How to Treat and Prevent Kidney Stones: A Functional Medicine Perspective
It’s been said that passing kidney stones can be more painful than childbirth. To prevent you from having to experience that (or experience it again if you already have), I’ve gathered the research on what you can do to both help dissolve kidney stones that are already present and prevent them from returning.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard accumulations of mineral salts that can form anywhere along the urinary tract. The most common type of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, comprising about 80% of all cases. Other types include:
Uric acid stones: Formed when urine is too acidic.
Struvite stones: Composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate, often related to infections.
Cystine stones: A rare hereditary condition that causes cystine to leak into the urine.
Testing for Kidney Stones
Proper testing helps identify the type of kidney stones and guides treatment.
Urine Testing A urinalysis with microscopic examination can reveal crystals and their types. Another helpful marker is Specific Gravity, which measures urine concentration:
Optimal range: ~1.015
Above 1.025: Indicates dehydration, a common contributor to stone formation.
Blood Testing Blood tests may uncover elevated levels of:
Calcium: Excess calcium excreted into the urine can form stones.
Uric Acid: High uric acid contributes to uric acid stones.
Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is often overlooked but contributes to kidney stones. Optimal levels: 2.2-2.5 mg/dL.
Imaging
CT Scan: Creates a detailed 3D image of the urinary tract.
Diagnostic Ultrasound: A non-invasive, radiation-free alternative that is quicker and safer for many patients.
While CT scans have traditionally been the go-to, diagnostic ultrasounds are growing in popularity due to their safety and efficiency.
Conventional Treatment vs. Functional Medicine
Conventional treatments for kidney stones include:
Surgical removal
Shockwave lithotripsy: Breaking stones into smaller, passable pieces
Medications to reduce stone formation
While effective for acute cases, these approaches rarely address the root cause of stone formation. In functional medicine, we focus on lifestyle, hydration, nutrition, and key nutrients to dissolve stones naturally and prevent recurrence.
How to Treat and Prevent Kidney Stones
1. Hydration: Your #1 Prevention Tool
Hydration is the most important step in preventing kidney stones. Water dilutes urine and prevents minerals from crystallizing.
Goal: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Adjust for:
Hot climates
Diuretic medications
Exercise and sweat loss
Tip: Add fresh lemon juice to your water – the citrate helps dissolve calcium-based stones.
2. Reduce Refined Sugars
Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates stimulate insulin release, increasing calcium excretion in the urine. This creates the perfect environment for stone formation.
Action Steps:
Eliminate sugary drinks, desserts, and processed foods.
Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods to balance blood sugar and reduce calcium loss.
3. Optimize Nutrients
Certain nutrients play critical roles in kidney stone prevention:
Magnesium: Prevents calcium from binding with oxalate. Incorporate magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Calcium: Dietary calcium binds to oxalates in the gut, preventing their absorption. Avoid excess supplements.
Citrate: Found in lemons and limes, citrate helps dissolve calcium-based stones naturally.
4. Avoid High-Oxalate Foods (In Moderation)
Oxalates are natural compounds found in certain foods. While not all kidney stones are oxalate-based, reducing excessive intake can help:
High-Oxalate Foods: Spinach, rhubarb, beets, almonds, and chocolate.
Balanced Approach: Pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium sources (e.g., kale with salmon) to reduce oxalate absorption.
5. Whole Foods Diet
A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet is key to long-term kidney stone prevention. Focus on:
Hydrating foods: Cucumber, celery, watermelon
Alkalizing foods: Leafy greens, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes
Healthy proteins: Grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs.
Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts
Avoid processed, inflammatory foods that can worsen your body's mineral balance and kidney health.
Final Thoughts
Kidney stones are painful, but they don’t have to be inevitable. By staying hydrated, balancing key nutrients like magnesium and calcium, and eating a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet, you can dissolve existing stones and prevent future ones from forming.
If you’re prone to kidney stones or want a personalized prevention plan, let’s work together to address the root causes and optimize your kidney health.
Schedule a consultation today and take control of your health!
