Here are the top 6 kidney stone prevention tips:

1. Don't Underestimate Your Sweat. Saunas, hot yoga and heavy exercise may be
good for your health, but they also may lead to kidney stones. Why? Loss of water
through sweating - whether due to these activities or just the heat of summerleads to
less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for
stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract.
Instead: Hydrate with H2O. One of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney
stones is to drink plenty of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So, be sure to keep well
hydrated, especially when engaging in exercise or activities that cause a lot of
sweating.
2. It's Not Just the Oxalate. Oxa-what? Oxalate is naturally found in many foods,
including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains, legumes, and even chocolate
and tea. Some examples of foods that contain high levels of oxalate include: peanuts,
rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Moderating intake of these
foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones, the leading type
of kidney stones. A common misconception is that cutting the oxalate-rich foods in your
diet alone will reduce the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. While in
theory this might be true, this approach isn't smart from an overall health perspective.
Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium while urine is produced
by the kidneys.
Instead: Eat and drink calcium and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. In doing
so, oxalate and calcium are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and
intestines before the kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones
will form.
3. Calcium is Not the Enemy. But it tends to get a bad rap! Most likely due to its name
and composition, many are under the impression that calcium is the main culprit in
calcium-oxalate stones. "I still see patients who wonder why they are getting recurring
stones despite cutting down on their calcium intake," said Dr. Jhagroo. "I've even had
patients say that their doctors told them to reduce their calcium intake." A diet low in
calcium actually increases one's risk of developing kidney stones.
Instead: Don't reduce the calcium. Work to cut back on the sodium in your diet and to
pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods.
4. It's Not One and Done. Passing a kidney stone is often described as one of the most
painful experiences a person can have, but unfortunately, it's not always a one-time
event. Studies have shown that having even one stone greatly increases your chances
of having another. "Most people will want to do anything they can to ensure it doesn't
happen again," said Dr. Jhagroo. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be the case that
people make the changes they need to after their first stone event." Research
conducted by Dr. Jhagroo shows that those with kidney stones do not always heed the
advice of their nephrologists and urinary specialists. About 15% of kidney stone
patients didn't take prescribed medications and 41% did not follow the nutritional
advice that would keep stones from recurring.
Instead: Take action! Without the right medications and diet adjustments, stones can
come back, and recurring kidney stones also could be an indicator of other problems,
including kidney disease.
5. When Life Hands You Kidney Stones don't fret. And as the saying goes, "make
lemonade." It's important to consider dietary remedies alongside prescription
medications. While it may seem easier to just take a pill to fix a medical problem,

consider what lifestyle changes will also make a big impact on your health.
Instead: Next time you drive past a lemonade (or limeade) stand, consider your
kidneys. Chronic kidney stones are often treated with potassium citrate, but studies
have shown that limeade, lemonade and other fruits and juices high in natural citrate
offers the same stone-preventing benefits. Beware of the sugar, though, because it can
increase kidney stone risk. Instead, buy sugar-free lemonade, or make your own by
mixing lime or lemon juice with water and using a sugar substitute if needed. "We
believe that citrate in the urine may prevent the calcium from binding with other
constituents that lead to stones," said Dr. Jhagroo. "Also, some evidence suggests that
citrate may prevent crystals that are already present from binding with each other, thus
preventing them from getting bigger."
6. Not All Stones are Created Equal. In addition to calcium oxalate stones, another
common type of kidney stones is uric acid stones. Red meat, organ meats, and
shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical compound known as purines.
"High purine intake leads to a higher production of uric acid and produces a larger acid
load for the kidneys to excrete," said Dr. Jhagroo. Higher uric acid excretion leads to
lower overall urine pH, which means the urine is more acidic. The high acid
concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form.
Instead: To prevent uric acid stones, cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat,
organ meats, and shellfish, and follow a healthy diet that contains mostly vegetables
and fruits, whole grains, and low fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and
drinks, especially those that contain high fructose corn syrup. Limit alcohol because it
can increase uric acid levels in the blood and avoid crash diets for the same
reason..Eating less animal-based protein and eating more fruits and vegetables will
help decrease urine acidity and this will help reduce the chance for stone formation.
7. Other items in the diet that may encourage calcium oxalate stone formation include
beer, black pepper, berries, broccoli, chocolate, spinach, and tea. To prevent stones it
has been recommended that you add foods to your diet that have a high ratio of
magnesium to calcium such as brown rice, bananas, oats, barley, and soy, and that are
high in fiber such as oat bran, psyllium seed husk, and flaxseed meal.
Natural Ways to Flush Kidney Stones:
1. Tea to Dissolve kidney stones.
A kidney stone is formed naturally and there are many cures to remove the kidney
stone naturally too. Herbs like Joe-pye weed, meadowsweet, sarsaparilla and plantain
are natural medicines to remove excess uric acid from your body. The Chinese use
these herbs in the form of a tea to cure kidney stones.
Kidney stones tea is a tea specially made to cure kidney stones. It is made from herbs
like hydrangea root, wild yam root, cramp bark, Joe-pye weed, yarrow leaf, plantain
leaf and corn silk. The preparation is easy and the tea is very effective. Take one and
quarter cups of water and bring that to boil. Add wild yam, cramp bark and hydrangea
and boil the mixture for 15 minutes on a low flame. Add all the other herbs and turn off
the heat. Let it stay in a corner undisturbed. Ensure you cover the pot. After 20 minutes
strain the portion and store it in the refrigerator. Three to four cups of this tea is
recommended. At times bleeding may occur. If bleeding occurs, add about 30 drops of

shepherds purse tincture. You can take this in the form of a tincture too, by taking a
couple of full droppers daily.
Acidity and alkalinity are measured on what is called the pH scale. How acidic a food is
on our plates is often the opposite of how acidic the ash residue will be. For example,
acidic fruits and vegetables tend to leave an alkaline ash, while alkaline meats and
cheeses tend to be acid-forming in the body. Our bodies also produce acid as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Because our bodies are designed to be alkaline, this
acid must be buffered with alkaline substances. However, our bodies cannot
manufacture acid buffers. Food and supplementation are the only means of
replenishing alkalinity in the body.
2. Diuretic Tea for Dissolving Kidney Stones.
Dandelion and corn silk are two choices of diuretic that are effective. Diuretic tea is
another natural remedy for kidney stones. Made from dandelion, corn silk, fennel seed,
nettle leaf and oat straw, diuretic tea is very simple to prepare. Pour one quart of
boiling water on teaspoon of all the remaining herbs. Cover with a lid and set it
aside for 20 minutes. Filter and then drink a cup of this tea in the morning and evening.
Due to the Standard American Diet (SAD), most people suffer from an unbalanced pH
that is too acidic. In other words, their bodies are full of acid waste. Because the body
was meant to be alkaline, this condition forces the body to borrow minerals, like
calcium, from the bodys organs, ligaments, muscles, and bones to neutralize the
acid in an attempt to safely remove it from the body. It is this process that causes the
formation of stones.
Acid, not calcium supplementation, is the real cause behind kidney stones. The largest
study ever published on calcium and kidney stones, concluded that high calcium intake
is associated with a decreased risk of stones. Moreover, the study found that those
who consumed less than 850 mg of calcium per day were at an increased risk for
kidney stones. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1993) Another study showed that
acid-forming foods are a risk factor for developing kidney stones [read more]
3. Wild Herb to Cure Kidney Stone.
The North Americans found a wild herb called goldenrod, which is also found to be very
effective. If you are allergic to goldenrod tinctures, dont try the following recipe.
Take a quarter cup of gravel root, marshmallow root, hydrangea root, ginger capsules
and 250mg of vitamin B6 and uva ursi capsules. Soak all these ingredients in small
non-metallic cups with non-metallic lids individually filled with fresh tap water. Then boil
the herbs and simmer for 20 minutes. Drink a quarter cup, when it cools down and
freeze the rest. Buy fresh parsley that does not spray. Boil four bunches in one quart of
water for three to five minutes. Strain the portion and drink it once it cools down.
Freeze the rest. Make a mixture of both the frozen contents daily and add 20 drops of
goldenrod tincture and one tablespoon of glycerin. Take a big mug full daily. Drink it in
small quantities and if you are allergic, start with half the dose.
Author: Indy Stewart.
Source: www.symptoms-kidney-stones-treatments.com

Prevention
If the stones are calcium oxalate, I have a few specific recommendations.
Vitamin D is crucial to properly metabolize calcium; however there are 2 other fat soluble
vitamins that are just as important. Vitamin A and K2 are also essential to the diet and in
balance with vitamin D. In fact, Vitamin D excess and Vitamin A and K2 deficiency are
common in sufferers of kidney stones. Certain populations that get high doses of Vitamin D
such as lifeguards have been shown to have higher levels of kidney stones. Interestingly, high
intake of Vitamin A protects against too high levels of Vitamin D.
So how do you get more Vitamin A and D in your diet?
Vitamin A - Liver, egg yolks, full fat dairy
Vitamin K2 Liver, ghee, butter, fermented cod liver oil, natto

Reduction
One traditional way to reduce kidney stones is to add some lemon juice to your water. The
citric acid in lemon juice inhibits stone formation and breaks up small stones beginning to
form. Citrate binds with calcium in the urine and makes the urine less acidic which inhibits the
development of calcium oxalate and uric acid stones.
Magnesium has also been shown to reduce kidney stone formation, although the mechanism
is unknown. The best way to get magnesium is 400mg daily of chelated magnesium such as
malate or citrate as they are well absorbed. Also increase your intake of pumpkin seeds,
spinach, almonds and chard. In the clinic we also like the topical applied magnesium in oil
and gel application to the skin, or just have an Epsom salt bath.
Traditional herbs that are useful and commonly found on the market are: Phyllanthus
Niruri/Chanca Piedra (stone breaker), Hydrangea Arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea) and
Eupatorium Purpureum (Gravel Root).

Stone Size
Stone size varies person to person and with duration. 98% of small stones (less than 5 mm in
diameter) will pass spontaneously within 4 weeks, however only 53% of larger stones 510mm will pass in this time.

Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine we have various approaches to kidney stones. There are 2 common
herbs that we use to dissolve the stones which are Jin Qian Qiao and Hai Jin Sha. To this we
add certain herbs such as Ji Xue Teng to nourish the blood and relax spasm so the stones
can pass easily, Tian Qi if there is any bleeding and Jin Yin Hua if there is any infection or
inflammation.
There are various acupuncture points and protocols that can be used. One effective protocol
recommended by Dr Jake Fratkin is; place needles at Ki 5, Bl 23, GB 25, and Sp 6. The GB
25 location should be dead-center at the most painful area. All needles are attached to
electric micro-stim, with dense dispersal sequence, alternating between 5 hz and the highest
hertz frequency available on the machine. (Certain Japanese machines can go to 1500 Hz).
This will dilate the ureter and allow passage of the stone into the bladder. Do for 10 to 30
minutes, until the stone is discharged. If not, repeat with 30 minute breaks in between [5].

Vitamins to Improve Kidney Function

Vitamins are needed to keep your kidneys functioning at an optimal level. Your kidneys
regulate your fluid levels, stabilize your blood pressure, control your red blood cell production,
balance your calcium and mineral levels and expel wastes through your urine. When your
kidneys are unable to properly filter waste from your body it can cause toxins to build up in
your blood and result in kidney damage or kidney failure. High blood pressure, kidney stones,
kidney inflammation and urinary tract infections can affect kidney function. A variety of
vitamins can restore the health of your kidneys and improve kidney function.

Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is water-soluble vitamin that aids in red blood cell
production, carries oxygen and nutrients to your kidneys, repairs kidney damage caused by
free radicals, aids in the healing process, supports a healthy bone marrow and prevents
anemia, a common symptom of kidney damage and end-stage renal disease, according to
Glenn Bock and Michael Moore, authors of the book "Parent's Guide to Kidney Disorders."
Bock and Moore recommend that adults obtain 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 daily to improve their
kidney function. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include beef liver, sardines in canned oil, eggs,
duck, cod, corned beef, turkey, lamb, sausage, hard cheeses and condensed milk.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects
your kidneys from damage, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and
Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that vitamin C also repairs kidney damage, improves
kidney function, reduces the amount of protein in your urine -- a common symptom of kidney
disease -- accelerates the healing process and helps your body absorb iron, a mineral that
aids in red blood cell formation and is needed to transport blood, oxygen and nutrients to your
kidneys. Blake recommends that adults obtain at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily to improve
the condition of their kidneys. Foods rich in vitamin C include guava, strawberries, tomatoes,
blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, green sweet peppers, oranges and spinach.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that improves kidney function, removes wastes and toxins
from your kidneys, repairs kidney damage, lowers your risk of end-stage renal disease and
aids in calcium absorption from foods, according to Jorg Kastner, author of "Chinese Nutrition
Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine." Kastner explains that low levels of
calcium can cause kidney stones and impair kidney function. Kastner recommends that adults
obtain 15 mcg of vitamin D daily to increase kidney function. Foods rich in vitamin D include
fortified margarine, eggs, fortified cereals, fortified yogurt, fortified orange juice, milk, salmon,
canned tuna in water and beef liver.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that boosts immune system function and protects your
kidneys from harmful free radicals that can interfere with proper kidney function, according to
Lavon Dunne, author of "Nutrition Almanac." Dunne explains that vitamin E also decreases

kidney inflammation, eliminates oxidative stress from your body, transports oxygen, nutrients
and blood to your kidneys, repairs tissues damaged by kidney infections, diseases or toxins
and lowers your risk of renal artery stenosis, a condition that occurs when the arteries
supplying blood and oxygen to your kidneys becomes blocked with plaque. Dunne
recommends that adults obtain 15 mg of vitamin E daily to enhance kidney function. Foods
rich in vitamin E include mangoes, broccoli, corn oil, peanut butter, almonds, tomatoes,
spinach and wheat germ oil.