Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful. A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and proteins. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time. They can range in size from tiny grains of sand all the way up to golf ball size, which totally block the passage of urine. These stones can affect both men and women but tend to be more common in men between the ages of 20-30.
How do you know if the pain you are experiencing is being caused by kidney stones? You may not experience any symptoms at all at first or until the stones move down the ureter tubes and into the bladder. With kidney stones pain may come on suddenly and be felt in the belly or side of your back, it may also appear in the groin area or testicles. Other symptoms may include: Abnormal urine color, blood in the urine, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.
If you make a trip to your doctor, they will likely run blood tests in order to check levels of calcium, phosphorus, uric acid and electrolyte levels as well as kidney function tests, urinalysis, and even CT scans, MRI and X-Rays. He or she will likely suggest that you drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, antibiotics, diuretics, phosphate solutions, water pills, or even surgery…
There are a few home remedies that can be tried before resorting to surgery.
The first, Coke and Asparagus – How it works: On an empty stomach, drink 6 cans of warm Coke (72 ounces) (*Pepsi doesn’t work) over the course of 2 hours. Quickly steam or boil 8 oz of asparagus, and puree in the blender. Within 5 minutes of drinking the last can of Coke, eat the asparagus puree slowly. The remedy should begin working immediately and the stones should pass in much smaller particles within a few hours. Drink as much distilled water after the asparagus as you can both to flush the stones out, and to keep you hydrated. Why this works: The acidity of Coke, combined with the healthy folic acid rich asparagus, create one powerful substance which breaks down the stones and causes a diuretic effect to get them out of the body.
The second remedy – Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice.
Directions: Mix 2oz of olive oil and 2oz. fresh lemon juice. Drink down. 2 hours later drink 2 oz. of apple cider vinegar. Drink as much distilled water as you can. You should see results in 3-5 hours. Why this works: The apple cider vinegar and lemon juice serve to break down the stone, the olive oil acts as a lubricant, allowing the pieces to pass more easily without pain.
And the third method – Common household baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). According to drugs.com the suggested dosage is 325-2000 mg 1-4 times a day to alkalize the urine. This translates to about ¼ teaspoon every 4 hours. Your urine should become cloudy as evidence that they are breaking up and passing. Pain should start to diminish the first day and subside more and more daily. Make sure to drink as much distilled water as you can to expedite the process.
Whichever method you use to rid yourself of kidney stones, I always believe the natural way should be tried first before surgery. Your body’s natural state is health. Sometimes it just needs a little help to return to it.
*Disclaimer: This is not an issue of medical advice. These are observations based on personal experience and witness of others who have helped themselves heal naturally.