Kidney stones are a very common condition, and they can be incredibly painful. Recent research has shown that the antioxidant supplement NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) can help to prevent the growth and formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is vital information for those who have had a kidney stone and want to prevent further, or those with a family history of kidney stones. NAC supplementation can be a safe and inexpensive solution.

Kidney stones are quite common; up to one in ten people will experience them. Passing a kidney stone is said to be one of the most painful experiences possible. Anyone who has had a kidney stone will want to do anything in their power to prevent getting more.

Kidney stones are more common in men than women, and the tendency to develop them does run in families. The most common type, around 65 percent, are made up of calcium and oxalate. Other stones consist of uric acid (as in sufferers of gout), other mixed minerals, or occasionally the amino acid cysteine. Certain stones may be triggered by the presence of kidney disease or other conditions, such as over activity of the parathyroid glands, which increases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. Diet plays a role too; the foods you eat and fluids you drink have an enormous impact on your risk of stone formation.

A high intake of oxalic acid, in foods like spinach, chocolate, kumara, almonds, beets and buckwheat can increase the risk of kidney stones in genetically predisposed individuals, if they don’t consume enough magnesium or calcium to bind with the excess oxalic acid.

NAC can help prevent kidney stones

NAC is a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress inside the kidneys. It can help to protect kidney cells from damage due to inflammation, which is a risk factor in kidney stone formation. NAC can help to protect kidney cells from the abrasive damage caused by too much oxalic acid. NAC reduces the ability of crystals to form inside the kidneys, which are the forerunner to stone formation.

Other strategies for reducing kidney stone formation

  • Make sure you’re not dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water is critically important for reducing stone formation. Most people need to drink around 8 to 12 glasses of water each day. The precise level varies depending on the climate you live in, how much you sweat and how much water is in the foods you eat (eg. A high vegetable diet is very watery compared to peanut butter on crackers). Ideally your urine should be a light yellow color.
  • Parsley  is a traditional remedy for reducing the risk of kidney stones. It has a cleansing effect on the kidneys and has mild diuretic properties. Parsley also reduces the risk of kidney infections. These are the reasons I have included it in Kidney Health capsules.
  • Try to ensure you get enough calcium and magnesium in your diet. Both of those minerals help to bind with oxalic acid and reduce its negative impact in the kidneys. It is difficult to obtain enough magnesium in the diet because stress, caffeine, alcohol and perspiration all cause loss of this mineral. Dairy products are the richest source of calcium but many people have a dairy intolerance and can’t digest it well. In those circumstances a supplement may be necessary.
  • Increase your intake of lemons and limes. This is because they contain citric acid. This can bind with calcium oxalate crystals in your kidneys, helping to prevent them from getting any bigger. Small crystals can be easily and painlessly passed in urine before they turn into large stones.

Reference

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.