Protocol · Kidney & Urinary Health
Renal Colic & Kidney Stone Prevention Protocol
Potassium Citrate and Magnesium are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Renal Colic & Kidney Stone Prevention.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Potassium Citrate | Amount listed: 30–60 mEq daily in divided doses (or as prescribed based on 24-hour urine) | Increases urinary citrate which inhibits calcium stone formation; alkalinizes urine for uric acid stones | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily (citrate form preferred) | Inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation; may reduce stone recurrence | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily (do not exceed 100 mg long-term) | Reduces oxalate production in the body; may help prevent calcium oxalate stones | Not graded yet | ||
| Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra) | Amount listed: 450–900 mg daily | Traditional herb that may help with stone passage and reduce stone formation | Not graded yet | ||
| Lemon Juice / Citric Acid | Amount listed: 4 oz (120 ml) fresh lemon juice daily or equivalent | Natural source of citrate that inhibits stone formation; alkalinizes urine | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: Oxalate-degrading strains; 10–20 billion CFU daily | Certain strains (Oxalobacter formigenes) may reduce oxalate absorption from gut | Not graded yet | ||
| Rose Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) | Amount listed: Inhaled via diffuser during acute episodes | Aromatherapy may help reduce anxiety and pain perception during acute colic episodes
| Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 1–2 g EPA+DHA daily | May reduce urinary oxalate excretion and calcium stone risk | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for the condition on this page. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Renal colic is the severe pain caused by kidney stones passing through the urinary tract. It is one of the most intense pains known and typically requires medical treatment for the acute episode. Once a stone passes or is treated, the focus shifts to prevention - about 50% of stone formers will have another stone within 5-10 years without preventive measures. The type of stone (calcium oxalate, uric acid, strite, cystine) determines the prevention strategy.
CRITICAL: Acute renal colic requires medical evaluation. If you have severe flank pain, blood in urine, fever with stone pain, or inability to urinate, seek immediate medical care. Acute treatment includes pain management (NSAIDs, opioids), alpha-blockers to help stone passage (Tamsulosin), and sometimes surgical intervention. These supplements focus on PREVENTION after a stone episode.
Potassium Citrate* is the gold standard for stone prevention. Citrate binds calcium in the urine, preventing it from forming stones, and also directly inhibits crystal formation. It alkalinizes urine, which is especially important for uric acid stones (which form in acidic urine).
Magnesium* inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation. Magnesium citrate is preferred as it provides both magnesium and citrate benefits.
Vitamin B6* reduces the body's production of oxalate. Lower oxalate means fewer calcium oxalate stones (the most common type).
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)* is a traditional remedy that may help with stone passage and prevention. Some studies show it can help relax the ureter and may have effects on stone formation.
Lemon Juice* is a natural source of citrate. Regular consumption increases urinary citrate levels. Lemonade therapy is a recognized approach to stone prevention.
Probiotics* - Certain bacteria (like Oxalobacter formigenes) degrade oxalate in the gut, reducing absorption. Supplementing with oxalate-degrading strains may help.
Rose Essential Oil* (Aromatherapy) - Studies show aromatherapy may help reduce pain and anxiety during acute colic episodes when used alongside medical treatment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* may reduce urinary oxalate and could help with stone prevention.
Expected timeline: For prevention: ongoing daily supplementation reduces recurrence risk over months to years. Acute colic: medical treatment provides relief within hours to days. Most stones <5mm pass spontaneously within 1-2 weeks with medical management.