When someone experiences severe kidney stone symptoms that lead to vomiting and hospitalization, several things are happening in the body…
Pain and Nerve Stimulation
The primary issue is the movement of a kidney stone through the urinary tract. This causes:
1. Severe, sharp pain (renal colic) in the side, back, lower abdomen, and groin area.
2. The intense pain stimulates the vagus nerve, which connects the kidneys to the gastrointestinal tract.
Urinary Tract Obstruction
A large kidney stone can partially or completely block the ureter, leading to:
1. Reduced or stopped urine flow
2. Buildup of pressure in the affected kidney.
3. Potential risk of kidney infection or damage, if left untreated.
The Body’s Reactions
The body’s response to the intense pain and potential obstruction includes:
1. Nausea and vomiting, triggered by shared nerve connections between the kidneys and GI tract
2. Possible fever and chills, especially if an infection develops.
3. Sweating and feeling weak or tired.
Urinary Symptoms
The stone’s presence in the urinary tract can cause:
1. Blood in the urine (hematuria), making it appear pink, red or brown.
2. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
3. Frequent urge to urinate, often in small amounts.
When these symptoms become severe, especially when accompanied by persistent vomiting, fever or inability to urinate, immediate medical attention is necessary. At the hospital, doctors will focus on managing pain, addressing any obstruction or infection and determining the appropriate treatment to remove or pass the kidney stone.
YIKES!
That all sounds very scary to me… so why not try to prevent it in the first place?
Holistic Lifestyle Recommendations
A holistic, natural approach to dealing with kidney stones involves a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary supplements to consider. Here are some ways to prevent and address kidney stones with a holistic approach in mind.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for preventing kidney stones. Aim for 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) of fluid per day. This helps dilute urine and prevent stone formation.
Dietary Restrictions
Limit foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, chocolate, and beets. Believe it or not, even foods considered “healthy” can cause issues with kidney stones.
Diet Modifications
1. Reduce sodium intake, especially from ultra processed foods.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods increase urinary citrate, which helps prevent stone formation.
3. Incorporate citrus fruits: Lemons, limes and oranges contain citric acid that can help prevent stones. I like to squeeze some lemon or lime into my water daily, not only for the prevention of kidney stones, but because I have learned to love the taste!
Supplements and Natural Remedies to Consider for Kidney StonesÂ
If you can get ahead of a more severe issue with your health, and not end up in the hospital where it’s out of your hands, wouldn’t you embrace the approach of prevention? I would!
Consider the following suggestions as ideas to further explore and find out which are right for you.
Citrate Supplements
Potassium citrate can help prevent the majority of kidney stones.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplements may help prevent oxalate absorption.
Vitamin B6
High dietary intake of vitamin B6 has been associated with a reduced risk of kidney stone formation, particularly in women.
Herbal Remedies
Dandelion: May help increase urine output and improve digestion.
Supplement Recommendations We Have Seen Work
There are a few products we carry at Nature’s Garden of Naples that we would consider looking into if you are dealing with this issue. This is just a starting point so you can research and determine if this works with your situation
First of all there’s our own Nature’s Garden Stone Breaker with Chanca Piedra, click here which alone is a powerful herbal formula. And when combined with Planetary Herbals Stone Free we’ve seen many customers come back to report it worked for their situation.  (find that second formula click here). And another option to consider may be Planet Source Chanca Piedra with an emphasis on its anti-inflammation and antibacterial nature to support  liver and digestion, click here.
A Caution with Some Supplements
– Avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements if you’re dealing with kidney stones, as they may increase stone risk.
– Be cautious with calcium supplements and instead aim to get calcium from food sources when possible, particularly when dealing with the situation of kidney stones.
Additional Natural Options for Kidney SupportÂ
Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar may help pass small kidney stones.
Lemon Juice
As mentioned before, lemon can be preventative. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon in your water glass throughout the day. Or juice a whole lemon or two, put liquid in glass container in the refrigerator and add a tablespoon to your water glass throughout the day to help potentially reduce kidney stone risk.
To Sum up: Kidney Stones And How To Support Optimal Kidney Function
By adopting these lifestyle changes and carefully incorporating supplements under medical supervision, you can take a holistic approach to preventing and managing kidney stones. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a history of kidney stones.
