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Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Stones: Natural Remedy Guide

| Modified on Oct 16, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar

Kidney stones are a common and painful condition affecting many individuals worldwide. These hard mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and discomfort when they pass through the urinary tract. While medical treatments are available, some people turn to natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, to help dissolve kidney stones and prevent their recurrence. This article explores the benefits of apple cider vinegar for kidney stones and how to use it effectively.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid masses of crystals that can develop in the kidneys. They vary in size and can cause symptoms like sharp pain in the back or side, blood in urine, nausea, and frequent urination. The most common kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, but they can also be made of uric acid, struvite, or cystine.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Helps with Kidney Stones

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular natural remedy with numerous health benefits. When it comes to kidney stones, ACV can be beneficial in several ways:

  1. Dissolving Stones: ACV contains acetic acid, which may help dissolve kidney stones, making it easier for the body to pass them. The acidic nature of ACV can help break down the stones into smaller particles, aiding in their removal.

  2. Preventing New Stones: ACV may help prevent the formation of new kidney stones by balancing the body's pH levels and reducing the likelihood of stone-forming minerals crystallizing.

  3. Alleviating Symptoms: The pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones can be alleviated with ACV. It may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain during the passage of stones.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Stones

To use apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for kidney stones, follow these guidelines:

  1. Dilute Properly: Always dilute ACV before consuming it. A typical recommendation is to mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in a large glass of water. This helps prevent potential irritation to the digestive system.

  2. Frequency: Drink the ACV solution two to three times daily. It's often suggested to consume it before meals.

  3. Consistency: For preventive measures, incorporate ACV into your daily routine even after passing the stones to help prevent recurrence.

Additional Tips for Managing Kidney Stones

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for preventing kidney stones. Adequate hydration helps dilute the substances in urine that can lead to stones.
  • Monitor Diet: Reduce intake of high-oxalate foods if you have calcium oxalate stones. Foods rich in oxalate include spinach, beets, and nuts.
  • Consult a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any natural remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is a natural and accessible remedy that may help dissolve kidney stones, alleviate symptoms, and prevent new stones from forming. However, it's essential to use it correctly and consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan. By incorporating ACV into a balanced diet and maintaining proper hydration, you can support overall kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Continue reading to find out how our readers experienced using apple cider vinegar for kidney stones!

Related Links:

Lemon & Olive Oil: Effective Kidney Stone Home Remedy
Natural Kidney Stone Remedies: Pain Relief & Prevention

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Posted by beverly (Texas) on 01/27/2022
 ★★★★★

My husband had a bad bout of kidney stones on a weekend several years ago. I had him drink some apple cider vinegar in water and it seemed to dissolve the stones enough for him to pass them.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Epeach (Ga) on 10/09/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

About 2 weeks ago I began taking apple cider vinegar(1 tablesp. each morning) for weight loss. What inspired me was my daughter started taking it in May and has lost around 50 lbs.

Yesterday morning I had a tinge of pain when I went to the bathroom and I saw a spot of blood. I am a female so you probably know what I thought. Well, a few minutes later I had the urge to go to the bathroom again. Again, I had just a small pinch of pain, no blood. I looked in the toilet and saw a white blob at the bottom of the bowl. About 18 years ago I went to the ER with what happened to be kidney stones. I had to have surgery to have them removed. Thinking that might be what I just passed, I jumped on the computer and went to Earth Clinic to read about ACV and kidney stones. That's what it was!!!

Thank you everyone for posting your experiences! I will continue using the ACV in case there are more. That pain I can tolerate, for sure! If you have ever had a kidney stone you will never forget the pain, and this was just a tinge, yea! I am not sure if the Lugol's iodine and complementry supplements, along with lemon water and baking soda, I am also taking, could have had a contribution, but I have also eliminated sugar, bread, tea, and soda from my diet....which were my addictions.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ngozi (Nigeria) on 07/08/2016
 ★★★★★

I had back pains in the kidney region and was a size 22. my sister nk recommended ACV to me in march 2016 and I took 2tbs in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning and last thing in the night before bed. I had sever pains in the waist but continued and this stopped after some days. Am now down to dress size 16 and all pains in my kidney area has stopped. I did not diet or exercise but the weight just dropped off.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Saj (Uk) on 06/11/2015
 ★★★★☆

HI. I had a severe pain starting at my flank in Feb 2015. I had paramedics treat me at work and also was pumped full of morphine but to no avail. I was admitted to my local hospital and was still in constant pain. The next day at the hospital,l I had an x-ray, ultrasound and a CT scan. I was told that I have 2 stones in my right kidney and the bigger one was 11mm. the day after I had a tube in my kidney to allow the fluid to drain. I opted to have ESWL therapy and was sent home for the appointment to come through which was in June 2015. this week I went to have the ESWL treatment and I told the Radiographer that I had a 11mm stone and a smaller one. when she checked on the ESWL machine Xray, she replied and said its not 11mm its smaller just by looking. she did say that it was an Ultrasound measurement and known to be incorrect. ( I thought the CT scan I had was for the reason for accuarte description of the stone and size).

Any way. I have been drinking lemon water with ACV twice daily and that may of helped to make them smaller. I have to go back in 2 weeks for an xray to see how the shockwaves have helped in breaking the stone. The ESWL treatment lasted for 25 minutes and was only painful in the last 10 minutes. nothing compared to what started this in Feb2015. I am in Birmingham, UK.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jana (New York, US) on 04/12/2015
 ★★★★★

Hello, I've been reading this amazing site regarding stones in the kidney and I MUST COMMENT! My Mom was recently hospitalized for cholangitis (infection in her gall bladder) and was throwing up food. Antiobiotics and hydration was key but it still lingered on. Doctors said it might also be blocked in her tube from her gall bladder. Needless to say, I came upon this site on how to get the stones out without all the fuss from doctors (who really did not offer anything to help, as my Mom is 83! )

I started to give her ACV (1 teaspoon) with purified water for the last day. Today, I see like a cloudy, white deposit in her already clear urine in her catheter tube. Is this the stone dissolved in her tube? I imagine it must be! Thank you for all your comments and recipes to help kidney stones.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bingo (Charlotte, Nc) on 01/30/2015
 ★★★★☆

I am the queen of rock. In Nov I was x-rayed and told I have numerous stones in both kidneys. The largest in my left is 13 mm and 8 mm in the right. The doctor wants to do surgery. Lithotripsy doesn't work for me. Mine are too hard. I saw a post on FB about Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar "With the Mother." I decided to try it. I mix two teaspoons with 3/4 cup "cold" water three time a day and drink before meals. I had no pain when I started and urine had a bad odor. My sides started aching. After a month, urine no longer stinks and no pain. I cannot get x-rayed until April so I will continue until then. My stones are calcium oxalate and uric acid. I have taken medicine for both since 1990 and I continue taking it with the ACV. I will come back and give a report in April. Remember, regular ACV does not work. It has to have "with the mother" on the bottle. It's 5% acidic acid. This SCV interacts with certain medicines especially heart medicine so be careful.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Betsey (Plainfield, Vt) on 03/10/2014
 ★★★★★

Kidney Stones:I had one about 3 years ago & ended up in the ER. It was excruciating pain. Usual spiel. IV Demerol, armload of tests including a pregnancy test (I was about 60yo), etc. Given a "hat" with paper sieve and told to catch & strain all urine. They gave me a script for Tylenol w/codeine & told me to drink plenty of fluids. My insurance had to pay more than $4,000. During the night I passed a very small stone.

Yesterday I was kind of surprised to be coming down with the same symptoms. I was not at home and not able to do much about it except drink a lot of orange pekoe tea. When I got home I got online to see if I could find any home remedies because 1) I was not going back to the ER & 2) I knew there must be a better way.

I had apple cider vinegar because one friend had been touting it's healthful qualities, orange blossom honey, baking soda. The vinegar was off the shelf from the supermarket -- no fancy, smancy organic. AND I had distilled water which I use in my CPAP machine.

Use 1 oz (shot) of the vinegar in a large mug of very hot distilled water, added 1/4 tsp baking soda instinctively, a squirt of honey and drank it down over the next 1/2 hr or so. In the meantime dug out the heating pad because I don't have a hot water bottle.

Went to bed and up/down most of the night until I guess I must of fallen asleep (had "hat" in the toilet collecting all the urine). Awoke this morning and went to the bathroom and there was this rather large stone in the hat! I was very pleased.

I will continue with this remedy today and tomorrow adding Lemon Zinger tea bags to see if I pass anything further. I will also drop the stone off at theMDs to get it analyzed and make note to self to buy more distilled water. I WILL make a more concerted effort to increase my fluid intake. But at least I know that I don't have to go to the ER and spend my insurance companies money when a solution is at hand.Thank you for your help.

Betsey

Replied by Jillery
(Rawlly, Nc)
10/25/2017
86 posts

Thank you!! I am sending this to a friend. I love the town of Plainfied. Lived in Cabot years ago.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Many Stones (Orange County, California) on 10/06/2013
 ★★★★★

Just adding my 2 cents here about apple cider vinegar for kidney stones:

Have been getting kidney stones for 30 years, sometime a few times a year and then several years will go by before getting them again. I know diet has alot to do with it too. First time I got them was age 20, ended up in the hospital. The "tests" were just as painful as having the stones, and at that time it was less common for women to get them so most doctors didnt take it seriously. The doctor in the emergency room didnt and when he grabbed my side he got punched ( it was a reflex, lol ).

They are hereditary ( my dad got them ), I knew I'd better learn how to get rid of them and also prevent them in the future. So here is what has worked for me.

2 to 3 table spoons of Apple Cider Vinagar WITH MOTHERS. That is important as the " mothers" is the sediment in raw-unfiltered ACV. I use popular Organic brand. The regular ACV in the market is not the same and won't work like the raw-unfiltered.

Anyways... add the dosage to a cup or half cup of water ( hold your nose and drink all at once ) to start as this seems to start blasting or disolving the stones. After 10 minutes or so, start drinking alot of water, not all at once but normally then keep sipping it. You can also drink beer or anything else that makes you pee alot ( no soft drinks or sugary drinks or juices) you can drink tea if it makes you pee alot.

Do the dosage once a day. It wont hurt you to do it a couple times a day for the first few days but have heard that if you do it to much you can actually upset the natural ph balance in your system.

Try and not eat alot during the few days you will be focusing on breaking down the stones. Just keep doing the dosage and drinking water.

If you are like me, and depending on the size of the stones ( they all feel like boulders dont they! ), you can actually feel them as they start moving along in your system. You can also feel them just before they are getting ready to pass ( you might feel like you are about to pee a marble) , and this can take a couple days but at least you know they are on their way out of your system. Just to note... you dont always feel them when they are leaving, some are broken down so much you dont even notice YEAY!!!

Once you are feeling better, stop the ACV treatment for awhile. For maintance, use the same dosage etc. every so often.

Start using the ACV and Olive Oil as salad dressing and use Olive Oil and ACV in all your cooking. I don't mix the organic ACV with anything else as some here have and it has always worked for me.

Good luck and hope this helps :)

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Warriorsbond (Anchorage, Ak) on 09/07/2013
 ★★★★★

Yea on apple cider vinegar and honey one tablespoon each in hot water drunk three times a day for kidney stones.

I had for years sand looking stones. I recently have had super high blood pressure and nothing was bringing it down medicine wise. I looked up stones can cause high blood pressure so I tried the vinegar sinse I bought a gallon jug recently for family member athletes foot.

In half a day I started having mucous in urine. I figure it was the stones breaking up. Another twenty four hours later no mucous at all and no sand looking stones either. My eye whites are white now. Its been a long time sinse that has been.

My blood pressure is down 20 points on the bottom number without medicine(yes I still take my meds though I mean it is that low before I take the meds)

I had for years tried the lemon juice etc. Lemons it is said is oxylate which produces the calcium stones. Baking soda is too high ph to disolve the stones. Vinegar is acidic enough to break down the stones.

I in the past ate a lot of beans, peanut butter and chili. Rofl. that is what did me in on the stones.

So my diet will change for the better. I am juicing now as well with the farmers market so cheap it helps on the organic foods.

Wanted to say thank you for the page as well. :D

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mitzy (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) on 11/16/2012
 ★★★★★

I didn't even know I had kidney stones. I started drinking ACV in my water like suggestions on this site a few times a day. Over the course of a few weeks I had the most surprising thing happen to me. One day I saw one stone in the toilet after I urinated. I was shocked and thought it must be my eyes playing tricks on me. I continued with my day and latter in the day I saw another one in the toilet after urinating again.

When my husband came home from work that day I told him my story and told him how I had a dull ache in my back. Since he is the kidney stone expert in the family(he has had kidney stone attacks a few times). He told me that ya that was pretty typical feeling after the kidney stones pass. The amazing thing is I felt no pain at all before and during the process - just after a slight sensitivity. I was totally amazed!

ACV is now a regular regime in our house by all of us. Thanks for all the information at this site- it is just wonderful!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Terrilyn (Chico, Calif. Usa) on 09/30/2012
 ★★★★★

I had such pain I thought I would die I would have tried anything but not lemon and evoo, that would not go down. Kidney stones in both kidneys the right one for a long time but not accute the left one went bad really fast. I started to take the Apple Cider Vinegar but tried it with Apple juice like some one suggested. I MIXED 8 TABLESPONS WITH A GLASS OF APPLE JUICE. It took 3 days before it started to subside the 4th day tHe pain went away gradually, though, then it was gone not had any more pain since.

Praise GOD FOR OTHERS SHARING THANK YOU.

Replied by Nevadasmith
(Portland, Pennsylvania, Usa)
03/31/2013

Absence of pain does NOT mean that your problem is resolved. I had a stone stuck in one ureter and made a trip to the ER. I did a follow up visit with the urologist. He said the stone was stuck in my left ureter and wanted me to get x-rays every week for four weeks and come see him again every week. I agreed to see him again in four weeks after having one more x-ray to see if the stone had mved. It did not move during that time but I felt no real pain just occasional mild discomfort. I then scheduled surgery. By the time my surgery took place the stone still hadn't moved. This means that my left kidney was shut down for six weeks. They say not to go longer than that cause you can damage your kidney. Just cause you feelno pain does not mean you are okay. If the stone is stuck and not moving, you may not feel any pain but could be damaging your kidney if you don't get the stone out.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Billy (El Paso, Texas) on 08/30/2012
 ★★★★★

I found this site about 2 months ago, being an open minded skeptic I had to try the ACV for my kidney stones which I suffer from 6-8 times a year. Half the time the symptoms were just mild aches in the low back, the other half of the time the were assume the fetal position, and vomit due to the pain. I have suffered from kidney stones for the last 9 years and was willing to try anything, and I am glad I did.

My most recent bout was with one of those that causes me to assume the fetal position, I asked my wife to get some ACV. When she returned with it, I took about 1 1/2 shots of it followed by a glass of water. Within 10-20 minutes the pain was gone. It was the greatest day finding this great home remedy. I hope this helps you too. I have found that mixing the ACV with apple juice and some honey makes it go down easier.

Replied by Stephania
(Us)
07/24/2013

My hubby is only 29, & he has had so many kidney stones in the last 5 years its unreal, so many surgeries that his employer pretty much fired him for insurance reasons, but deny it, but I digress, so he's had 4 surgeries so far this year, Dr has never mentioned ACV!!! Have you heard of baking soda method, bcz at this point if the ACV dsnt work, we will try every method!! Just needing a little advice, and any on kidney stones, will certainly be appreciated.

Replied by Ed2010
(Oakville, Canada)
07/25/2013

To Stephania from Us:

Try Juice Therapy
Lemon Juice (home made)
Apple Juice
Tamarind Juice
Phylanthus Niruri Tea(Stone Breaker Tea)
Drink Minimum 1.5 litre of water a day.
Sarasaparila Tea ( Diurectic)
Stop Canned Foods

You will see lots of difference. Good Health

Replied by Claudia
(Los Feliz, California)
07/25/2013

Olive oil and lemon juice is an amazing remedy to dissolve kidney stones. I have a friend who tried the remedy found on Earth Clinic here https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/olive-oil-lemon-juice-for-kidney-stones.html#LEMONOLIVE and the kidney stone came out in 2 days!

Replied by Mama To Many
(Middle, Tennessee, Usa)
07/25/2013

Dear Stephania, It seems that ACV or baking soda does work for people. I think that different types of stones respond differently, though. If that doesn't work, here is something else you could try...

Rachel Weaver, in her book, Backyard Pharmacy, talks about using limes and alfalfa tablets for kidney stones...

Day One

6 limes, squeeze out juice and add to 16 cups water. Drink all over the course of a day. Take 2 alfalfa tablets every 2 hours.

Day 2 and 3

Drink the same amount of water without the limes.

Take 2 alfalfa tablets every 2 hours.

A few years ago my husband had terrible pain that appeared to be kidney stones. We were out of town and about to travel 800 miles home with 8 children. It wasn't a very convenient time to go to the ER or find a doctor. We did the above (he also took marshmallow root capsules with the alfalfa) and his pain went away and never returned.

Avoid caffeine and chocolate and heavy foods during these days as well.

Hope he gets relief soon!
~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joseph (Denver, Co) on 07/12/2012
 ★★★★★

My stone was about 6 mm, and was causing me HORRIFFIC pain. Stopped and parked my car twice enroute to the Hospital, and vomited to dry heaves. As Roseanne Rosanna Danna used to say, " Thought I was gonna Die!! ...

My visit to a VA Hospital ER was a nightmare. The RN's and Docs didn't have a clue. They looked at me with the expression of a dog looking at a new food dish, head twisting and all... If it isn't surgery or meds from a big Pharmaceutical Co. , most docs are as dumb as your stone is.

Thank God for the internet and Homeopathy! The apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp (not tsp) and water water and more water, every hour until I couldn't hold any more water, did the trick. I drank the water with a lot of lemon juice in it. Within about two hours the pain went from a 9 down to a 1 or 2. Then it disappeared. The urologist INTERN had already scheduled surgery and proudly predicted a good deal of post op pain. (It was an intern who was going to do my "surgery" ; and a steel instrument into my urethra by an inexperienced, arrogant guy didn't sound very promising.

Thank God for the internet and unselfish prior sufferers willing to share their paths to recovery!! The real helpers here don't always wear starched white lab coats or drape big stethescopes around their neck and strut the hospital halls to impress; they are just good people who want to help.

A note to Docs and RN's:

People in severe pain don't want to be impressed; they want their severe pain relieved. Sincere empathy is HARD TO FIND in a hospital these days. Bless you all who have shared your effective remedies on line.

Love ya, Joe

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Misty (Flatwoods, Ky USA) on 06/09/2012
 ★★★★★

Just thought I'd share my results, I have had several kidney stones, I get them and pass them every few months when I first found out I had them in 2007 I had one in each kidney the size of golf balls, so my doctor set up lithotripsy they ended up doing both kidneys while I was out, when I woke up I was in such bad pain it was ridiculous. I then proceeded to pass 64 3mm stones over the next 3 days I cought them and had to take them to my urologist, who I never heard anything back from. Fast forward to yesterday when I found this website, I have been having kidney and lower abdominal pain for about 10 days, I could feel the stone moving down the line, I tried about 3 sips of apple cider vinegar today and though it was the worst thing I have ever tasted... It worked! No pain since been feeling great since then haven't passed my stone yet but no more pain it's a big deal. Didn't even cost that much, only a dollar at my local Foodfair. One thing, prepare to have heartburn all day, and hold your nose while you drink it, but it's worth it!!

Replied by Kerry
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
07/21/2012
★★★★★

I have taken Apple Cider Vinegar for many things including Kidney stones. It tastes bad but if you add it to apple juice it's not that bad. A little like "Hard Cider" I just got done passing the parts of a very large stone (haven't been taking my apple cider vineger for awhile) this has made me reconsider my daily dose I was doing in the distant past. Thank you just want to let you know about add the apple juice to make it taste better.

Replied by Nora
(Usa)
04/08/2014
★★★★★

Hello, I went to the hospital with bad pain in my back on the right side about where my ribs stop. They said I have a kidney stone after doing a CAT thing. They gave me a vascular surgeon to contact which I was going to do on Monday and this was Saturday. I looked up natural remedies and found this website. I had a new bottle of olive oil and I went out and got a bunch of lemons and a bottle of apple cider vinegar the good kind. I been taking this and the pain is almost gone.

I saw where Chanca Piedra is also good, so I ordered some and got it today, which is Tuesday, and they are 500 mg. capsules. I took my first one today. I also read here alfalfa is good and I already had that, but I will start taking two of them every few hours. I am also drinking a lot of distilled water. With the apple cider vinegar and the lemon juice I put two ounces of each in around a quart of water and try to drink it all before noon. I take one tablespoon full of olive oil a day. I will get limes next time seeing my lemons are just about gone. Well I might get some of both.

Anyhow I want to thank you all for your advise about how to get rid of kidney stones. Seems to be working. My pain is almost all gone. Just a little when I bend a certain way and I am sure that will leave too if I keep this up. Nothing at all like the severe pain I had when I went to the hospital. Thank you all so much!!!!!!! This is a great website. I am so grateful for all your post here and thanks again to all of you. nora

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Brownsville, Texas, Usa) on 11/04/2011
 ★★★★★

I have had kidney stones for almost 30 years. About 2 years ago I heard about the use of ACV and decided I had nothing to lose. I took 1 tblspn of ACV and 1 tblspn of honey and mixed them with about 6 ounces of bottled water. Within 1 hour, I had begun to feel relief from the pain. Now, whenever I feel that lower back pain, I immediately make my mixture and pour it over ice. It is a most refreshing drink. Oh, sorry, but I ditched the ACV for plain white vinegar and found that to be more palatable and with the same incredible results. I have not been to the Emergency room or doctor for 2 years now and I try and drink my mixture at least once a week. I am diabetic and also suffer from frequent bladder infections.

One night I was having a bladder infection and decided to try the vinegar/honey and lo and behold, by the next morning I was infection free! I now use the mixture for both my kidney stones and for bladder problems. After drinking my mixture I notice that it restores my urinary flow back to normal. I actually try to mix about 18 ounces of water with the corresponding vinegar/honey and drink the mixture throughout the weekend.

As I said, it is quite a refreshing drink and I am pain free and stone free now for 2 years. I am a very happy camper! I read in other posts about people having trouble with the water, which is why I use bottled water, and NOT the mineral rich tap water. I have shared that remedy with about 5 others and all have had positive results.


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