The main cause of getting kidney stones is the presence of too much minerals and salts in the urine. These substances become concentrated, forming hard stones in the kidneys, ureter and bladder. Common causes of high mineral and salt concentrations in the urine include dehydration, certain dietary habits and urinary tract infections.
Additionally, certain medical conditions such as cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, and medullary sponge kidney can predispose an individual to recurrent kidney stones.
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What is the thing to drink if you have kidney stones?
If you have been diagnosed with kidney stones, your doctor may recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to help move the stones along through your urinary system. Water is usually the best choice, as it helps flush out the stones and reduce pain and irritation.
Other beverages such as lemonade, cranberry juice, and other fruit juices with some citric acid also may be recommended for their additional stone-dissolving qualities. Avoiding small amounts of caffeine, cocoa, and alcohol may also help, as these ingredients can make the pain worse.
Avoiding sweetened beverages and soft drinks high in sugar is also recommended.
Does cranberry juice help with kidney stones?
Yes, cranberry juice may help with kidney stones. Cranberry juice is known to be high in antioxidants, which can lower the acidity of the urine and help the body flush out certain toxins. In addition to this, many studies have found that cranberry juice could also help reduce the risk of forming kidney stones.
One study published in the Journal of Urology found that drinking four ounces of cranberry juice two or three times a day was linked to a decreased risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Other studies have also found that cranberry juice can decrease the concentration of several types of crystals in the urine that can cause kidney stones.
Therefore, drinking cranberry juice may be beneficial for people who are at risk of developing kidney stones.
What helps kidney stones pass quickly?
First, drink plenty of fluids, preferably at least 2-3 quarts of water per day, as this will help to flush out any potential stones. Secondly, pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the discomfort associated with passing a kidney stone.
Additionally, you should take an over-the-counter dietary supplement such as citrate or phosphate which can help dissolve calcium-based kidney stones. Finally, your doctor may suggest the use of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) which uses shock waves to break up large stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.
With the combination of medications, dietary supplements, and medical treatments, kidney stones can be passed quickly and with minimal discomfort.
How do you clear up kidney stones?
One way to clear up kidney stones is to drink plenty of water. Adequate water intake helps to flush out the kidneys, reducing the risk of stones forming in the first place. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water will help move small stones out of the urinary tract and can also aid in the disintegration of larger stones.
Other natural methods for kidney stone removal include eating a diet rich in calcium, avoiding salty and processed foods, and reducing oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, almonds, and chocolate.
Depending on the type and size of the stones, doctors may prescribe medications such as alpha blockers or certain antibiotics to help with the process of stone removal. Surgery may be required in more severe cases to remove large stones.
Generally, it is important to consult a doctor to develop a treatment plan that is best suited to the individual’s needs.
How can I avoid getting kidney stones?
First, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out substances from your bloodstream that could form stones. It’s recommended that adults should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluid a day.
Second, watch the amount of salt in your diet. Eating lots of processed and fast foods or too much salt can increase your risk of stones. Third, cut down on oxalate-rich foods. Foods high in oxalate such as spinach, sweet potatoes and beets can raise the risk of stones.
Finally, if you have a history of kidney stones, consider taking vitamin B6 or magnesium supplements. Studies suggest that these could help reduce risk of kidney stones. It’s important to remember you should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
