Kidney pain is excruciating and far from fun. It can get so severe at times that your daily routine can get disturbed, and you may need to visit the ER. If you suffer from chronic kidney conditions, such as kidney stones, it is not feasible to visit the hospital daily. For such cases, there are a few home remedies that you can opt for relieving kidney stone pain or kidney pain in general.
What Causes Kidney Pain?
Numerous infections and conditions can induce kidney pain. Before treating, the underlying cause of the pain must be known. Your best urologist can give you a better and more effective treatment plan by assessing the underlying cause and eradicating it from its roots. Following are some common causes of kidney pain:
1- Infection
Infection anywhere inside the urinary tract is reported as the most common reason for chronic kidney pain. Generally, people consider it UTI, but the location of this infection matters a lot. Infections in the lower part of the urinary tract are comparatively easier to treat. However, as the infection travels upwards, it gets more complex and does not respond to the treatment easily.
Depending on the location, infections are of the following types:
- Kidney Infection
- Bladder Infection
- Lower Urinary Tract Infection
2- Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are large masses that accumulate in your kidneys due to the build-up of excessive minerals. These stones can cause unbearable kidney pain. Usually, these stones pass easily without any doctor’s interference. However, larger stones require to be broken down with laser beams to get passed in your urine without causing much pain.
These are the two main reasons for chronic kidney pain.
Easing Kidney Stones Pain
The following tips can help you relieve kidney stones pain effectively:
1- Stay Hydrated
Drinking excessive water is the key to passing kidney stones quickly. Instead of drinking 8 glasses a day, you should take 12-16 glasses to help the passing of the stones. Try your best to avoid dehydration as it can further complicate your condition.
2- Try Lemon Juice
Lemon has citrate that can prevent calcium build-up. You should squeeze a lemon into fresh water and drink it daily to pass your kidney stones. Use lemon water occasionally, even after the stones pass, as it can help to prevent their formation.
3- Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid that can help to dissolve kidney stones efficiently. It can also ease the pain caused by these stones. Furthermore, one lab study found that drinking ACV can help prevent the formation of kidney stones, but more research is still needed for validation.
To drink ACV, mix 2-3 drops of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it once a day. You can also use this vinegar as a salad topping to bring more flavor to your meals. However, you should not use it if you are taking the following medications:
- Insulin
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
4- Try Basil Juice
Like apple cider vinegar, basil juice contains acetic acid that can break down kidney stones for easy passing. It has been used as a primitive remedy for digestive and inflammatory disorders. Moreover, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of basil help to maintain the health of your kidneys. However, you should not use it for more than 6 weeks as it can cause:
- Low blood sugar levels
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive bleeding
5- Try Pomegranate Juice
For centuries, people have been using pomegranate juice to flush out toxins from their kidneys. It has antioxidants that can maintain overall kidney health and regulate operations. It can also reduce acid in your urine, preventing any future possibility of forming kidney stones. You can drink pomegranate juice as per your liking daily. However, more research is required to validate the benefits of pomegranate on the overall health of kidneys.
Moreover, you should not take pomegranate juice if you are on the following medications:
- Liver medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Rosuvastatin
6- Try Celery Juice
It has been used as traditional medicine, and people assume that it can clear away all toxins that may cause kidney stones. It may also help to flush out the body to ease the passing of stones. However, more research is needed to validate all these claims.
7- Try Horsetail Juice
Horsetail juice can increase your urination, which can further help ease the passing of kidney stones. It can also soothe swelling and inflammation in the kidneys with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, you should not use it for any longer than 6 weeks as it can lead to:
- Loss of potassium
- Loss of vitamin B
- Seizures
These are some reportedly effective home remedies that have helped people ease kidney stone pain. It is always best to consult professionals for better guidance. Book an appointment with the best Urologist through Marham for more information.