When Romie B’s husband Joey experienced kidney stones for the second time, she instantly recognized the signs. “It hit him hard with intense pain, chills, vomiting, and of course, difficulty urinating,” recalls Romie from Akron, Ohio. “The doctor advised us to drink plenty of water and cranberry juice to help the kidney stones pass.”
Romie herself had dealt with kidney stones before. She knew that the process of passing the stones could be excruciating — possibly one of the most painful experiences in life, aside from childbirth.
“Hopefully, despite the pain, Joey will pass the stones soon. I’m making sure he drinks cranberry juice.” But what exactly does cranberry do to aid with kidney stones? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are mineral and salt deposits, sometimes called calculi, that form in one or both of your kidneys. These stones develop when your urine becomes oversaturated with minerals like calcium, oxalate, or phosphate. They can vary in size from tiny grains of sand to golf ball-sized stones and can be either smooth or jagged.
In the United States, about one in eleven people will develop kidney stones during their lifetime. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of the population is genetically predisposed to developing them.
Smaller kidney stones typically pass through the urinary tract on their own. Larger stones, however, can become lodged, blocking the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder and causing severe discomfort.
How Cranberries Can Help Kidney Stones
Cranberries are a tart, red fruit commonly associated with Thanksgiving. Although they are often seen in holiday sauces, cranberries have been used in North America for their medicinal properties for centuries.
Native Americans traditionally used cranberries for treating bladder, stomach, and other ailments. Even today, cranberry juice is a well-known natural remedy for urinary tract infections and other kidney-related issues, including kidney stones.
Cranberry Juice for Kidney Stones
The same phytonutrients in cranberries that prevent harmful microorganisms from sticking to the urethra lining also stop kidney-forming crystals from adhering to kidney cells. This means the crystals don’t cluster to form stones and can be more easily expelled through urine.
Cranberries also impact the chemical composition of urine, including aspects like pH, volume, and calcium excretion. Overall, they help mitigate conditions that can lead to kidney stone formation.
In one study, a group of men who consumed 500 mL of cranberry juice diluted with 1,500 mL of water daily for two weeks showed improved urine quality. These men excreted less oxalate and phosphate, reducing their risk of developing kidney stones. Their urine also had higher levels of citrate, which is beneficial for kidney health.
Favorite Ways to Use Cranberries
Cranberries are versatile and can be used in both food and drinks. However, because they are tart, most people prefer to sweeten them. Using raw honey, organic maple syrup, or monk fruit can enhance recipes that include cranberries.
Cranberry Tea
This refreshing, tart tea is perfect for a morning boost or a pick-me-up at any time of day!
Equipment
– Saucepan
– Teacup
Ingredients
– 1 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
– 2 cups of water
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– Raw honey to taste
Directions
1. Rinse fresh cranberries in cold water.
2. Add all the cranberries and cinnamon sticks to a saucepan with 2 cups of purified water.
3. Cook the cranberries on medium heat until they become soft and pop open.
4. Remove the cranberries from the heat and strain the liquid into a bowl.
5. Use the strained liquid to make tea and add raw honey to taste.
Year-Round Cranberry Sauce
Instead of buying canned cranberry sauce filled with preservatives and sugar, try this simple homemade recipe!
Equipment
– Zester
– Saucepan
– Wooden spoon
Ingredients
– 1 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
– 1/3 cup of water
– 2 teaspoons of orange zest
– 1/3 cup of monk fruit
Directions
1. Rinse fresh cranberries in cold water.
2. Zest the rind of an orange to get two teaspoons’ worth.
3. Add the water, cranberries, orange zest, and monk fruit to a saucepan.
4. Bring the water to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
6. Ensure all the cranberries have popped and are soft before removing from the heat.
7. Allow the sauce to cool before serving.
Supplements
Cranberry, often in the form of fruit extract, is one of the most popular supplements in the United States, with nearly 2 million people taking them regularly. You can find cranberry supplements as capsules, teas, and liquid extracts.
For urinary tract health, combining cranberry with other herbs can be beneficial. A good mix includes cranberry, horsetail, hydrangea, uva ursi, and other supportive herbs. These blends help detoxify and cleanse the kidneys while providing nutritional support.
What Else Can Help Kidney Stones?
If you have a history of kidney stones or are concerned about developing them, here are some additional suggestions to help keep them at bay.
Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Increasing your urine production helps move minerals out of your body. While water is best, citrus beverages like orange juice are also beneficial because the citrate in them can prevent kidney stones. And, of course, cranberry juice helps too.
Reducing sodium intake is essential because too much sodium in your diet increases calcium levels in your urine, which can lead to stone formation.
Avoiding animal protein can lower your risk. High-protein diets increase calcium in urine, lower urine pH, and increase uric acid, all of which can contribute to kidney stones.
Points to Remember
Cranberry is a popular herbal supplement in the U.S., and cranberry juice is often recommended by doctors for kidney stones and other urinary system issues.
Experts believe that the natural compounds in cranberries that prevent harmful organisms from sticking to the urethra also keep minerals from forming stones. Instead, they exit your body through urine.
Cranberry juice is a safe, natural way to support your kidneys. Additionally, cranberry supplements can help maintain the health of these vital organs. Other ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones include drinking plenty of fluids, lowering sodium intake, avoiding animal protein, and performing a kidney cleanse.
A kidney cleanse can flush harmful minerals from your system and help maintain kidney health. Plant-Based Kidney Health contains cranberry and other supportive herbs, promoting normal kidney function while a healthful diet supports overall well-being.
