One of the easiest and most effective ways to dissolve kidney stones is to drink lots of water. Most health care professionals recommend that you drink about 8 to 12 glasses of water each day. As you drink more water, your body pushes stones out of the urinary system. Drinking water the entire day helps with hydration and also reduces the chances of forming kidney stones.

Apart from drinking plenty of water, some other ways can help in dissolving kidney stones. These remedies eliminate the need for medications and surgical procedures. However, it is vital to understand that these remedies are not effective for everyone. Please note that you must try these remedies only after consulting a kidney stone doctor. 

Top Ways to Dissolve Kidney Stones at Home

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid. This acid tends to dissolve kidney stones, making it easier for the body to pass the stone. Moreover, the vinegar alkalizes the urine and blood. It increases hydrochloric acid production in the body. Consequently, it prevents the formation of kidney stones. 

Many patients have used this remedy to dissolve kidney stones at home. For this, you need to mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of eight ounces of water. Now sip this mixture all through the day in small quantities, particularly before mealtime. 

1. Basil juice

Basil consists of acetic acid. This acid works in dissolving kidney stones and reducing associated pain. Taking a teaspoon of pure juice or extract every day can help prevent as well as treat kidney stones. 

1. Lemon juice and olive oil

Some patients have been successful in dissolving kidney stones using a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. It is vital to start this home remedy immediately after you notice the first signs of symptoms. For this, you require one-fourth cup each of olive oil and lemon juice. Drink this mixture in one go, followed by a glass of water. You can repeat the remedy once again late in the afternoon. 

Along with this remedy, you must continue to drink a sufficient amount of water. Besides, try to add more lemon juice to your fluids. Lemon juice is a source of vitamin C and acid. These components can help to break down the kidney stone. Moreover, olive oil eases the process of flushing it out of the urinary tract. 

1. Asparagus

Another interesting home remedy for kidney stones is steamed asparagus. The vegetable has mild diuretic effects and helps you pass kidney stones. Patients have also experienced benefits with the consumption of other plants and fruits, such as cucumber, celery, and watermelon. 

1. Banana Stem Juice

Vazhaithandu or banana stem juice has a diuretic effect. It increases urination, and consequently, makes it easier for your body to flush out the stone. According to research, Vazhaithandu can help to dissolve kidney stones. Nevertheless, the remedy has not shown much effectiveness in patients with large kidney stones. 

How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

Two factors affect the speed at which a patient will be able to pass a kidney stone. These are size and location. 

1. Size

The kidney stone size is vital in determining how quickly you will be able to pass the stone. Generally, it is easier to pass smaller stones. Smaller stones require lesser time and the pain in passing these stones is also less. 

Here are some estimated timelines to define how long it takes to pass kidney stones of different sizes:

• About 80% of kidney stones measuring smaller than 4 millimetres take around 31 days to pass on their own.
• Around 60% of kidney stones measuring between 4 and 6 millimetres take around 45 days to pass on their own.
• Approximately 20% of kidney stones measuring more than 6 millimetres take about 12 months to pass on their own. However, with such a large kidney stone, it is recommended that you opt for surgical kidney stone removal.

1. Location

The place where the kidney stone is located in your body also affects the time it will take to pass naturally. Some kidney stones are seen in the kidney, while the others are located in the ureter. 

If kidney stones form in the ureter’s upper part, they are closer to the kidney. On the other hand, if they form in the ureter’s lower part, they are closer to the bladder. 

Generally, it is seen that kidney stones closer to the kidney pass naturally and does not require medical intervention. 

How to prevent the formation of kidney stones?

It goes without saying that drinking higher quantities of water help to prevent kidney stone formation. The additional fluid increases your need to urinate, which helps in stone movement. 

Moreover, patients can take certain precautions to prevent new stones from forming and restrict the growth of the existing stones. These precautions include:

• consuming less calcium
• reducing sodium/salt intake
• restricting protein intake
• consuming more citrus fruits

Citrus fruits consist of chemical citrate. The compound prevents kidney stone formation. Dietitians and kidney stone specialists can also suggest a kidney stone diet for managing kidney stone.