Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiases, are solid, insoluble crystalline structures that form in the kidneys or urinary tract, potentially causing severe pain and discomfort. Most smaller stones pass on their own, but larger stones may require medical treatment.
Quick Answer
What it is
Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiases, are solid, insoluble crystalline structures that form in the kidneys or urinary tract, potentially causing severe pain and discomfort. Most smaller stones pass on their own, but larger stones may require medical treatment.
Key findings
- Grade C: Kidney Stone Symptoms (Boron)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Kidney Stones
- Supplements Studied:1
- Research Trials:1
- Total Participants:14
- Top Supplement:Boron (C)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Increases urinary citrate (stone inhibitor); alkalinizes urine; prevents calcium and uric acid stones
Inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation; binds oxalate in gut
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Reduces oxalate production; may help prevent calcium oxalate stones
Certain strains (Oxalobacter formigenes) degrade oxalate; may reduce oxalate absorption
May reduce urinary calcium and oxalate excretion; anti-inflammatory
Natural source of citrate; increases urinary citrate; pleasant way to increase fluid
How It Works
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. About 10% of people will have a kidney stone, and without prevention measures, 50% will have another within 5-10 years.
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES:
RISK FACTORS:
SYMPTOMS:
MOST IMPORTANT PREVENTION:
1. HYDRATION - 2.5-3 liters daily (urine should be light colored)
2. Dietary modifications based on stone type
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:
WHAT TO AVOID:
* Potassium citrate is the most effective supplement for prevention.
* Magnesium helps inhibit stone formation.
* B6 may reduce oxalate production.
Expected timeline: Prevention is ongoing. Stone analysis guides specific recommendations.
Supplements for Kidney Stones
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (11)
Related Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
1 shared supplement · 67 outcomes
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is mainly known for affecting the joints, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is more common in women than men and often starts during middle age, but it can occur at any age. The cause of RA is not well understood, but it seems to involve genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)
1 shared supplement · 28 outcomes
Routine menstrual cramps are clinically called primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain not caused by other underlying conditions or diseases. If there is an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, that diagnosis is referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
1 shared supplement · 116 outcomes
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease involving cartilage degradation. It’s not clear what exactly causes OA, but some risk factors include joint injury, overweight or obesity, aging, misaligned joints, and family history. Lots of supplements have been studied in people with OA, as have lifestyle interventions including weight loss and exercise.
1 shared supplement · outcomes
Muscle Size & Strength
1 shared supplement · 334 outcomes
This page on muscle size and strength covers strategies to maximize muscle gain and strength gain. There is notable overlap in nutrition and supplementation strategies to facilitate these two goals, but there is some divergence in the best type of exercise. A larger muscle tends to be a stronger muscle.
Metabolic Health
1 shared supplement · 975 outcomes
Research on metabolism, blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic syndrome.
Menopause
1 shared supplement · 223 outcomes
Menopause is the stage of life when menses permanently cease, and the reproductive system no longer performs functions related to fertility. A woman is considered to have entered menopause after menses have stopped for 12 months.
Low Testosterone
1 shared supplement · 75 outcomes
Low testosterone results from a problem in the testicles or the brain and can cause low libido, muscle loss, and/or depressed mood. It is primarily treated with testosterone replacement therapy.