals, minerals, and other organic materials. They usually form inside the kidneys, but these stones can develop anywhere along your urinary tract, including:

• Kidneys
• Renal pelvis
• Ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

Typically, urine forms in the kidneys and passes outside the body through the ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Usually, kidney stones do not cause any symptoms and leave the body through the urethra without causing pain.

However, kidney stones can be painful if they are large, move around inside the kidney, or get stuck in one of the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder).

This condition can become extremely painful in some cases, requiring medical attention. 

Kidney Stones Symptoms

You may not experience any signs and symptoms of a kidney stone until it passes through into one of your ureters.

Kidney stones may cause severe pain. If a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can block the urine flow causing the kidney to swell and the ureters to spasm. At this point, you may experience sudden, severe pain known as renal colic.

Renal colic may feel like:

• Sharp pain on one side of your back or abdomen (below the ribs)
• Intense pain in the side and back that comes and goes in waves
• Severe pain that radiates down to the lower abdomen and groin area
• A burning sensation while urinating

As the kidney stone moves along the urinary tract, the pain can shift to a different location and change in intensity.

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

• Bloody urine (the urine appears pink, red, or brown)
• Cloudy urine that smells bad
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling the need to urinate often
• Urinating in small amounts
• Fever and chills, if there is an infection

People with painful kidney stones may feel restless, continuously shifting their posture.

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe pain that does not go away, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, fever, chills, and nausea or vomiting as these can be the symptoms of kidney stones

How To Pass Kidney Stones Naturally?

Kidney stones can only leave the body through the urinary tract via urine. That is why passing a kidney stone can be painful and uncomfortable.

Smaller stones can usually pass with minimum discomfort and pain. However, larger ones can cause severe pain and bleeding and require medical intervention.

Fortunately, several natural remedies can help you pass a kidney stone at home.

Stay Hydrated

When it comes to passing a kidney stone, hydration is vital. Your body needs to flush out the kidney stones along with the urine. Drinking lots of fluids helps the stones move along the urinary tract and prevents new ones from forming.

To pass a kidney stone at home, drink a lot of the following fluids:

• Water: Drinking plenty of water will speed up the urine flow and help pass the kidney stones faster.
• Lemon/Lime/melon/orange juice: Lemons and limes are rich in citric acid. Citric acid increases urine volume, breaks up small kidney stones, and prevents new stones from forming. 
• Pomegranate juice: In addition to flushing out kidney stones from your system, studies show that pomegranate juice can prevent kidney stones from forming.
• Celery juice: Scientists have found evidence that celery can help break down kidney stones.

Other beverages, including tea, coffee, beer, wine, and other fruit juices, can also help get rid of a kidney stone faster at home.

However, you should avoid drinking fluids that contain cranberry, grapefruit, and tomato.

Tomato juice is rich in sodium. Sodium increases the amount of calcium you excrete into your urine, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, cranberry and grapefruit juices are rich in oxalate, a component of kidney stones.

Eat More Naturally Diuretic Foods

Diuretics help your body flush away fluids from the body via urine. Eating diuretic foods can help you urinate more frequently and is a great way to help naturally pass kidney stones.

These foods include:

• Asparagus
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Brussel sprouts
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Onions
• Parsley
• Watermelon

Some herbal teas can also act as diuretics and help your body get rid of excess fluid, including the following:

• Dandelion tea
• Juniper tea
• Hawthorn tea
• Horsetail tea
• Green and black tea
• Hibiscus tea

Increase Your Calcium Intake

Eating calcium-rich food such as cheese, milk, and yogurt can help you fight kidney stones at home.

There is a common misconception that a low calcium intake can decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.

On the contrary, studies show that incorporating enough calcium in your diet can actually reduce your risk of developing another kidney stone. Calcium also helps prevent kidney stones from getting larger in size and blocking your urine flow.

Eat Food Rich in Fish Oil

Fish oil contains an active ingredient called EPA that decreases the concentrations of calcium and oxalate (components of kidney stones) in the urine. Hence, it can prevent kidney stones from forming.

Moreover, fish oil also increases citrate levels in the urine, which helps in flushing the kidney stone out of your system faster. 

Cold-water fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon), walnuts (flax seeds), and canola oil are all rich in EPA, the active ingredient in fish oil. 

Cut Back on Food Rich in Animal Protein

Animal proteins increase urinary calcium and decrease urinary citrate, which can make the body form more kidney stones and also make it difficult to pass the ones you already have.

Moreover, some foods rich in animal protein, such as fish and organ meats, also have high levels of purines. These chemical compounds increase the formation of a specific type of kidney stone known as a uric acid stone.

Consuming less animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and certain kinds of fish like anchovies and shellfish, helps in passing kidney stones naturally and prevents future ones.

Avoid High Doses of Vitamin C

Vitamin C gets converted to oxalate in the body, one of the components of calcium-oxalate kidney stones. Therefore, high doses of vitamin C, such as the ones found in supplements, can increase your risk of forming kidney stones.

Alternatively, vitamin C from food sources such as oranges and lemons do not increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

If you have kidney stones, avoid taking vitamin C supplements to help your body pass kidney stones naturally and prevent painful kidney stones in the future.

Limit Foods High in Oxalates

Spinach, beets, and nuts are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. Limiting these foods may help prevent stones from forming.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar may aid in breaking down kidney stones. It can also alleviate pain caused by the stones. Drinking a mixture of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water can be beneficial. However, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is limited.

Cut Back on Salt

High sodium intake can lead to more calcium in your urine. This excess calcium can then bind with other substances and form crystals that eventually become stones. Reducing salt intake can help in preventing stones. 

Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Magnesium lowers the risk of kidney stone development by decreasing the absorption of oxalate in the intestines. Sources of magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Supplement With Supportive Nutrients

Certain supplements can help dissolve kidney stones. Vitamin B6 and Omega-3 fatty acids show promise in potentially reducing the formation of kidney stones. Potassium citrate helps to alkalize the urine and dissolve uric acid stones.

Manage Weight, Avoid Sugary or Caffeinated Drinks

Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks can reduce the risk of kidney stones. These can dehydrate you, increasing your risk of developing kidney stones.

Dandelion Root Juice, Basil, Kidney Bean Broth, Wheatgrass Juice

Dandelion root juice helps cleanse the kidneys and improve their function. Basil contains acetic acid, which is believed to help dissolve kidney stones and potentially reduce pain. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit. Kidney bean broth is rich in magnesium and helps to break down and pass stones. Wheatgrass juice increases urine flow and helps pass stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones develop due to a decrease in urine volume or supersaturation of urine with crystal-forming elements. This imbalance can arise from various factors like dehydration, dietary choices, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions. 
Here are the primary causes:

• Dehydration: This leads to less urine production, allowing minerals and salts to concentrate and crystallize in the kidneys.
• High Protein Diet: This may increase calcium levels in your urine, which might contribute to kidney stones.
• High Salt Intake: Causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
• Genetic Conditions: Inherited metabolic disorders can predispose individuals to kidney stones. A family history of kidney stones is a significant risk factor.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, and recurrent urinary tract infections can alter the body's chemical balance, leading to higher levels of stone-forming substances like oxalate, calcium, and uric acid in the urine.
• Oxalate-Rich Foods: Consuming excessive amounts of foods like spinach, beets, and nuts can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which can combine with calcium to form stones.
• Low Calcium Diet: Low calcium diet can lead to kidney stone formation. Adequate calcium intake helps bind oxalate in your digestive system, preventing its absorption and reducing the risk of kidney stones.
• Lifestyle Choices: Poor dietary habits and inadequate fluid intake contribute significantly to the development of kidney stones.

Maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing underlying health conditions are crucial for preventing kidney stones.

Kidney Stone Pain Management

Patients often ask how to stop kidney stone pain immediately. Although there is no magic trick to stop the pain instantly, here are some effective methods to manage and alleviate the pain associated with kidney stones:

• Over-the-counter medications:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Acetaminophen can also provide effective pain relief. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists.

• Hot compress:

For fast relief, consider applying a warm compress to the sore area. Heat helps relax the muscles and alleviate spasms in the ureter, reducing pain and discomfort. A heating pad or warm towel applied to the lower back or abdomen can be very soothing during a kidney stone episode.

• Rest and hydration:

Resting and drinking enough fluids is essential and helps pass existing stones and can be a great way to prevent new ones from developing.

• Natural remedies:

Certain herbal teas like dandelion root and chamomile might help ease urinary tract discomfort and pain by relaxing the muscles. Skip caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they can dehydrate you, potentially making the pain worse.

• Support system and professional guidance:

Ensuring that you have a support system can help manage the pain effectively. Healthcare professionals can advise on the best way to proceed with passing the stone.

How to Pass Kidney Stones Fast at Home

Finding the right position can significantly aid in passing kidney stones more quickly. Lying on the side that is experiencing pain can help move the stone through the urinary tract. Additionally, using gravity to your advantage by lying in a position that facilitates the stone's movement can expedite the process. Ensuring that you are comfortable and not in severe pain is important while waiting for the stone to pass.

Walking and other light exercise may help move the stone along the urinary tract. Movement encourages the stone to travel through the ureter and into the bladder, where it can then be excreted through urine. While it may be uncomfortable, staying active and not remaining sedentary can be beneficial. However, it's important to avoid strenuous activities that can exacerbate the pain.

If a stone is stuck in the urethra, certain techniques may help dislodge it. Drinking plenty of water can help, as increased fluid intake can promote urine flow and help flush the stone out. Some people find that jumping up and down or performing gentle exercises that jostle the body can help move the stone. While these methods may help, consult a healthcare professional to avoid complications and rule out any risks.

How Long Does Passing a Kidney Stone Take?

The time taken to pass a kidney stone can vary greatly depending on the stone's size and location. 

Based on Size

Tiny stones, usually under 5 millimeters, can often pass on their own within a few days. These smaller stones usually cause minimal discomfort and can be excreted through the urine without much difficulty. Adequate hydration and being active can help expedite the process.

Larger stones, however, can take much longer to pass. Stones between 5 and 10 millimeters may take weeks to months to pass naturally. They can cause intense pain and discomfort while passing through the urinary tract. In some cases, medical intervention may be required to assist in passing the stone. This can include medications to relax the ureter muscles or procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Based on Location

The location of the stone also impacts the time it takes to pass. Stones that are closer to the bladder may pass more quickly than those higher up in the kidney or ureter. If you experience severe pain or difficulty passing a stone, it's important to consult a doctor. require immediate medical attention to prevent complications and get the right treatment.

What Helps Pass Kidney Stones While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, it's important to use safe methods to manage and pass kidney stones to avoid harming the developing fetus. Here are some effective and safe strategies:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out the stones through the urine. Consume fluids such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which can help dissolve stones and promote their passage.
• Use a heating pad: Apply heat to the lower back or abdomen to relax muscles and reduce discomfort. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medications without consulting a healthcare provider, as some may not be safe during pregnancy.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities: Resting can help manage pain and prevent further complications. Avoid strenuous activities that might exacerbate pain or cause additional stress.

When To See A Doctor

It's crucial to know when to seek medical attention for kidney stones to prevent serious complications. Here are the key situations that warrant a visit to the doctor:

• Persistent severe pain: Severe pain that does not go away can indicate that the kidney stone is causing a blockage or other complications.
• Blood in urine: If you experience fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting seek immediate medical attention since it can indicate an infection or other serious condition. 
• Difficulty urinating: Difficulty urinating or passing only small amounts of urine despite feeling the urge can indicate that the stone is obstructing urine flow. This obstruction can lead to severe complications such as infection or kidney damage if not addressed promptly.
• Other concerning symptoms: Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting can be symptoms of an infection or other serious condition that requires immediate medical attention

Conclusion

Depending on their size and number, kidney stones may take weeks, even months, to pass.

Over-the-counter pain meds, such as Tylenol, Advil, and Naproxen, can reduce the pain and discomfort as the kidney stones pass through your urinary tract.

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an alpha blocker to relax your ureter muscles and help the stones pass quicker and with less pain.

Passing kidney stones can be an extremely painful experience. These natural remedies can help you safely pass a kidney stone at home and reduce your risk of getting another one in the future.

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Sources:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary Tract: Relation to Host Defense and Microbial Infection
• Nephrolithiasis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
• Renal Calculi - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
• Medical and Dietary Therapy for Kidney Stone Prevention - PMC
• Kidney stones
• Time to stone passage for observed ureteral calculi: a guide for patient education
• Kidney stones during pregnancy

 

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