These are kidney stones of various shapes and sizes.
The pain of kidney stones has been compared to the excruciating pain of child birth. No one wants to go through weeks or months of suffering, so home remedies for dissolving kidney stones are becoming quite popular. There are a few ways to dissolve your kidney stones at home, which may save you a trip to the doctor.
The Facts
Kidney stones are made up of mineral deposits and acid salts. They are small and hard, and can be found on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Kidney stones form when the urine is concentrated to the point where it can no longer dissolve the mineral deposits and acid salts. These substances then crystallize, stick together and a kidney stone is formed. There are five different types of kidney stones: calcium phosphate stones, calcium oxalate stones, magnesium ammonium phosphate stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones.
Vitamins
Vitamin C is useful for dissolving kidney stones. Taking vitamin C makes your urine more acidic, which breaks down the stones. If you have calcium phosphate stones or magnesium ammonium phosphate stones, get your daily fill of vitamin C. B-complex vitamins and magnesium help to dissolve calcium oxalate stones.
Diet
The most important step in dissolving any type of kidney stone is to increase your fluid intake. Drinking the recommended 64 ounces of water per day is beneficial for every part of your body, including your kidneys. Fruit and vegetable juices are healthy for you and they can assist the body in breaking down kidney stones. Grape, orange and carrot juices are the best to drink for this condition. Also, eat plenty of fresh vegetables, but avoid spinach and rhubarb because they contain large amounts of oxalates, which can cause kidney stones. Large amounts of sugar can cause obesity, diabetes and kidney stones. Lower your sugar intake and don't drink carbonated beverages.
Herbal Tea
Tea has many healing qualities, and can help break down your kidney stones. A special diuretic tea that is made of corn silk, dandelion, fennel seed, oat straw and nettle leaf can dissolve the stones and give you relief. To make the tea, mix 1/2 teaspoon of each herb together and pour one quart of boiling water over the mixture. Cover the mixture and let it cool for 20 minutes before filtering. Drink 1 cup of tea in the morning and in the evening.
Tags: kidney stones, phosphate stones, kidney stones, acid salts, ammonium phosphate, ammonium phosphate stones