Kidney Stone Removal And Treatment

There are many treatments for kidney stones, involving both mainstream medicine and alternative treatments. When it comes to natural kidney stone removal, the one thing everyone agrees on is the importance of hydration. Yet there are some alternative treatments for kidney stones recently that advocate drinking soda for kidney stone removal, claiming that the phosphoric acid will dissolve the stones.

Does Soda Cause Kidney Stones?

Studies do indeed suggest that people who consume large amounts of carbonated soft drinks are more likely to have kidney stones. The exact reason for this is not certain, although there is little in soda that is good for anyone. For one thing, soft drinks have lots of sugar, which has been linked to kidney stones.

Another aspect of soda is that it is a very poor substitute for water as a thirst quencher. It actually dehydrates the body, especially those sodas that contain caffeine. Dehydration can cause kidney stones and make them difficult to get rid of.

Phosphoric Acid vs. Kidney Stones

The alternative "soda remedy" for kidney stones claims that the phosphoric acid, which has been shown to deplete calcium in the body (it's also very bad for your teeth) will dissolve kidney stones, most of which are made of calcium deposits. The evidence for this appears to be mixed. While phosphoric acid may actually dissolve kidney stones, it may be a short term cure that does not prevent them from returning. It is also likely to contribute to other health problems, including tooth decay, bone problems due to calcium deficiency and diseases linked to excessive sugar.

Better Solutions For Natural Kidney Stone Removal

The best way to dissolve kidney stones naturally is with pure water. Other naturally acidic fruits such as lemons can also help. Lemon, while having an acidic taste, actually has an alkalizing effect on your body after digestion. Lemon juice mixed with equal parts cold-pressed olive oil has been shown to be a great remedy for kidney stones. Other excellent remedies include cranberries and watermelons.

Kidney Stones and Calcium

Remember that calcium is essential for your body, especially your teeth and bones. When you have kidney stones, you don't want to consume excessive amounts of it, so avoid calcium supplements, calcium-based antacids and large quantities of dairy products. However, you don't want to avoid calcium altogether --or consume substances, like phosphoric acid, that deplete your body of this essential mineral.

The best approach to kidney stone removal is to stay hydrated with two to three quarts of water per day, with the addition of lemons (squeeze fresh lemon into water, into tea or use with olive oil as mentioned above), cranberries and watermelons.

Kidney stones are crystals that form in the urinary tract, made of various minerals and chemicals. Smaller ones pass through the urinary system without causing any problem, but larger ones can be very painful and even dangerous. Kidney stones are one of those modern maladies that afflict many people --an estimated 10% of the population suffer with them at one time or another. It is likely that the ultimate cause of kidney stones is a lifestyle issue, similar to many other diseases that are on the rise. It follows, then, that the solution to the problem, kidney stone removal, is to make some long term lifestyle changes.

A More Alkaline, Low Oxalate Diet

The modern diet tends to be high in carbohydrates, sugar and unhealthy fats, and too low in many nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. Another way this is sometimes put is that our diets are overly acidic, when they should be more alkaline. Fruits and vegetables are mostly alkaline, while proteins and starches are mostly acidic. Try to switch over to a diet that is at least 60% alkaline.

With kidney stones you have an additional consideration, however. You should limit your intake of high oxalate foods, as these can cause kidney stones. Many dark green leaf vegetables, such as spinach, are high oxalate, as are blueberries, beets, chocolate and many nuts, beans and grains.

Some good alkaline foods that are also low oxalate are lemons, avocados, melons (including watermelon, which is especially beneficial to the kidneys), coconuts (coconut oil is also very healthy), cabbage, cauliflower and mushrooms.

Low Oxalate Does Not Mean Healthy

This can seem like a very limiting list of foods, and it may be challenging at first. One thing worth mentioning is that if you look up, say on a search engine, "low oxalate foods" you will find a list that contains many foods that may be low oxalate but that are not healthy overall (such as soda, many starches and sugar).

That's why I'm recommending foods that are both alkaline and low oxalate. While this makes the list more limited, it's more beneficial to your long term health. Also keep in mind that you don't have to stick to this diet 100%, but closer to 60%.

More Good Tips For Removing Kidney Stones

** Drink plenty of water, best if filtered.

** Get regular exercise, preferably at least 30 minutes per day.

** Do not eat a high calcium diet with kidney stones (calcium supplements, dairy products; don't avoid calcium, which is essential, but don't go over the recommended daily allowance.

** Don't eat a high protein diet. Again, you need protein, but too much protein puts a strain on the kidneys.

** Foods and herbs that are healing for kidney stones include lemons, watermelon, dandelion, couch grass, buchu and cleavers.

If you have kidney stones, you already know that it can be a terribly painful condition. For people who suffer from them long term, a system of natural kidney stone removal would be something welcome. In extreme cases, kidney stones must be removed surgically. In most cases, however, they can be dissolved and passed by making some changes in your diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help remove those stubborn kidney stones.

1. Stay (Or Become) Active!

If you don't feel well, for any reason, you often tend to become less active. This is not the best way to get rid of most persistent health conditions, and kidney stones are no exception. The body responds to activity. You naturally detox by sweating, increasing your heart rate and breathing deeply, which are all set into play by exercise. Find activities you enjoy, whether sports or some other aerobic activity. This can be anything from brisk walking or jogging to gardening, hiking or dancing.

2. Drink More Water

You cannot consume too much water when you have kidney stones, but you can drink too little. Kidney stones can actually be caused by dehydration, and water is the best thing to dilute and dissolve them. Drink from two to three quarts of water per day, preferably filtered.

3. Consume Fruits and Vegetables (that are low in oxalates)

Fruits and vegetables are healthy for any condition. With kidney stones, the only difference is that you want to limit your intake of high oxalate foods (oxalates are one of the substances that can actually form kidney stones). This includes many dark green vegetables such as spinach, rhubarb, blueberries, beets and chocolate.
Fruits that are especially good for the kidneys include cranberries, watermelons and lemons.

4. Meditate and Visualize

The mind is a powerful healer and can have profound effects on the body. If you meditate for twenty minutes every day, you will find it easier to release stress. You can do special healing meditations (either on your own or using guided visualization tapes, CDs or downloads), where you imagine healing energy moving through your body. Visualize this energy as healing light --when this light passes through your kidney area (on either side of your lower back --you may want to look at a diagram in an anatomy book or website for the exact location if you aren't sure) it dissolves any kidney stones!

5. Take Herbs and Supplements to Dissolve Kidney Stones

Drink teas (or take capsules or extracts) of dandelion, buchu, cleavers or couch grass. An effective tonic for dissolving kidney stones is to mix equal parts lemon juice and cold-pressed olive oil, making half a cup total, drink it down and follow it with a full glass of water. Take twice per day until your kidney stones have passed.

These basic strategies should help with the natural removal of your kidney stones.