Right Side Pain

Pain associated with kidney stones can present as left sided or right sided pain, depending on which kidney is involved and the position of the stone. Whether it is right sided pain or left sided pain, it can be intense.

From many patients we have heard what works best for kidney stones. Their advice is first, and above all, to drink lots of water. If you do not drink enough water your urine becomes more concentrated, making you more prone to develop new kidney stones. Here are some other tried-and-true tips:

• Avoid stress (as if that’s easy!) Kidney stone patients are very often under unusual stress.

• Avoid alcohol and sodas. They dehydrate you.

• Drink corn silk tea to flush the kidneys. Another helpful beverage is catnip tea with apple cider vinegar.

• Drink aloe vera (It’s sold in health food stores.)

• If your kidney stones are calcium-related, lemonade helps to absorb the calcium.

• Walk, walk and walk. Prolonged body movement helps to move the stones out. We call this “the tough way.”

• Be sure to have your thyroid and parathyroid checked. In some cases there is a connection.

How to prevent kidney stones in general:

1. Again – lots of water. This means eight 8-ounce glasses, and twelve glasses if you work outside. If your urine is smelly, you are probably not drinking enough water, and are at risk for a urinary tract infection (UTI).

2. Take vitamin C – 2,000 mg. a day.

3. No sodas or alcohol. If you do partake, for every glass of beverage drink an extra glass of water.

4. Work to strengthen your immune system.

5. Check your family history. Did any of your parents or grandparents have kidney stones? Get the story and learn from there lifestyles what not to do.

6. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys represent fear. To counteract any fear, try this positive affirmation: “Water flows freely through me, making me safer.” As you repeat this affirmation regularly, try to sincerely feel its significance. Visualize it as a reality, not just words.