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Kidney Stones

Also indexed as:Nephrolithiasis, Renal Calculi, Urinary Calculi, Urolithiasis
Find the source and stop the pain of kidney stones. Hard masses that grow from crystals forming in the kidneys, they typically cause severe back pain that may radiate to the groin area. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Kidney Stones: Main Image
Find the source and stop the pain of kidney stones. Hard masses that grow from crystals forming in the kidneys, they typically cause severe back pain that may radiate to the groin area. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Try naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), paracetamol (Tylenol), or aspirin to treat mild pain

  • Drink plenty of fluids

    Water, lemonade, and most fruit juices can help dilute the substances in the urine that form kidney stones; avoid grapefruit juice and fizzy drinks

  • Don’t eat too much animal protein

    Diets high in animal protein are linked to increased calcium in the urine, which contributes to oxalate stones

  • Avoid foods with organic acids (oxalates) that help stones form

    Limit spinach, rhubarb, beetroot greens, nuts, chocolate, tea, bran, almonds, peanuts, and strawberries, which appear to increase urinary oxalate levels

  • Protect yourself with vitamin B6 and magnesium

    50 mg a day of vitamin B6 with 200 to 400 mg a day of magnesium (preferably the citrate form) may inhibit oxalate stone formation

  • Prescription strength naproxen (Naprosyn) and ibuprofen (Motrin) are often prescribed to treat pain, as are narcotic combinations like hydrocodone/ paracetamol (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco), oxycodone/paracetamol (Percocet), and propoxyphene/paracetamol (Darvocet)

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.