Description
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"Kidney Stones" are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys when waste substances like calcium or uric acid become overly concentrated. These stones can block urine flow, causing sharp lower back pain, nausea, or blood in the urine. Dehydration and high-oxalate diets increase risk. Staying well-hydrated, limiting salt, and moderating animal protein can help prevent recurrence. Treatment depends on stone size and type, but prompt care supports kidney function and lowers the chance of painful recurrences.
Symptoms & Signs
Abdominal Pain, Back Pain, Cloudy Urine, Dark-Colored Urine, Fever, Foul-Smelling Urine, Frequent Urination, Nausea, Pain, Painful Urination, Shivers, Urination Difficulties, Urinary Blood, Vomiting
Kidney Stones
Body System
Kidneys and Urinary System
Causes
Low Urine Volume, Dehydration, Poor Diet, Genetic Factors, Metabolic Disorders, Urinary Tract Infections
Things To Do
The dietary recommendations for kidney stones include:
hydration. Drinking large amounts of quality water, especially distilled water, helps dilute urine, prevent kidney stone formation, and flush out existing stones.
Drink water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Citric acid is known to improve pain.
consume a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats.
incorporate foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, mangoes, papayas, etc.
foods containing vitamin B6, such as dark leafy greens, potatoes, pumpkins, avocados, carrots, etc.
foods rich in magnesium, such as dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, bananas, seeds, whole grains, etc.
foods containing zinc, such as dairy products, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, kidney beans, broccoli, etc.
calcium-rich foods, such as
anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits and vegetables, turmeric, garlic, ginger, seeds, a limited amount of fish, herbs, spices, etc.
Furthermore, try the following:
If you follow any fasting regimen, always drink plenty of fluids during that period. Hydration is key for kidney stone treatment.
regular low-intesity physical exercise. Walking, swimming, or cycling can speed up the time needed to pass a kidney stone.
maintain a healthy weight.
get enough restful sleep.
practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.
Things To Avoid
The following foods and products should be avoided for kidney stone problems:
processed, junk, and fast foods.
sugar, desserts, candy, sugary snacks, and beverages. Insulemic responses cause calcium excretion.
oxalates found in foods such as spinach, beetroot greens, celery, blueberries, strawberries, almonds, peanuts, cocoa, rhubarb, etc.
purine-containing foods, such as fish, seafood, shellfish, and meats.
beer, carbonated drinks, coffee, and black tea.
In cystine stones, avoid the amino acid L-cystine.
Watch out for salt intake. Sodium should be limited in people with kidney stones.
Watch out for animal protein. Do not eat excessive amounts of it if you have kidney stones.
dehydration.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
sedentary lifestyle.
chronic stress.
smoking.
being overweight and obese.
medications that impact the kidneys.
ℹ️ Guidance Note
Not a protocol—each modality is listed individually with references; anecdotes are flagged
Usage rules
-
Use one modality per session within the listed frequency and duration
-
Add new modalities one at a time, week by week
-
Stop immediately if adverse symptoms occur
Combining rules
-
Combine modalities only if explicitly allowed in the entry
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Avoid overlapping heat or intensive manual therapies on the same day unless specified
-
Use only listed synergies; otherwise do not combine in the same session
Professional Care
-
Follow the fixed safe-use lines where indicated (e.g., acupuncture requires a licensed practitioner)
-
See Global Safety Note below
ℹ️ Guidance Note
Not a protocol—each plant active is listed individually with references; anecdotes are flagged
Introduce gradually
-
Start with one plant active
-
Add one new plant active every 7 days if tolerated
-
Keep ≤2 changes at once
Stacking rules
-
Avoid combining herbs with the same primary Effect
-
Always check for drug–herb interactions and photosensitivity
-
Use only listed synergies; avoid antagonisms or separate by the stated time
Use Window
-
Respect each item’s Timing and Duration caps
-
Patch-test topicals and dilute essential oils to the listed %
-
See Global Safety Note below
Clinician-managed
These options do not replace prescribed care. “Therapeutic Dose” denotes the upper limit (“Up to …”), and “Duration” denotes the Safe Duration cap — at the Recommended Dose you may continue or cycle beyond this window if symptoms persist and no adverse effects occur; at the Therapeutic Dose do not extend without clinician oversight. A clinician may extend or cycle beyond this window with clinical justification. Coordinate changes, lab-guided dosing, cycling, and peri-procedure holds with your clinician, and review drug–nutrient interactions. Use quality-tested products; patch test topicals; dilute essential oils; avoid eyes/mucosa.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect kidney stones by inhibiting crystal formation, supporting mineral balance, or promoting the breakdown and flushing of stones.
1. Magnesium 🔗 (view details)
Function: Magnesium citrate helps prevent the crystallization of calcium oxalate in urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. It also impedes the absorption of dietary oxalate, contributing to overall kidney stone prevention.
Recommended Dose: 200–400 mg/day elemental (divided doses)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 600 mg/day elemental (divided doses)
Form: Capsule or tablet
Timing: With meals
Duration: Ongoing
Cautions & Safety Notes: Diarrhea with citrate; caution in kidney disease.
2. Potassium 🔗 (view details)
Function: Potassium citrate acts as a urinary alkalinizer, reducing urine acidity and enhancing protective compounds like citrate. This helps lower calcium oxalate supersaturation and decreases the risk of stone recurrence.
Recommended Dose: 300–1,000 mg/day elemental
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,500 mg/day elemental
Form: Tablet or powder
Timing: With meals
Duration: 4–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Avoid with ACEi/ARB or K-sparing diuretics (spironolactone/eplerenone) and in kidney disease; hyperkalemia risk; avoid potassium-chloride salt substitutes unless advised; count potassium from electrolyte blends/other supplements to avoid stacking; if arrhythmia or dose >1,000 mg/day, periodic labs recommended.
3. Vitamin B6 🔗 (view details)
Function: Vitamin B6 helps lower the excretion of oxalate in urine, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by keeping oxalate levels in check.
Recommended Dose: 20–50 mg/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 100 mg/day
Form: Capsule or tablet
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Risk of sensory neuropathy with prolonged high doses; avoid >100 mg/day long-term; interacts with levodopa (without carbidopa); may reduce phenytoin/phenobarbital levels.
4. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC] 🔗 (view details)
Function: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, conditions that can contribute to stone formation. It also helps reduce calcium oxalate crystal aggregation, supporting kidney stone prevention.
Recommended Dose: 600 mg/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,800 mg/day
Form: Capsule or powder
Timing: Empty stomach
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: GI upset possible; avoid with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide); caution in asthma (inhaled forms).
5. Chondroitin 🔗 (view details)
Function: Chondroitin affects the surface of calcium oxalate crystals, potentially preventing their aggregation and deposition, thus helping to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Recommended Dose: 800–1,200 mg/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,200 mg/day
Form: Capsule or tablet
Timing: With meals
Duration: Ongoing
Cautions & Safety Notes: Warfarin or other anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk—monitor INR; stop 1–2 weeks before surgery; source-derived allergy possible (bovine/porcine/shark cartilage); mild GI upset possible.
6. Vitamin D3/K2 🔗 (view details)
Function: Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, while Vitamin K2 ensures that calcium is directed to bones rather than soft tissues like the kidneys. This calcium-balancing effect may help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Recommended Dose: 2,000–4,000 IU/day D3 + K2 MK-7 90–200 mcg/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 10,000 IU/day D3
Form: Softgel or liquid drops
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Monitor 25(OH)D and calcium at higher intakes; avoid unsupervised high doses in granulomatous disease or primary hyperparathyroidism; caution with thiazides/digoxin; vitamin K2 may antagonize warfarin.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target kidney stones directly but may support urinary tract health, reduce inflammation, or enhance hydration and detoxification.
1. Probiotics 🔗 (view details)
Function: Probiotics help break down oxalate in the gut, with strains like Oxalobacter formigenes reducing oxalate absorption and excretion in urine. This process lowers the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.
Recommended Dose: 10–20 billion CFU/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 50 billion CFU/day
Form: Delayed-release/enteric-coated capsule
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Start low; transient bloating possible.
2. Omega-3 🔗 (view details)
Function: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of kidney stones. They help lower urinary oxalate levels and decrease calcium oxalate supersaturation, both key factors in stone prevention.
Recommended Dose: 1,000–2,000 mg/day (EPA + DHA)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 3,000 mg/day (EPA + DHA)
Form: Softgel or oil
Timing: With meals
Duration: Ongoing
Cautions & Safety Notes: May thin blood at higher doses; choose purified products.
3. Vitamin E 🔗 (view details)
Function: Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys, protecting against conditions that favor kidney stone formation and reducing the risk of stone development.
Recommended Dose: 100–200 IU/day
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 400 IU/day
Form: Softgel or liquid drops
Timing: With meals
Duration: 4–6 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: May thin blood; caution with anticoagulants.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage kidney stones by supporting stone dissolution, improving urinary flow, or balancing mineral levels.
1. Lemon Juice 🔗 (view details)
Function: Lemon juice or lime juice bind with calcium through its citrate content, helping to prevent the formation of kidney stones by reducing calcium crystal buildup.
Typical Amount: 15–30 mL/day (≈ 1–2 tbsp) diluted in 60–120 mL water (¼–½ cup)
Form & Delivery Method: Fluid; mix in water; use a straw; rinse mouth afterward; wait 30 min before brushing
Timing: With meals
Frequency: 1–2 times/day
Cautions & Safety Notes: May worsen acute reflux or esophagitis—introduce cautiously; enamel erosion risk—use a straw and rinse; not for acute gallstone attacks or jaundice—seek medical care; adjunct only for gout/kidney-stone care per clinician guidance; discontinue if hypersensitivity.
2. Sodium Bicarbonate 🔗 (view details)
Function: Sodium bicarbonate raises urinary pH and may help prevent uric acid stones by neutralizing excess acidity. It’s used in urology to reduce stone risk in patients with acidic urine profiles.
Typical Amount: 1,500–3,000 mg (½–1 tsp) dissolved in water
Form & Delivery Method: Powder; dissolve in water and drink
Timing: With meals
Frequency: 1–2 times/day
Cautions & Safety Notes: Use only if stones are uric-acid type; monitor sodium intake; clinician guidance advised for ongoing use; separate from oral medicines by 2 hours; stop if swelling, shortness of breath, or worsening symptoms.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar 🔗 (view details)
Function: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help dissolve kidney stones and prevent new ones from forming by altering urine pH. Its mild diuretic effects promote increased urine flow, helping flush out the kidneys, while its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce urinary tract inflammation and pain.
Typical Amount: 15–30 mL/day (≈ 1–2 tbsp)
Form & Delivery Method: Fluid; dilute in water (≈ 60–120 mL, ¼–½ cup); use a straw
Timing: With meals
Frequency: 1–2 times/day
Cautions & Safety Notes: Always dilute (never undiluted) to protect throat and tooth enamel; rinse mouth after and wait 30 min before brushing; may lower blood sugar—monitor if using antidiabetic medicines or insulin; excessive or long-term use may lower potassium; may worsen acute reflux or esophagitis—introduce cautiously; discontinue if burning, pain, or hypersensitivity.
Plant Actives
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support relief from kidney stones by promoting diuresis, reducing crystal aggregation, or relaxing the urinary tract.
1. Chanca Piedra Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Chanca piedra, known as the "stone breaker," inhibits the growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, helping prevent kidney stones. Its diuretic properties also assist in flushing out small stones and reducing the risk of stone formation.
Recommended Dose: 500–1,000 mg (capsule) or 1–2 mL (tincture; ≈ 20–40 drops)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,500 mg (capsule) or 3 mL (tincture; ≈ 60 drops)
Form & Preparation: Capsule or tincture
Timing: Empty stomach
Duration: 4–8 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: May lower blood pressure or blood sugar—use caution with antihypertensives or diabetes medications. Possible additive diuretic effect. Stomach upset possible. Discontinue if hypersensitivity.
2. Berberine 🔗 (view details)
Function: Berberine acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, and urinary alkalinizer. By reducing urinary calcium and oxalate levels, it helps prevent calcium oxalate stones from forming, contributing to kidney stone prevention.
Recommended Dose: 500–1,000 mg
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,500 mg
Form & Preparation: Capsule
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: May lower blood glucose—monitor if using antidiabetic medicines or insulin; possible GI cramps, constipation, or diarrhea; may slightly lower blood pressure—use caution with antihypertensives; may affect levels of certain medicines (e.g., anti-rejection drugs such as cyclosporine).
3. Tribulus Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Tribulus lowers the excretion of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate, addressing key factors in kidney stone formation. It also combats oxidative stress and restores antioxidant enzyme activity in kidney tissue, providing additional protection against stones.
Recommended Dose: 500–1,000 mg (40–60% saponins)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,500 mg (40–60% saponins)
Form & Preparation: Capsule
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: May lower blood sugar or blood pressure—monitor if using antidiabetic or antihypertensive medicines; possible GI upset, restlessness, or insomnia; stop 7 days before surgery; use caution with hormone-sensitive conditions; discontinue if hypersensitivity.
4. Horsetail Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Horsetail is a natural diuretic that increases urine production, helping flush out excess minerals that contribute to kidney stone formation. Its antioxidant properties also protect the kidneys from oxidative stress, reducing stone risk.
Recommended Dose: 300–600 mg (capsule) or 2–4 mL (tincture; ≈ 40–80 drops)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 900 mg (capsule) or 6 mL (tincture; ≈ 120 drops)
Form & Preparation: Capsule or tincture
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Contains thiaminase—long-term/high intakes may lower thiamine; avoid if thiamine deficiency risk or heavy alcohol use; diuretic effect—use caution with diuretics and lithium; avoid in significant kidney disease; discontinue if rash or GI upset.
5. Uva Ursi Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Uva ursi acts as a mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic, promoting increased urine flow and reducing urinary tract inflammation. It helps prevent mineral crystallization and supports the expulsion of small stones.
Recommended Dose: 300–600 mg (10–20% arbutin) (capsule) or 1–2 mL (tincture; ≈ 20–40 drops)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 900 mg (10–20% arbutin) (capsule) or 3 mL (tincture; ≈ 60 drops)
Form & Preparation: Capsule or tincture
Timing: With meals
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Short-term use only (≤14 days); liver or kidney disease—use caution; nausea or GI irritation possible; efficacy depends on alkaline urine—avoid urine-acidifying agents (e.g., high-dose vitamin C, cranberry); may discolor urine; high tannins may reduce medicine/mineral absorption—separate by 2 hours; discontinue if jaundice or hypersensitivity.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on kidney stones but may support liver and kidney function, reduce oxidative stress, or promote internal fluid balance.
1. Dandelion Root Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Dandelion root’s diuretic properties increase urine production, helping flush out the kidneys and reduce the risk of stone formation. It also supports liver and kidney detoxification, contributing to overall kidney health.
Recommended Dose: 500–1,000 mg (capsule) or 5–10 mL (tincture; ≈ 100–200 drops)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,500 mg (capsule) or 12 mL (tincture; ≈ 240 drops)
Form & Preparation: Capsule or tincture
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Asteraceae (ragweed) allergy; avoid in bile duct obstruction or acute gallstone colic; diuretic effect—use caution with diuretics or lithium; may lower blood sugar—monitor if using antidiabetic medicines; alcohol-based tincture; discontinue if GI upset or rash.
2. Parsley Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Parsley’s diuretic effects increase urine output, helping flush out toxins and minerals that may contribute to kidney stone formation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help protect the kidneys and urinary tract.
Recommended Dose: 300–600 mg (capsule) or 1–2 mL (tincture; ≈ 20–40 drops)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 1,000 mg (capsule) or 3 mL (tincture; ≈ 60 drops)
Form & Preparation: Capsule or tincture
Timing: With meals
Duration: 4–8 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Additive diuretic effect—use caution with diuretics; large doses may irritate kidneys—avoid with active kidney disease; do not ingest parsley essential oil; possible GI upset or rash—discontinue if hypersensitivity.
3. Cranberry Extract 🔗 (view details)
Function: Cranberry helps acidify urine, reducing the risk of calcium stone formation. Its diuretic properties increase urine flow, flushing out the urinary tract and preventing mineral buildup that leads to stones.
Recommended Dose: 240–480 mg (15% PACs ≈ 36–72 mg PACs)
Therapeutic Dose: Up to 720 mg (15% PACs ≈ 108 mg PACs)
Form & Preparation: Capsule
Timing: With meals
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: May increase bleeding risk—use caution with blood thinners; higher oxalate load—use caution with history of kidney stones; contains natural salicylates—use caution with salicylate sensitivity; possible stomach upset; if using 100% unsweetened juice: 240–300 mL once daily (≈ 1–1¼ cups), up to 950 mL/day; juice cocktails vary—capsules preferred for consistent PACs.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support urinary health, promote kidney function, and assist the body in eliminating or preventing stone formation.
1. Ayurveda 🔗 (view details)
Function: Ayurvedic formulations, such as Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), and Varun (Crataeva nurvala), promote the breakdown and passage of kidney stones, especially smaller ones, through the urinary tract. They also help reduce stone size and alleviate symptoms like hematuria and urinary frequency.
Safe & Effective Use: Initial consult; individualized diet and herb plan; daily routine
Session Frequency: Daily home practice; practitioner follow-up every 2–4 weeks
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Herb–drug interactions are possible—ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use quality-controlled products tested for heavy metals. Intensive detox (Panchakarma) needs clinician supervision due to dehydration/electrolyte risks. Stop herbal formulas 7 days before surgery if they may affect bleeding. Discontinue if hypersensitivity.
2. Acupuncture 🔗 (view details)
Function: Acupuncture supports kidney and bladder meridian function, and clinical studies suggest it may reduce renal colic pain and improve urinary flow. Points like BL23 and KI3 are used to regulate kidney qi and promote smooth urination.
Safe & Effective Use: Licensed practitioner; sterile single-use needles; 30 min/session.
Session Frequency: 1–2 sessions/week
Duration: 4–8 weeks
Cautions & Safety Notes: Increased bleeding risk—use caution with anticoagulants or bleeding disorders; avoid needling over infection, open wounds, or active rash; pregnancy—avoid contraindicated points; implanted devices—avoid electroacupuncture over pacemakers/ICDs; recent surgery or lymphedema—practitioner guidance required.
Global Safety Note
ℹ️ Guidance Note
Not a protocol—each supplement is listed individually with references; anecdotes are flagged
Introduce gradually
-
Start with one supplement
-
Add one new supplement every 3–7 days if tolerated
-
Keep ≤3 changes at once
Stacking rules
-
Don’t combine supplements with the same primary Effect
-
Use only listed synergies; avoid antagonisms or separate by the stated time
-
Track total exposure when items share an active or pathway (e.g., melatonin, zinc)
Use Window
-
Respect each item’s Timing and Duration caps
-
Stop early once goals are met; re-evaluate at 8–12 weeks
-
See Global Safety Note below
ℹ️ Guidance Note
Not a protocol—each natural compound is listed individually with references; anecdotes are flagged
Introduce gradually
-
Start with one natural compound
-
Add one new compound every 3–7 days if tolerated
-
Keep ≤2 changes at once
Stacking rules
-
Don’t combine compounds with the same primary Effect
-
Use only listed synergies; avoid antagonisms or separate by the stated time
-
Track total exposure when compounds share an active or pathway (e.g., organic acids like ACV, alkalizers like sodium bicarbonate, metal ions like colloidal silver)
Use Window
-
Respect each item’s Timing and Duration caps
-
Always patch-test topical applications
-
Do not layer potential irritants on the same area
-
Stop at first signs of irritation or intolerance
-
See Global Safety Note below
Direct / Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
Direct / Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Currently, no functional lab tests aligned with our integrative and natural health standards are available for this condition. Once reliable tests are identified and validated, we will review and feature them here.
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality podcast episodes meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. We will review and feature trusted resources here as soon as they become available.
Educational Videos To Learn From
Currently, no high-quality podcast episodes meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. We will review and feature trusted resources here as soon as they become available.
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
References
[1] Vitamin D Does Not Contribute to Kidney Stones, Study Asserts. UC San Diego Health: Newsroom. 2017, Oct.
[2] Malihi Z, Wu Z, Stewart AW, Lawes CM, Scragg R. Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones in long-term studies of vitamin D supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;104(4):1039-1051.
[3] Dowswell R. How to prevent kidney stones recurring. Nutritionist Resource. 2015, Mar.
[4] Li Y, Lu X, Yang B, et al. Vitamin K1 Inhibition of Renal Crystal Formation through Matrix Gla Protein in the Kidney. Kidney Blood Press Res. 2019;44(6):1392-1403.
[5] Cozzolino M, Mangano M, Galassi A, Ciceri P, Messa P, Nigwekar S. Vitamin K in Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients. 2019;11(1):168.
[6] What You Need to Know About Vitamin K2, D and Calcium: Dr. Mercola Interviews Dr. Kate Rheaume-Blue. Mercola.com. 2012, Dec.
[7] Laranjinha I, Matias P, Dickson J. Magnesium supplementation to prevent recurrence of renal stones. Port J Nephrol Hypert . 2019, Vol 33, Issue 4.
[8] Zerwekh JE, Odvina CV, Wuermser LA, Pak CY. Reduction of renal stone risk by potassium-magnesium citrate during 5 weeks of bed rest. J Urol. 2007;177(6):2179-2184.
[9] Azarfar A, Esmaeili M, Tousi N, et al. Evaluation of the effects of magnesium supplement in primary and secondary preventions of nephrolithiasis: a systematic review. Reviews in Clinical Medicine. 2016, 3(1), 18-22.
[10] Sorkhi H, Saeedizand N, Poornasrollah M, Bijani A, Shafi H. Efficacy of potassium polycitrate on renal stone and microlithiasis predisposed by metabolic disorders. Caspian J Intern Med. 2017;8(4):296-300.
[11] Wiegand A, Fischer G, Seeger H, et al. Impact of potassium citrate on urinary risk profile, glucose and lipid metabolism of kidney stone formers in Switzerland, Clinical Kidney Journal. 2020, Vol 13, Issue 6, pp 1037–1048.
[12] Jaipakdee S, Prasongwatana V, Premgamone A, et al. The effects of potassium and magnesium supplementations on urinary risk factors of renal stone patients. J Med Assoc Thai. 2004;87(3):255-263.
[13] Harvard Medical School. The kidney stone diet: Not as restrictive as you may think. Harvard health Publishing. 2019, Nov.
[14] Gul Z, Monga M. Medical and dietary therapy for kidney stone prevention. Korean J Urol. 2014;55(12):775-779.
[15] Penniston KL, Steele TH, Nakada SY. Lemonade therapy increases urinary citrate and urine volumes in patients with recurrent calcium oxalate stone formation. Urology. 2007;70(5):856-860.
[16] Five Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones: From Lemonade to Surgery. UC San Diego Health: Newsroom. 2010, Apr.
[17] Aras B, Kalfazade N, Tuğcu V, et al. Can lemon juice be an alternative to potassium citrate in the treatment of urinary calcium stones in patients with hypocitraturia? A prospective randomized study. Urol Res. 2008, 36, 313.
[18] UT Southwestern Medical Center. Orange Juice Is Better Than Lemonade At Keeping Kidney Stones Away. ScienceDaily. 2006, Sept.
[19] Bashir S, Gilani AH. Antiurolithic effect of berberine is mediated through multiple pathways. Eur J Pharmacol. 2011;651(1-3):168-175.
[20] Wan X, Chen X, Liu L, Zhao Y, Huang WJ, et al. (2013) Berberine Ameliorates Chronic Kidney Injury Caused by Atherosclerotic Renovascular Disease through the Suppression of NFκB Signaling Pathway in Rats. PLOS ONE 8(3): e59794.
[21] Jyothilakshmi V, Thellamudhu G, Chinta R, et al. Beneficial antioxidative effect of the homeopathic preparation of Berberis vulgaris in alleviating oxidative stress in experimental urolithiasis. Forsch Komplementmed. 2014;21(1):7-12.
[22] Dissayabutra T, Kalpongnukul N, Chindaphan K, et al. Urinary sulfated glycosaminoglycan insufficiency and chondroitin sulfate supplement in urolithiasis. PLoS One. 2019;14(3):e0213180.
[23] Li JJ, Xue JF, Ouyang JM. Stabilization of Submicron Calcium Oxalate Suspension by Chondroitin Sulfate C May Be an Efficient Protection from Stone Formation. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications. 2013.
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