How to Reduce a Kidney Stone

One of the worst things to have to go through is the passing of kidney stones. More than one friend and relative I've loved has gone through the agony. Prevention is a big part of avoiding this torture but here are things that may help ease these problem stones out of your system!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lots of water
• A diuretic
• Pain medication
• Gatorade

1. First of all, be aware that some stones will pass naturally. Calcium, cystine, struvite and uric acid are the different types of kidney stones that form but most are calcium based. 90% of stones that are 4 mm or less in size usually will pass naturally. If a stone is 6 mm or more, it will require professional assistance. Usually, kidney stones develop because calcium is not being flushed out of your system. You may be dehydrated without being aware of it.
2. There are a few ways to help the stone pass.
   * Increase your fluid intake by drinking lots of water - 10 to 12 big glasses a day.
   * Take some kind of pain medication help you through the rough times - ibuprofen would help relax the muscle spasms and reduce nausea.
   * Use a diuretic to keep your urine flowing and help keep more stones from forming but remember to drink more water.
   * Phosphoric Acid is literally a catalyst for breaking up calcium and can be found in acid-fruit-flavored beverages, like orange soda and Tang but too much of it is caustic.
   * Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because water soluble fiber also helps flush your system.
3. In general, if you have a stone that is diagnosed by a doctor and deemed "not symptomatic", it is given up to 4 weeks to pass on it's own. If you are seeing a doctor, follow his or her instructions because you will have had a urine test to determine the type of stones in your system and the best way to treat them.
4. Prevention is just as important as passing the stones because what would be worse that to finally get them out of your system and then find that there are more.
   * To keep new stones from forming, drink a lot of water daily. At least 3 liters a day.
   Keep intake of protein, nitrogen and sodium as low as possible.
   * Avoid chocolate, alcohol, nuts, soybeans, rhubarb, spinach, and cola.
   * Do not take additional acidic products like Vitamin C or lemon or orange juice.
   * Potassium citrate also helps prevent new kidney stones. Eating high potassium foods like bananas help by keeping the proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in your body.
   * Gatorade is formulated to rehydrate and replenish fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes so alternate with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Make drinking water a habit. Don't drink a half gallon of water in the morning and think that's it for the day.
• You usually don't realize you are thirsty until you are dehydrated so drink a glass of water or Gatorade every couple of hours.
• Kidney stones may block your urinary tract. If unable to urinate normally, see a doctor.
• Consult a doctor if pain increases or if blood is present in urine.
• Don't fall for those online Miracle Kidney Stone Remedies that promise relief in an hour! It takes time for the stones to pass through your system safely. Or professional medical treatment!