Kidney stones are solid deposits of mineral which, as the name implies, form in the kidneys then have to travel down the ureters, into the bladder and then into the urethra to be passed from the system. This process can be excruciating, particularly for men, and unfortunately some people are frequent developers of kidney stones and have to endure this ordeal multiple times.
The good news is, however, that diet can play a crucial role in whether or not kidney stones re-form – and this is a risk factor that the patient is able to control. Certain foods have been shown to simply be better than other at preventing stone formation and three of the best are discussed below.
Nettles
Nettles have not really caught on in the American diet, but they are a common and popular “wild food” sources in many parts of Europe and they are incredibly healthy. Among their other properties, they are a natural diuretic and naturopaths often recommend them for people with a history of kidney stone formation to increase urination. This, in turn, helps to keep the urinary tract flushed out and makes it less likely that stones will form. It can be drunk in the form of tea or juice, but it can also be great in soups, stews and casseroles and has a taste similar to spinach. (1)
Water
The single biggest risk factor for kidney stone formation is the chronic dehydration which most Americans experience due to relying too much on coffee, tea and sodas and not enough on plain old water. When a person is well-hydrated, their urine is more dilute, making it less likely that stones will form. Good hydration also stimulates frequent urination which, again, keeps the urinary tract flushed out and free of sediment and debris that can easily turn into stones. Drinking at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily is the best way to ensure that kidney stones don’t re-form. (2)
Rice Bran
Again, rice bran is something that has not really caught on yet in the United States, but it is incredibly popular throughout Asia. Japanese researchers recently did a study on people who include regular amounts of rice bran in their diet; they found that those who ate the rice brain were able to reduce the amount of calcium in their urine, which is important for those who form calcium-based kidney stones. It is believed that the phytic acid in the rice helps to dissolve sediments and debris before stones get the chance to form. (3)
So, if there is a medical history of kidney stone formation, be sure to hydrate well every day and to include regular amounts of nettles or nettle tea and rice bran in the diet. These are small lifestyle changes to make, but they can bring enormous health benefits with them, not the least of which is the prevention of further stones forming in the future.
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