by Eva Perry

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: April 09, 2010

Estimates point out, over 10 % of the people in the U.S. will develop a kidney stone some time in their life, which makes finding natural cures even more important.

First of all, kidney stones are hard mineral or crystal deposits that are formed when urine becomes concentrated, causing the granulated chemicals to stick together forming a stone. Although kidney stones generally start as very small stones, they can vary in size, building up to a quarter of an inch or more. The pain, however, can be unbearable before the kidney stone passes through the ureter. Severe, sometimes debilitating pain on the side, lower back, or even into the abdomen region, is characteristic of a kidney stone. Occasionally, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine, are also symptomatic of a kidney stone.

It's interesting to note, that about 90 % of kidney stones will pass on their own, but it may take days or even weeks for this process to happen.

Natural cures can be an alternative method for eliminating kidney stones. What are some of these natural cures? Here's a list of possible natural cures that may bring you relief from the debilitating pain of kidney stones.

Probably the most obvious and natural cure is to drink more fluids. Water should be your primary source and if you have adequate intake you urine should appear as a light yellow or clear color, rather than a dark yellow color, which could indicate you do not have enough water intake or dehydration. An increase in water and fluid intake can dilute the concentration of chemicals forming the kidney stones. Each individual requirement for fluid intake may be different, and this change should be discussed with your doctor.

Increasing magnesium citrate in your diet. Sometimes a diet low in magnesium has been linked as a contributing factor in the formation of kidney stones. An increase in magnesium, decreases calcium oxalate formation, which composes 90 % of kidney stones. Foods that are rich in magnesium citrate include cooked spinach, raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cooked navy and black beans, and halibut.

Adequate amounts of foods rich in vitamin B6. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can increases the urinary oxalate that can lead to the formation of stones. Foods that contain vitamin B6 include turkey, chicken, halibut, liver, tuna, bananas, and salmon.

Reduction in your intake of salt. Excess salt can lead to increase in calcium deposits in your bloods, which may lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Limit red meat intake and decrease in eating meat. Studies have shown that uric acid is produced by some of the proteins found in meat, and uric acid has been linked to an increase in kidney stone growth.

Cut down on your consumption of dairy products and calcium if you have calcium related kidney stones. Be sure you consult your physician before starting any calcium restricted diet.

In conclusion, although the thought of developing kidney stones can be frightening, home cures do offer a person hope that this condition will hopefully be prevented from occurring.

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