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Finding a Natural Remedy for Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are basically solid accretions of dissolved minerals in urine that are found inside the kidneys. Kidney stones can vary dramatically in size, and can be anywhere from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. It is known that the consumption of too much calcium is the primary aggravating agent behind kidney stones.

However, strong evidence has accumulated over time that has demonstrated that low-calcium diets are associated with higher stone risk and vice-versa for the typical stone former.

There are only a few ailments that are as painful as kidney stones. The pain is actually caused by the passing of the stone as it blocks the flow of urine and then causes stretching of the ureters and the kidney pelvis. Typically the pain of a kidney stone starts first at the flank, and then moves to the front and down toward the groin. It can take anywhere from weeks to months and sometimes even longer for a stone to pass, with the pain coming in intense periodic waves.

Finding a Natural Remedy for Kidney Stones

If you are one of the many people who are looking to use a natural remedy for kidney stones as opposed to the more conventional pharmaceutical methods, your search should not be too difficult. This is because your local health food stores should carry the proper forms of alternative medicines and a natural remedy for kidney stones.

The first natural remedy for kidney stones is that of increasing your fluid intake. Eating a low protein diet is another natural remedy for kidney stones, as protein increases the levels of uric acid and calcium in the urine.

You should try eating less meat, as it has been shown that vegetarians rarely get kidney stones, and also try to avoid eating large meals late at night, as they tend to promote crystal-forming concentrations. Another good idea is to avoid sugars, salts, caffeine, and alcohol, which are all components that increase the amount of calcium in the urine.

Increasing your daily intake of vitamin C is another commonly used suggestion, as well as consuming more foods that are rich in magnesium, such as barley, bran, corn, buckwheat, rye, oats, brown rice, potatoes, and bananas, for instance. You can however include any magnesium rich foods you wish into your diet.