by William Menna

Created on: January 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 07, 2009

Kidney stones are virtually unmistakable for any other condition because the pain that they produce is uniquely unbearable. The pain is concentrated around the kidneys and the urinary tract, usually in the lower back, abdominal, and pelvic areas. Some kidney stones require medical intervention, but many are small and stable enough to pass on their own. For these, there are a few natural cures and interventions that can reduce discomfort, ease the process, or possibly even dissolve the stones.

The ideal way to naturally deal with kidney stones is to take steps to prevent them. While not all cases of kidney stones are preventable, there are a series of ways to reduce your risk of becoming afflicted. One of the most important factors is hydration. People who don't drink enough water, live in very temperate climates, or otherwise lose fluids at a high rate are at a much higher risk to get kidney stones than people who remain well hydrated. Dehydration is the number one preventable risk factor for kidney stones.

Diet and exercise also play a major role in preventing kidney stones. According to the Mayo Clinic, extended periods of inactivity or limited activity increase the odds of developing kidney stones. One of the reasons for this is that the bones begin to release calcium at a higher rate, and many stones are calcium-based. Diets that are high in sodium and protein are most frequently associated with stone formation and, when in tandem with dehydration, present the highest risk. High blood pressure significantly increases the odds of developing kidney stones, making a balanced diet and regular exercise that much more important.

Kidney stones that are calcium-based are the most common, representing four out of five cases. Once afflicted, taking in plenty of fluids - primarily water - is very important. WebMD recommends between eight and ten glasses of water per day when afflicted with kidney stones. If you are going to have to pass a stone naturally, this will help with urinary function.

Some kidney stones are associated with diets very high in protein or with gout. These are composed of crystallized uric acid. When this is the case, lemonade (preferably freshly made with natural lemons) may actually be able to dissolve uric acid stones within the urinary tract.

Not all kidney stones can be dealt with naturally. Some are too large or have irregular shapes that make medical intervention necessary. Treatments for kidney stones have evolved significantly from simply letting the stone pass or performing invasive surgery for large stones. Now, minimally invasive treatments can be used to break down or remove kidney stones.

The UCLA Department of Urology describes three state-of-the-art kidney stones treatments. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can be used to send sonic waves toward stones to either dissolve or break them down into more manageably-sized fragments. Other new treatments involve the use of a small scope to take out or break down the stone.

There are a few natural cures for kidney stones, but some stones are too large to deal with naturally and require medical intervention. If at any point you believe you are suffering from kidney stones, contact your doctor - odds are, if this is what you're dealing with, the pain will be such that you will feel inclined to seek medical attention immediately.

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