Published on: | Kidney Health
Kidney stones are a common and painful condition, affecting up to 10% of people during their lifetime. These stones form when minerals such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid become concentrated in the urine, leading to crystal formation.
While many stones pass naturally, others require medical attention. But can they be prevented or naturally dissolved? In many cases — Yes, through the right lifestyle and dietary choices. Link to Study --> R. Philips, et.al. (2015) "Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium containing kidney stones in adults." Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Oct 6.
🧬 What Are Kidney Stones Made Of?
There are several types of kidney stones, each with different causes and treatments:
- Calcium oxalate (most common)
- Calcium phosphate
- Uric acid
- Struvite (often from infections)
- Cystine (genetic)
Prevention strategies depend on the stone type.
💧 Key Prevention Strategies
1. Increase Dietary Citrate and Bicarbonates
Citrate and Bicarbonates helps reduce calcium stone formation.
This has been known for a while and some studies have demonstrated that some ratio mixes of bicarbonates and citrates can completely dissolve kidney stones in some people. See A. Trinchieri, et. al. (2009) "Dissolution of radiolucent renal stones by oral alkalization..." Arch ital Urol Androl 2009 Sep; 81(3):188-91. See also, M.A. Ene, et. al. (2023) "The effectiveness of citrates and pyridoxines in the treatment of kidney stones." J Med Life 2023 Jun;16(6):856–861.
A. Bicarbonates are Difficult to Get in The Western Diet.
Adequate Bicarbonates in the human diet are actually difficult achieve because they are temperature sensitive and degrade into H2O and CO2 when cooked (>122* F).
Because they are difficult take find the western diet, one of the best sources of bicarbonates are in purposeful electrolyte drinks.
B Citrates are Difficult to Get in the Western Diet.
Citric acid can be found in Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), but citric acid is not the same as Citrate - though they are both derived from the same molecular moiety, one is an acid and one is a base, only the base provides the acid neutralizing with buffer support that will assist in dissolving kidney stones.
2. Limit Oxalate and Animal Proteins
Clearly dietary changes can reduce oxalate and uric acid in the body which in turns reduces the incidence of kidney stones. Foods high in oxalate include:
- Limit high-oxalate foods: spinach, beets, chocolate, and nuts.
- Reduce animal protein to decrease calcium and uric acid in urine (especially organ meats and processed meats).
3. Manage Calcium
- Do not eliminate calcium; but moderate intake helps balance oxalate and it should come from your food (difficult to supplement without creating imbalances).
🧪 Can Kidney Stones Be Dissolved Naturally?
Some stones, especially uric acid stones, may dissolve by increasing urine pH to around 6.0–6.5. This can be achieved by:
- Eating more alkaline food
- Take supplements designed to alkalize your diet
Note: Calcium oxalate stones typically cannot be dissolved but can be prevented.
🧠 Bottom Line
- Uric acid stones can be dissolve with the right pH balance.
- Many kidney stones can be prevented with diet and hydration.
- Recurrent stone formers, should consult a specialist and consider metabolic testing prior to making changes.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
