Recently, one of our team members at UWAY Health reached out to me in pain. He had just been diagnosed with a 3.5 mm kidney stone. After visiting the hospital, undergoing scans, and being prescribed painkillers, he called me to ask what could be done next. His situation prompted me to write this blog and explore the different paths people can take when dealing with kidney stones, especially when considering Ayurveda as part of the healing journey.
In this article, I’ll guide you through which kidney stones might pass naturally, which ones need medical intervention, and how Ayurveda can offer support in managing kidney stone pain relief and improving kidney health. Please remember, the herbs, remedies, and advice I mention here are general guidelines. Always consult with a qualified doctor before trying any treatment on your own.
Kidney Stones and Their Size: What Can Pass Naturally?
Kidney stones are mineral deposits that form in your kidneys. They can vary in size, and that size is a key factor in determining whether you’ll be able to pass the stone naturally or if intervention is required.
Stones up to 4-5 mm:
Stones of this size can often pass naturally without the need for surgery. Hydration plays a major role in this process. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out smaller stones, and pain management is essential to keep you comfortable.
Interesting Fact:
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that stones smaller than 5 mm have an 80% chance of passing on their own with adequate hydration.
Stones between 5-7 mm:
While it’s possible for these stones to pass naturally, the chances drop. It may take more time, and medical intervention, such as medications to relax the ureter, can help facilitate the process. However, this size may still require a watchful approach under the supervision of a doctor and other management of renal stone measures.
Stones larger than 7 mm:
Stones in this category typically require medical procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or, in some cases, more invasive surgeries to break up or remove the stone. For stones larger than 10 mm, medical intervention is almost always necessary.
It’s important to note that every patient’s case is different. Factors like the stone’s location, shape, and a person’s anatomy also affect whether it can pass naturally. Always consult your healthcare provider for a personalized evaluation regarding kidney stone pain treatment and what management options may be most effective for you.
How Can Ayurveda Help?
Ayurveda focuses not only on preventing stone formation but also on managing symptoms, supporting kidney stone disease treatment, and reducing the chances of recurrence. Here’s how Ayurveda can support you during your kidney stone journey:
1. Preventing Stone Formation
Dietary Adjustments:
Ayurveda suggests a diet that balances the body’s Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) to prevent stone formation. Foods high in oxalates (like spinach and beets), calcium, or uric acid are typically discouraged. Instead, Ayurveda promotes hydration and the consumption of natural diuretics like coconut water and herbal teas.
Herbal Remedies:
- Certain Ayurvedic herbs, such as Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata), and Varun (Crataeva nurvala), are often recommended. These herbs are believed to have stone-breaking (lithotriptic) and diuretic properties, helping to reduce stone formation and aid in their natural elimination.
2. Flushing Out Small Stones (Up to 4-5 mm)
Herbal Diuretics:
Herbs such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are known for their diuretic properties, increasing urine output and helping flush out smaller stones.
Phytotherapy:
Ayurvedic formulations like Chandraprabha Vati or Gokshuradi Guggulu may help break down small stones and ease their passage through the urinary tract, providing kidney stone pain relief and promoting faster stone elimination.
3. Pain and Symptom Management
Reducing Pain and Inflammation:
- Ayurveda uses anti-inflammatory herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggulu to manage the pain and inflammation caused by kidney stones. These herbs help soothe the urinary tract, making the process more comfortable and aiding in kidney stone pain treatment.
Balancing Doshas:
- In Ayurveda, kidney stones are often associated with an imbalance in the Pitta Dosha. Cooling herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications aim to pacify Pitta, reduce heat, and prevent stone formation, addressing both the cause and symptoms of kidney stone disease treatment.
4. Post-Passage Care and Recurrence Prevention
Strengthening the Urinary System:
- Once a stone has passed, Ayurveda focuses on rejuvenating the kidneys and urinary system using Rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari. These herbs are thought to promote long-term kidney health.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Ayurveda encourages a balanced lifestyle, including yoga, regular hydration, and specific food recommendations to prevent the recurrence of stones, a comprehensive approach to kidney stone pain treatment and prevention.
When Ayurveda Alone Isn’t Enough
While Ayurveda can be very effective for small stones (up to 4-5 mm) and as a preventive approach, it does have limitations, particularly when it comes to larger stones or those causing blockages:
Larger Stones (>6-7 mm): Ayurvedic treatments may not be sufficient for managing larger stones. In such cases, Ayurvedic remedies can complement modern medical interventions, but surgery may still be required.
Acute Pain or Infection: If you’re experiencing severe pain or have an infection due to a kidney stone, modern medical interventions like antibiotics or surgery may be required immediately. Ayurveda can act as a supportive therapy after stabilization.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Kidney stones are a common issue, but with the right approach, they can often be managed effectively. Small stones can pass naturally with the help of hydration, pain management, and sometimes Ayurvedic remedies. Larger stones or those causing complications may require medical intervention.
Ayurveda offers a preventive and supportive approach to managing kidney stones, particularly through diet, herbal medicines, and lifestyle changes. However, always consult a qualified doctor before starting any treatment, as kidney stones and their management depend on individual factors.
Take care of your kidneys, stay hydrated, and reach out to us if you experience any symptoms for kidney stone pain relief or disease treatment.