I have a history of kidney stones, and my urologist in encouraging me to drink 4 ounces of lemon juice a day to help prevent future stones. I've tried. I really have. But it just really burns for hours after I drink it.
Does anyone know of a food or drink that might help cut the acidity? After having another stone recently (and developing and infection), I'd really like to be proactive. But heartburn every day compared to the pain of a stone once every 2-3 years? I think I'd take the stone.
Oh I've been diluting it!!! But it still really hurts. Because I've moved around, I've actually been to 3 different urologists. The first suggested the dietary changes - cutting out tea, chocolate, strawberries (though I don't think I've seen that on a list lately), spinach, nuts ... I know there's more. The second urologist said he doesn't buy into that theory and to just drink 10 cups of water each day. My current urologist didn't say anything at all about my diet. He just told me to drink 4 ounces of lemon juice - not lemonade, real lemon juice. I asked one of the nurses about it, and she said she thought she read somewhere that Diet Orange Crush and Diet Sunkist might work also.
I have an appointment with my doctor next week. And I have been a very good girl about drinking my water. I'm just really struggling with the lemon juice.
And Julie S, that's exactly what I'm thinking. I'm thinking if I neutralize it it loses the benefits. But, something to ask my doctor ... just in case there is a magical solution that I haven't thought of.
ETA - I have calcium oxalate stones, which I believe are the most common type.
Cranberry juice cocktail. Get whatever brand you want, just get about a gallon of it. Then, drink it all over a day or two.
My FIL is prone to kidney stones and he does this every few months to clean out his system. Recently I spent TWO Sunday's in the ER with my husband and his kidney stones. Yeah, that sucked. Two stones in two weeks.
My husband has stones. Do you know what type you have? His are calcium, so he's made some dietary changes and they seem to have helped. You don't drink the lemon juice straight! Not only will that upset your stomach, it eats your teeth enamel! My husband would take a big pitcher, fill it, then squeeze a meyer lemon in and drink it over the course of the day. He likes meyer's because they're sweeter. He's had to cut out dark soda, spinach, asparagus, cut down his red meat consumption and watch his sodium intake. Did your doctor give you any dietary advice? If not, call and have them send you a print out of dietary changes. Or just google it! good luck!
You're diluting it with water right? I drink warm water with lemon juice and cayenne pepper all day long instead of coffee or tea. If you're adding the juice to enough water it shouldn't cause heartburn. Maybe try to start with a lower amount and work your way up to the 1/2 cup? Otherwise cranberry juice is supposed to help keep kidney stones at bay as well.
G.,
I'm sorry!! I understand those kidney stones are VERY painful!! I've not had one myself (whew!).
I would add the lemon juice to Cranberry Juice. As Cranberry Juice is a GREAT natural remedy for UTIs...and it great for kidneys and bladder!
Good luck!
I have the same recommendation for kidney stones.
Don't drink the lemon juice straight !! That will hurt.
Lemonade is nice - either cold or hot. If you don't want the sugar, try Truvia instead.
Maybe in a smoothie or make lemon ice with the juice.
Drink the juice prior to each meal. Breaking it up throughout the day and ensuring that you don't have an empty stomach should help.
Hi G.,
I have a history of kidney stones too. I drink lots of Cranberry Juice every day. I avoid too much dairy especially cheese, kale and spinach (I love these two unfortunately). Some people should avoid red meat since their stones are formed out of it. I also drink LOTS, LOTS of water with a slice of lemon or lime in it. Drinking too much concentrated lemon juice may damage your enamel and as you know produce painful heartburn. Find another doctor or read about natural remedies for avoiding kidney stones.
I think he meant you can dilute it.
I like iced lemon/lime water myself.
Mix up a quart of lemon/lime-ade (go easy on the sugar) and drink it ice cold.
The acidity plus all the water you drink with it will help keep your urine very diluted and that will help to flush out the minerals that build up to form the stones.
Hi G.,
I had numerous stones over the years. When I finally learned what was causing them (with no help from the doctors) they stopped.15 stones in 30 years!
Calcium is important! But most calciums on the market are the wrong kind. The body also leeches it from the bones and bloodstream if it doesn't have the right kind. Water IS important. Lemon juice will help...but it doesn't get to the root cause. You need a lot of fiber in your diet. Avoid process foods. Your digestive system is the key to keeping your kidneys healthy.
Hope this helps!
PS. If your digestive system is working correctly, lemon juice shouldn't give you heartburn.....
Since you have a history... do you know what TYPE of stones you produce? That might affect what preventative measures you take.
I would imagine it is the acid that breaks up the stones so if you neutralize it then it wouldn't work, right?
I would see if there is a different natural way to prevent them, maybe a diet change.
I hear you, I can't eat or drink anything with lemon in it, it's really painful. I don't think any amount of diluting would change that.
Look on WebMD or another reputable site for additional suggestions. The cranberry sounds tried and true from others on here, that might be good to try. But there are lots of dietary suggestions that will help, you just need to find the one you can tolerate.
I went to a urologist once and was given a whole list of do's and don'ts for food and drink, so there are other helpful options for you out there!
