Kidney stones: Do home remedies work?

Are there any natural remedies to prevent kidney stones?

- Clem / New York

Answer

One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of subsequent kidney stones is to drink more fluids — ideally water — to increase your 24-hour urine output to 2.5 liters a day. Aim to drink enough fluids that your urine is nearly clear or has only a light yellow tinge. Drinking additional fluids decreases, or dilutes, the concentration of substances that can contribute to the formation of new kidney stones or to the enlargement of existing kidney stones.

The amount of water you should drink varies with the individual — based on factors such as activity level, climate and medications. However, most people need to drink at least 3 liters of water a day to achieve this level of urine output. Ideally, you should drink some of this water at night. If you have another medical condition, consult your doctor before markedly increasing your fluid intake.

Other natural measures that may help prevent kidney stones include:

• Avoid foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup.
• Reduce your daily salt intake.
• Avoid calcium-containing antacids.
• Limit intake of beef, pork and poultry to less than 4 to 6 ounces a day.
• Eat moderate amounts of dairy products — between one and three servings — each day.
• Limit the amount of pasta you eat.
• Avoid high-oxalate foods, such as dark green vegetables, nuts and chocolate.

Some research suggests that magnesium citrate or vitamin B-6 supplements may help prevent kidney stones. But the evidence is weak and at this time not sufficient enough to recommend magnesium citrate or vitamin B-6 for the prevention of kidney stones.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Kidney stones
• Water: How much should you drink every day?