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Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis or calculi, occur when small mineral crystals form in the kidney. Kidney stones are painful, but you may be able to treat them yourself. However if the pain persists, make sure to see your doctor
Steps
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Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Fluid intake will make you urinate, and urination will eventually help you pass the kidney stone. Pure water is the best. Only one or two out of 10 kidney stones will require more than drinking lots of water and waiting [1] X Research source , so make sure that if you do anything, you do this.
- The Institute of Medicine recommends that women drink about nine cups (2.2 liters) of fluids per day. Men should drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of fluids per day. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Aim to drink enough water so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This is a sign that you are drinking enough liquids.
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Drink lemonade, limeade, or cranberry juice. You should look for varieties that are low in sugar, or make your own. Lemons, limes, and cranberries are very high in citric acid, which helps prevent crystals from increasing in size and becoming new kidney stones. [3] X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin Health Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source [4] X Research source
- Avoid dark beers. These contain oxalates, which can contribute to future kidney stones.
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Take pain medication, if necessary. Take NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs come in various forms: ibuprofen (Motrin in particular may be effective), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin are all commonly-used NSAIDs. [5] X Research source If you are under the age of 18, do not take aspirin, as it has been linked to a dangerous disease called Reye's Syndrome, which causes acute brain damage. [6] X Research source
- If you are dealing with a large, painful kidney stone, you may need to get a prescription-strength pain medication. Your doctor will be able to better diagnose the situation if this occurs.
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Know when to see a doctor. Most kidney stones will pass with a little bit of patience and a lot of fluid. About 15% of kidney stones will require intervention from the help of a doctor. See a doctor if you: [7] X Research source
- Have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary tract infections can get worse when a kidney stone is introduced. [8] X Research source
- Have had a kidney transplant, have a compromised immune system, or currently possess only one kidney.
- Are pregnant. Treatment of stones during pregnancy usually depends on the trimester of pregnancy.
- You believe your kidney stone has been obstructing your urinary tract. Signs of obstruction include reduced urine flow, urinating at night, and side pain. [9] X Research source
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Take medication or schedule a removal procedure if the stone does not pass. If the kidney stone does not pass on its own, you may need medication or one of several procedures to remove the stone.
- Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is ideal for kidney stones under 2 cm. This is not a good choice for pregnant people, as it requires an x-ray to locate the stone, and it may not work on very large stones. [10] X Research source
- For stones located in the ureter, your doctor may perform a ureteroscopy. This entails the insertion of a tiny camera into your ureter so the doctor can see the stone and then remove it by inserting a wire basket through your bladder and into your ureter, pulling the stone free. [11] X Research source
- If you have a large (larger than 2 cm) or irregularly-shaped kidney stone, your doctor may perform a percutaneous nephrolithotomy or a percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. [12] X Research source While you are under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in your back and remove (nephrolithotomy) or break up (nephrolithotripsy) the kidney stone. [13] X Research source
- If your kidney stones are the result of hypercalciuria, meaning your kidneys produce a high level of calcium, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, orthophosphates, bisphosphonates, or, more rarely, calcium-binding agents.
- If you are also suffering from gout, you may be prescribed allopurinol.
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Stay away from sugar, soda, and corn syrup. Sugar disrupts the body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium, making it a culprit in the formation of kidney stones. Fructose, found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, is connected to increased risk of kidney stones. [14] X Research source If you want to give your body a healthier lifestyle, and avoid kidney stones while you're at it, try cutting down on the sugar you consume.
- Some citrus-flavored sodas, such as 7UP and Sprite, contain high levels of citric acid. While you should avoid high-sugar beverages, the occasional clear soda may be a good way to increase your citric acid intake. [15] X Research source
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Exercise. Exercise for 30 minutes every day. Moderate exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones by up to 31%. [16] X Research source
- Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity such as walking, jogging, or gardening. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Restrict animal protein to 6 ounces or less daily. Animal protein, especially red meats, increases your risk of developing kidney stones, especially uric acid stones. Keep animal protein intake to 6 ounces or less — about the size of your palm or a pack of cards — per day to help reduce your risk of developing all types of kidney stones.
- Red meats, organ meats, and shellfish are high in a substance called purine. Purine increases your body’s production of uric acid and can cause kidney stones. [18] X Research source Eggs and fish also contain purines, although less than red meats and shellfish.
- Get protein from other sources, such as calcium-rich dairy or legumes. Legumes contain fiber and phytate, a compound that may help prevent kidney stones from forming. Be careful of soybeans, though, as they contain high levels of oxalate. [19] X Research source
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Eat enough calcium but avoid supplements. The fact that many kidney stones are made of calcium may make reducing your calcium intake sound like a good idea. However, research shows that diets that are too low in calcium actually increase your risk of kidney stones. Eat a good variety of dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, to meet your daily calcium needs. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Children four to eight years old need 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Children 9-18 should get 1,300 mg of calcium daily. Adults 19 and older require at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Women over 50 and men over 70 should take 1,200 mg of calcium a day. [21] X Research source
- Unless your doctor recommends them, avoid calcium supplements. While the calcium you get from your diet has no effect on kidney stones, consuming too much calcium from supplements may increase your risk of developing kidney stones.
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Eat a “low-oxalate” diet. The most common type of kidney stone is composed of calcium oxalate. Avoiding foods that are high in oxalate can help prevent future kidney stones. Limit your oxalate intake to 40 – 50mg daily
- Eat foods that contain oxalates at the same time as foods that contain calcium. The oxalate and calcium are more likely bind to each other before they reach the kidneys, reducing your risk of developing kidney stones from these foods. [22] X Research source
- Foods that are high in oxalate (10mg+ per serving) include nuts, most berries, wheat, figs, grapes, tangerines, beans, beets, carrots, celery, eggplant, kale, leeks, olives, okra, peppers, potatoes, spinach, sweet potato, and zucchini.
- Beverages that contain high levels of oxalate (more than 10mg per serving) include dark beer, black tea, chocolate-based beverages, soy beverages, and instant coffee.
- Your body may turn high doses of vitamin C — such as those from supplements — into oxalate. Unless recommended by your doctor, don’t take vitamin C supplements.
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Avoid crash dieting. Crash dieting increases the amount of uric acid in your bloodstream, elevating your risk of kidney stones. High-protein diets, such as the Atkins diet, are particularly hard on your kidneys and should be avoided. [23] X Research source
- That said, a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and limited lean proteins can be a great way to keep you healthy and prevent kidney stones.
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Be especially vigilant if you have a history of kidney stones. According to studies, about half of all patients to come down with a kidney stone will have another within 7 years of the first. [24] X Research source Be sure to take preventative measures if you've already had a kidney stone; it means you're even more at-risk.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I learn to treat my kidney stone?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.Drinking cranberry juice or lemonade can help. Taking NSAIDs like Motrin is supposed to work on the pain, and try a low oxalate diet. Read the above article for more tips.
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QuestionWhat should I do if I have multiple large kidney stones?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.If you have multiple large kidney stones you are going to want to get a CT scan to see the stones and then consult an urologist. The urologist will be able to tell what kind of kidney stones they are based on the CT scan, and will be able to provide proper treatment.
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Tips
- “Natural” remedies such as dandelion, apple cider vinegar, rose hips, and asparagus have little to no scientific support as helpful treatments for kidney stones. [25] X Research source ”Natural treatments for kidney stones,” Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2012 [26] X Research sourceThanks
- Eat healthy and follow your diet plan. Plan a diet consisting of vitamins and other nutrients while avoiding fast foods and items high in saturated fat.Thanks
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Warnings
- Don’t avoid urination because it hurts. It’s important to help you pass the kidney stone.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/understanding-kidney-stones-treatment#1
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/pdf/kidney_citric_acid.pdf
- ↑ http://kidneystones.uchicago.edu/new-post/
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/kidney-stones-home-treatment
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001565.htm
- ↑ https://patient.info/kidney-urinary-tract/kidney-stones
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/kidney-stones-what-happens
- ↑ https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/obstruction-of-the-urinary-tract/urinary-tract-obstruction
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_shockwave
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_Ureteroscopy
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_PNN
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_PNN
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
- ↑ http://kidneystones.uchicago.edu/new-post/
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/news/20131213/light-exercise-might-reduce-risk-of-kidney-stones
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_prevent
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/kidney-stones/prevention.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355759
- ↑ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_prevent
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/understanding-kidney-stones-prevention#2
- ↑ ”Natural treatments for kidney stones,” Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2012
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you think you have a kidney stone, increase your fluid intake to 9 cups (2.1 L) of fluids a day for women and 13 cups (3.1 L) a day for men. Most of your fluids should be water, but juices that are high in citric acid, like lemonade or cranberry juice, can help keep your kidney stones from getting bigger. Take NSAIDs to relieve the pain until your kidney stones passes, and consult your doctor if the symptoms don’t improve after a few days. Read on for tips on how diet and exercise can help prevent kidney stones! Keep reading for more tips from our Physician co-author, like how to improve your diet and exercise to prevent kidney stones!
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Reader Success Stories
- "This article very clearly and plainly explained to me how a kidney stone is formed, what happens to your body, how it can it be expelled, and how to avoid and treat it. All in all, the article gave me every bit of information I needed and would want to know. It was very well-written and easy to understand. Thank you so much for this wonderful information!" ..." more
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"This article very clearly and plainly explained to me how a kidney stone is formed, what happens to your body, how it can it be expelled, and how to avoid and treat it. All in all, the article gave me every bit of information I needed and would want to know. It was very well-written and easy to understand. Thank you so much for this wonderful information!"
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"I am totally new to kidney stones. I have nausea, fever, and back pain when a stone tries to pass. My stones are very small and don't hurt much but I still get sick. Thanks for the info on what to eat and drink and what to avoid. Hopefully your article will help me to be better-equipped to cope with these stones."
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"I think overall it was very informative. I just passed my 3rd kidney stone (4.5cm), and a lot of what I needed to know was listed. I did add a tip to ask your doctor to prescribe Flowmax (especially for women), since it relaxes the uretor tubes, and that helps!"
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"The most helpful part of this article was the extremely clear and simple way it was set out and broken up onto clearly-understood sections. Also, the (almost) absence of pop-up adverts in the text part was a welcome relief. A very well-written article."
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"I needed to know what would happen, as I have kidney stones and a, waiting to go back to hospital to have them removed. This has been very helpful."
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