Kidney stones can bring excruciating pain. These rocky lumps can slice and dice tissues as they make their way out of the body. Many describe the pain as worse than delivering a baby. If you or a loved one are suffering from kidney stones, you know how painful the condition can be. But did you know that a common household item could be part of the solution? Lemon juice is hailed for its health benefits, and one lesser-known application is its use as a kidney stone treatment at home.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallize and clump together inside the kidneys. Often, these sharp-edged lumps then make their way into the urinary tract. Although the stones sometimes leave the body on their own, the process is often accompanied by severe pain as the sharp stones cut into tissue on their way out. If the kidney stones are too large or don’t pass out of the body on their own, the patient has no choice but to get surgery to remove the painful deposits.
Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium Oxalate Buildup of calcium deposits in the kidneys and the most common.
- Uric Acid Typically results from overconsuming meat, fish, and shellfish and generally rare.
- Struvite Typically develops after a kidney infection.
- Cystine Often the result of a genetic disorder.
The Magic of Lemons
Lemon juice has potent nutritional benefits for the kidneys, possibly providing protection against kidney stone development. The high citrate content in lemons can help break down the calcium deposits that lead to kidney stones. By increasing urine citrate levels, it prevents the formation of crystals and assists in flushing out existing crystals.
Lemons contain citric acid that metabolizes in your body to help counteract the formation of kidney stones. Citrate helps prevent new stones from forming, and it helps any existing stones from getting larger.
Nanoparticles
Lemons contain nanoparticles that, when fed to rats, block stone formation, scientists report. The finding suggests these particles curb the development of calcium oxalate crystals, the most common culprit of kidney stones. The particles can also soften the stones and make them less sticky.
How Lemon Juice Helps
- Citric Acid Power: Lemon juice contains high levels of citric acid, which helps in reducing urine acidity, thereby reducing kidney stone incidence.
- Mineral Absorption: Citric acid can foster the absorption of minerals that could otherwise develop into kidney stones.
- Stone Inhibitor: Lemons have the highest concentration of citrate, which is a stone inhibitor.
How to Use Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones
The most common method of using lemon juice for kidney stones is by consuming lemonade or lemon water. For effective results, mix the juice of half a lemon with a glass of water and drink this concoction 2-3 times a day. Ensure you use fresh lemons for maximum benefits. Adding three ounces of lemon juice daily to your diet is an easy way to help ward off kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common.
Two to four ounces of lemon juice offers plenty of citric acid and a variety of other nutrients and antioxidants, all of which may be helpful for supporting kidney health.
Important Considerations
- Always consume lemon juice in its raw, natural form by juicing organic lemons yourself.
- Never purchase bottled lemon juice, as these products are usually pasteurized and stripped of their raw enzymes and vital nutrients.
- Take a shot of it by itself, add it to smoothies, mix it with hot water and some raw honey, or make your own lemonade by combining fresh lemon juice with cold water.
- If you like your lemonade on the sweeter side, add stevia.
- Before you reach for a lemonade, keep in mind that high sugar content can nullify the benefits of lemons.
Other Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones
- Stay Hydrated: Being dehydrated is the number one cause of kidney stones, so it’s imperative to make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water for your body type.
- Eat Healthy: Cutting out processed foods, cold cuts and cured meats along with canned soups and instead eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will reduce the chances of kidney stones.
- Citrus Fruits: A diet high in any fruit from the citrus family can also help prevent kidney stones. Add a splash of lemon juice to your water, or reach for an orange or grapefruit for your next snack.
Precautions
While lemon juice is a promising kidney stone treatment at home, it is crucial to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to different treatments. Not all kidney stones are the same – they vary in size, type, and severity. It is, therefore, crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regime. This includes using lemon juice as a kidney stone dissolver. Swilling loads of lemonade can cause dental problems, too. Some patients drink so much that the acidic liquid eats away at their teeth.
Conclusion
Incorporating lemon juice into your daily routine can be a delicious and effective way to combat kidney stones. Whether you’re squeezing fresh lemons into your water, adding a zesty twist to your meals, or enjoying a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade, you’re taking a proactive step towards kidney health. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that lemon juice is a suitable addition to your kidney stone prevention plan.