How Effective is Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones?

Many people claim that drinking lemon juice for kidney stones is very effective for stones caused by calcium crystallization. Lemon juice is naturally very acidic, and this property is often credited for easier stone passage and prevention. The acid in lemon juice may be able to help kidney stones either dissolve completely or become small enough that they are able to pass with little pain. Consuming lemon juice might also help to prevent the stones from forming because the acid can help prevent calcium crystallization, which typically leads to stone formation. This treatment is not guaranteed to work, however

A person who is interested in this treatment should try to drink roughly 1 cup (236.5 ml) of pure lemon juice dissolved into 1 quart (about 1 liter) of water. Many people who believe in this method for kidney stone passage recommend drinking this mixture at least twice in a 24-hour period. Instead of using water, some people advise mixing 2 ounces (59 ml) of lemon juice with 2 ounces (59 ml) of olive oil three or four times a day until the stone passes. These methods are not guaranteed to work, and in the event they are unsuccessful, the individual should contact a medical professional for help.

Many people use lemon juice for kidney stones because they don't want them to form. It is possible that the acid in lemon juice might keep calcium from crystallizing and causing stones, but drinking lemon juice regularly may not help with stone prevention for everyone. A person who wants to try this treatment should make an effort to consume roughly 0.5 cup (118 ml) of pure lemon juice every day. This mixture can be diluted in any way that makes it easier to swallow. Over time, the levels of citric acid in the body may rise, and the chances of stone formation might decrease.

Even though drinking lemon juice to eliminate kidney stones tends to work for some people, medical attention should not be delayed when it doesn't work. In some cases, stones become so large that they cannot pass on their own. Very large kidney stones often have to be either removed surgically or broken up with the use of lasers for easier passage. There are also some prescription medications that medical professionals can give to people who are suffering from severe kidney stones. If the lemon juice remedy is attempted and produces no results within a few days, patients should consider a trip to a healthcare provider.