Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can form anywhere in the entire urinary
tract (kidney, bladder, the ducts in-between, or the
ureters), and primarily occur because of calcium (oxalate)
and/or phosphate that has come out of solution. If left
untreated, the stones can block these areas of the urinary
tract, causing pain, bleeding, and other problems.
Symptoms
of kidney stones include sudden and excruciating back
pain that may come and go and that often radiates from
the back across the abdomen and into the genital area
or inner thighs. This pain can be accompanied by nausea,
vomiting, abdominal bloating, possible blood in the
urine, pain on urination, and chills and fever. Stones
in the urinary tract can be one of the most painful
conditions, similar to the pain of childbirth.
In
some cases, there may be no symptoms, depending on where
the stone is located and its size.
What
To Consider
One in every 1,000 adults is hospitalized each year
in the US because of kidney stones. Kidney stones also
tend to be recurring, typically reforming within seven
years.
Kidney
stones are more common during the summer, possibly due
to concentrated urine caused by increased sweating and
insufficient fluid intake. In general, mild chronic
dehydration can play a role in the development of kidney
stones. Chronic stress can also play a role. In addition,
kidney stones may be due to genetics. If one parent
had kidney stones, there is an increased risk in his
or her children. Cadmium poisoning may also play a role
and needs to be considered if other treatment methods
fail.
Note
Kidney stones that are high in calcium may
be a signal of hyperparathyroidism (excessive secretion
of parathyroid hormone). In serious cases of kidney
stones ultrasound that fractionalizes and breaks down
the stones may be advised. See your medical Health Coach for
more information about this.
Self-Care
Tips
Diet
Diet alone cannot get rid of the stones. Higher-than-normal
levels of oxalate related to a diet high in oxalic containing
foods, such as rhubarb, spinach, leafy vegetables, and
coffee, can promote kidney stone formation. High levels
of dietary refined carbohydrates can also cause kidney
stones. Sugar stimulates the pancreas to release insulin,
causing increased calcium excretion through the urine.
Other dietary factors that cause increased calcium excretion
in the urine and promote stone formation are increased
intakes of coffee, colas, acid-forming diets (such as
high protein and grains), insufficient water intake,
and excessive salt consumption. Soft drinks containing
phosphoric acid can also encourage the formation of
kidney stones and should be completely eliminated.
The
most important dietary actions are to increase your
intake of pure filtered water, fiber, and green vegetables,
and reduce refined sugar consumption. Foods that are
helpful in decreasing kidney stone formation include
cranberries, black cherries, rice bran, kombucha tea.
In addition to avoiding sugar, also avoid or reduce
your intake of salt, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol,
refined carbohydrates, nuts, chocolate, pepper, and
animal proteins.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Helpful nutrients include
magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin
C (keep your total daily intake below 6 grams to avoid increasing oxalate formation),
vitamin A, proteolytic enzymes (away from meals), raw
kidney glandulars, fat-soluble chlorophyll, lipoic acid,
and the amino acids glutamic acid, lysine, and methionine.
Aromatherapy
Hyssop and juniper essential oils can be helpful.
Ayurveda
Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea. Drink one
cup three times a day.
Herbs
Combine the
tinctures of gravel root, cornsilk, wild yam, and blackhaw
in equal parts and take one teaspoon of this mixture
three times a day. Or drink one cup of an infusion of
nettle three times a day. Other useful herbs include
uva ursi, horsetail, and dandelion root.
Homeopathy
Berberis, and Sarsaparilla are
both useful homeopathic remedies.
Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy of alternating
hot and cold water packs applied two to five times weekly,
and a hot pack applied to the abdomen and lower back
several times a day can help relieve and prevent flare-ups
of pain.
Juice
Therapy
The following juices can help stimulate the
overall health of the urinary tract and potentially
flush out the stones
lemon juice; carrot, beet, and
cucumber juice with a dash of garlic and/or horseradish;
and/or cranberry and watermelon juice.
Caution
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of kidney stones, seek the help of a qualified health professional immediately.
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