Kidney Stone Juice: Natural Remedies and Prevention

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, and if you’ve ever experienced them, you know how important it is to prevent them from forming again. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and juices that may help break down existing kidney stones, prevent new ones from forming, and ease discomfort. This article reviews some effective juice options and preventive measures that can support kidney health.

How Juices Help with Kidney Stones

Kidney stones often result from a lack of fluids, a high-sodium diet, or certain medical conditions. Juices can be beneficial because they help you stay hydrated, flush out toxins, and sometimes even dissolve the stones. Many juices contain natural compounds that can reduce the size of the stones or prevent them from forming in the first place.

Lemon Juice Contains Citrate, Which Helps Prevent Kidney Stones

Lemon juice is one of the most popular natural remedies for kidney stones. It contains high levels of citrate, which is a compound that helps prevent calcium from binding with other substances in your urine, thus reducing the risk of stone formation.

To use lemon juice for kidney stones:

• Mix the juice of half a lemon with a glass of water and drink it two to three times a day.
• For best results, drink this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning and before meals.

Pro tip: You can also add a bit of honey to make it more palatable.

Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Dissolve Kidney Stones

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another natural remedy that may help with kidney stones. It contains acetic acid, which can help break down and dissolve the stones. It’s also known to help alkalize the blood and urine, preventing stone formation.

To use apple cider vinegar for kidney stones:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 8 ounces of water and drink it daily.
• For added benefits, try drinking it before meals.

Note: Be sure not to overdo it, as too much apple cider vinegar can cause stomach upset.

Pomegranate Juice Helps Flush Out Kidney Stones

Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and has been used for centuries as a remedy for kidney stones. It helps improve overall kidney function and can flush out stones and other toxins from your system.

To use pomegranate juice:

• Drink one to two glasses of fresh pomegranate juice daily.
• Opt for unsweetened pomegranate juice to avoid added sugars, which can contribute to stone formation.

Watermelon Juice Is a Hydrating Option for Kidney Stones

Watermelon juice is one of the best natural remedies for kidney stones because it’s high in water content and helps keep you hydrated. It also contains potassium, which aids in dissolving stones and flushing them out of your system.

To use watermelon juice for kidney stones:

• Drink fresh watermelon juice throughout the day.
• Eating watermelon as a snack can also help keep your kidneys hydrated and functioning properly.

Basil Juice Contains Acetic Acid, Which Helps Break Down Kidney Stones

Basil juice has acetic acid, which can help break down kidney stones and reduce pain. It also acts as a natural diuretic, thus helping you urinate more frequently to flush out the stones.

To use basil juice:

• Extract juice from fresh basil leaves and mix it with water.
• Drink one teaspoon of basil juice daily or brew basil tea to support kidney health.

Caution: Avoid using basil juice for extended periods, as it can lead to low blood pressure or an imbalance of electrolytes.

Celery Juice May Help Clear Toxins That Contribute to Kidney Stone Formation

Celery juice is an excellent natural remedy for kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. It helps clear toxins that contribute to stone formation and increases urine production, which can help flush out existing stones.

To use celery juice:

• Blend two celery stalks with water and drink the juice daily.
• Make sure to drink fresh celery juice for maximum benefits.

Important: If you’re on certain medications or have low blood pressure, talk to your doctor before consuming celery juice regularly.

Orange Juice Helps Prevent Calcium Oxalate Stones

Orange juice is high in citrate, much like lemon juice, which helps prevent kidney stone formation, particularly calcium oxalate stones. A study published in the Journal Nutrients suggests that consuming orange juice daily can help decrease the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

To use orange juice:

• Drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily.
• Avoid processed or sweetened orange juices, as they contain added sugars that can contribute to stone formation.

Wheatgrass Juice Is a Powerful Detoxifier for Your Kidneys

Wheatgrass juice is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and compounds that act as natural diuretics, helping to cleanse the kidneys and decrease the likelihood of stone formation. It also increases urine production, which aids in flushing out the stones.

To use wheatgrass juice:

• Drink ½ cup of fresh wheatgrass juice daily.
• You can also mix wheatgrass powder with water if fresh juice isn’t available.

Cranberry Juice Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Kidney Stones

Cranberry juice is well-known for preventing UTIs, which can sometimes lead to kidney stones. It helps acidify your urine and prevent the formation of certain types of stones, especially struvite stones.

To use cranberry juice:

• Drink 100% pure cranberry juice (avoid those with added sugar).
• Limit your intake to one glass per day, as consuming too much cranberry juice can increase your risk of developing oxalate kidney stones.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Kidney Stones

While these juices can help dissolve or prevent kidney stones, it’s essential to take additional steps to lower your risk of developing them. Here are some practical tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your urine diluted and prevent stone formation.
• Reduce sodium intake: Too much salt can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, leading to kidney stones.
• Limit oxalate-rich foods: Foods like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate contain oxalates, which can contribute to stone formation.
• Increase calcium intake: Calcium binds with oxalates in your digestive tract, preventing them from forming stones. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds in your diet.
• Eat more citrus fruits: Lemons, limes, and oranges contain citrate, which helps prevent stone formation.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience severe pain, blood in your urine, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating, see your doctor immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a serious kidney stone or infection.

The Takeaway

Kidney stones can be painful, but incorporating these juices into your diet can offer natural relief and help prevent future stones. However, remember that while these remedies can support kidney health, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult your doctor before starting any natural remedy, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or other health conditions. By staying hydrated, making healthy dietary choices, and using these natural juices, you can take proactive steps to keep kidney stones at bay.