Kidney stones are the
result of calcified deposits in the kidneys. There are different types
of stones, and they come in different sizes. Some may pass easily, and
others are quite painful to pass and may even require surgery. According
to the National Institutes of Health, they may be caused by excess uric
acid, or a buildup of calcium that was not utilized for muscles or
bones. There are natural remedies that people with kidney stones may
want to consider.
The
most noninvasive approach to resolving kidney stones is through
nutrition. Making a few dietary changes can often address the cause of
the kidney stones. Uric acid stones often occur when there is too much
meat in the diet. Cutting back on meats and other acid-producing foods
such as sweets, junk food, soda and alcohol can help reduce the amount
of uric acid in the bloodstream. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fresh
fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy oils and fats. Drinking
plenty of water each day to flush the kidneys is also very important.
The rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces of water each day.
Therefore, a 180 pound individual should drink at least 90 ounces of
water. Keep in mind, certain substances such as coffee and alcohol are
dehydrating, so extra water should be consumed with these drinks. In
addition, avoid calcium supplements while treating kidney stones.
Herbs
such as hydrangea, crampbark and lemon may help ease the discomfort of
kidney stones, but gravelroot is an herb that actually helps to dissolve
them. It has long been used by herbalists for this very purpose, hence
its name. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center's guide
to complementary medicine, goldenrod is another herb that has received
recognition for its effectiveness in treating kidney stones because of
its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. Lastly, cornsilk is a mild
diuretic that may be used to help pass the stones. Many of these herbs
can be found in natural health food stores as herbal teas or in capsule
form.
The
least aggressive approach to natural health care may very well be
homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies are taken from organic substances that
are toxic in their natural state. However, they are diluted to such
minute proportions, that very little of the substance remains.
Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like," and that
the body has the innate ability to cure itself. This may sound similar
to the idea behind vaccines, except with homeopathic remedies, there are
few, if any, side effects. Homeopathic medicines for kidney stones
include Berberis vulgaris, sarsaparilla, hydrangea and benzoic acid. A
homeopathic evaluation includes a complex assessment to determine the
correct remedy. Consult with a homeopathic physician for individual
recommendations and dosing.
Alternative
therapies should be used in conjunction with, not in place of,
conventional medical care. Always consult your physician or health care
practitioner before using herbal supplements because some herbs may
interfere with certain medications.
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