Kidney stones can be one of the most painful conditions that you could have; however, the good news is that the condition can be treated. Although there are various medications for kidney stones, you can treat it using home remedies. Home remedies can enhance your health without bringing harmful chemicals to your body. Moreover, the natural remedies are cheaper alternatives to other treatment methods such as medications and surgery. Lemon juice for kidney stones is one of the natural remedies you should have a try.

How Does Lemon Juice Work for Kidney Stones?

Lemon juice can prevent the kidney stones formation and break down the stones.

• Lemons contain citrate; this chemical inhibits calcium stone formation in the kidneys. In addition, it can break down kidney stones.
• Citric acid in lemon juice prevents kidney stones by increasing the acidic level of the urine. The reason is that higher acidic level inhibits the accumulation of calcium which can form kidney stones. 
• Kidney stones occur when oxalate encounters urine. Lemon juice is low in oxalate, which could prevent the growth of the preexisting ones. 
• Lemon juice has natural antiseptic property, which helps in preventing bacterial growth in the kidneys and reducing the chances of infections.
• Lemon juice can keep you well-hydrated, so you can pass a lot of urine which may bring kidney stones out of your body.

How to Use Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones

4 ounces or a half cup of pure lemon juice a day or 2 cups of freshly prepared lemonade has essential citric acid, vitamins and antioxidant which help prevent kidney stone formation and promote the overall health of the kidneys. It is advised that you avoid purchasing bottled lemon juice, because the processed lemons are pasteurized and the nutrients are stripped. Here are some of the techniques to prepare lemon juice.

1.   Lemon Juice

Use 1-2 liters of water blended with ½ to 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice, depending on your taste and preference. You should rinse the mouth thoroughly after consuming the juice every time because the acidity may destroy the tooth enamel. It is also important that you avoid adding sugar; instead, use raw honey to add some flavor to it.

2.   Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

You can mix approximately a half cup of pure lemon juice with an equal amount of virgin olive oil to help pass the stones. Take the blend at regular intervals throughout the day. It is essential to ensure that you take plenty of water to help pass out the stones painlessly from the system.

3.   Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another recipe of lemon juice for kidney stones, which aids in controlling and preventing the stones formation. Squeeze juice from a half lemon and blend it with ½ cup of water; thereafter add one tablespoonful of raw apple cider vinegar and consume. Follow the guidelines and consume the combination every hour with plenty of water.

Other Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

1.   Water

If you have kidney stones or are prone to the condition, then you should increase the amount of water ingestion on a daily basis. The fluids can flush out calcium deposits in the system. If you don't know how much water to drink, check out your urine. The darker the urine color, the more water your system needs.

2.   Pomegranate Juice

A study conducted in the 2008 indicated that pomegranate juice helps in preventing the formation of a certain type of kidney stones. If you are prone to the development of kidney stones, you can take two servings of pomegranate juice daily. The juice is full of antioxidants which will help leave your body free of free radicals.

3.   Nettle Leaf Tea

The stinging nettle is commonly utilized for joint support and seasonal allergic symptoms. The tea is a powerful diuretic that has antibacterial features. Nettle leaf tea halts the formation of kidney stones and prevents urinary tract infections. If you take 2-3 cups of nettle leaf tea daily, then all the toxins and other minerals that are harmful to your system will be flushed out. 

4.   Watermelon

Watermelon is a fantastic fruit that helps in flushing out toxins in the kidney. You can combine it with vegetable and fruit juices, such as orange, grape and carrot juices. These juices contain citrate, which will prevent the development of kidney stones. You can drink them as an alternative to lemon juice for kidney stones.

5.   Vegetable Proteins

Consumption of certain animal proteins can cause or aggravate kidney stones. If you have a higher risk of developing kidney stones, then you can replace them with vegetable proteins. Some of the excellent sources of proteins include chia seeds, green peas, hummus, beans, almonds, and soy. It is recommended that you consume about 50 grams of protein on a daily basis. 

6.   High Fiber Foods

Vegetables and fruits are good sources of insoluble fibers which help in preventing the growth of kidney stones. The insoluble fiber helps in reducing the amount of calcium in the urinary tract through binding it to the small intestines. It is also important to check the composition of the vegetables and fruits because some may be rich in oxalate and thereby aggravate the condition.

7.   Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are important in clearing up kidney stones. The beans are rich in fiber and they also contain proteins, vitamin B, minerals, and other essential components which improve the health of the kidneys. To get the best from the beans, you should cook them in water until the beans are tender to eat.