Kidney stones

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Description

Kidney stones (renal calculi) are mineral salt accumulations that lodge anywhere along the course of the ureters (the tubes that carry urine to the bladder). These deposits are composed of calcium phosphate, calcium oxalate, ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and uric acids or urates. This condition may affect adults of both sexes usually those over 30. More men than women are prone to these attacks.

Symptoms

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on their size, location, and whether they are causing a blockage or irritation. Here are the common symptoms associated with kidney stones:

  1. Severe pain: The most prominent symptom of kidney stones is intense pain, often described as one of the most severe pains a person can experience. The pain typically originates in the back or side, below the ribs, and radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain may come in waves and vary in intensity.

  2. Hematuria: Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is another common symptom of kidney stones. The urine may appear pink, red, or brownish due to the presence of blood.

  3. Urinary urgency and frequency: Kidney stones can cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate. However, the actual urine output may be reduced due to blockage or obstruction.

  4. Painful urination: Passing urine can be painful or uncomfortable, with a burning or stinging sensation. This symptom may be more pronounced if the stones have moved into the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.

  5. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: Kidney stones can sometimes lead to changes in urine appearance, such as cloudiness or an unusual odor.

  6. Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals with kidney stones may experience nausea and vomiting, which can be triggered by severe pain or the body’s response to the blockage.

  7. Difficulty finding a comfortable position: The pain caused by kidney stones may make it challenging to find a comfortable position. Individuals may feel restless and have difficulty sitting still or finding relief.

  8. Groin or testicular pain: In males, kidney stones can cause pain in the groin area or testicles as the stones move through the urinary tract.

It’s important to note that not all kidney stones cause symptoms, and some stones may pass without causing significant discomfort

Treatments

Knowing what type of stone is present (most kidney stones are composed of calcium or, more rarely, uric acid or struvite) is extremely important to determine the appropriate treatment. Small stones may be passed spontaneously with urination, larger stones may require ultrasound treatment to break them up or surgical removal if this is not possible.

Altering the pH of the urine through the use of medication or supplementation may be required. Dietary changes are indicated to avoid foods high in calcium or phosphorus

For all types of kidney stones, it is vital that fluid intake is increased in the form of filtered water, diluted juices, and herbal teas. Drink a minimum of 12 glasses of fluids a day.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Kidney Stone formula –  for softening and dissolving kidney stones for easy passing.
2. Methionine – helps to reduce the incidence of kidney stone formation.
3. Ginkgo biloba – aids in circulation to the kidneys.
4. Kidney tea – for all kidney conditions.
5. Potassium – helps to inhibit crystallisation which can lead to kidney stone formation.
6. Zinc – helps to inhibit crystallisation which can lead to kidney stone formation.
7. Vitamin B Complex
8. Vitamin E – has antioxidant properties

Causes

1. The urine pH may be affected by dehydration or excessive sweating. Increased urinary concentration of crystalloid components: calcium phosphate, calcium oxalate, ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and uric acids or urates, which are usually suspended in solution by the protective actions of various compounds and mechanisms that control the pH of the urine are overwhelmed or compromised, these substances may begin to crystalise, clump together and cause a blockage.

2. High levels of calcium in the urine. A diet high in sugar, coffee, meat, and acid foods, can also, cause the body to lose calcium (hypercalcuria) through the urine.

3. Gout (uric acid stones), a diet deficient in vitamin A, genetic factors, an overactive parathyroid gland, or a sedentary lifestyle may all also play a role

Underlying Emotions

Unresolved anger and resentment issues that have been building up over time

Diet

1. Increase fiber intake, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

2. Decrease simple carbohydrate consumption. Changing from white to whole wheat bread, as well as supplementing the diet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of bran daily, will have beneficial effects.

3. Where uric acid stones may be a factor, decreasing the intake of purine-rich foods, such as meat, fish, poultry, and yeast will assist.

4. For calcium oxalate stones, reduce foods containing oxalates such as black tea, cocoa, spinach, beet leaves, rhubarb, parsley, cranberry, and nuts.

5. Increase the intake of foods that are high in magnesium such as barley, bran, corn, buckwheat, rye, soy, oats, brown rice, avocados, bananas, cashews, coconuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, lima beans, and potatoes.

6. Limit or eliminate the consumption of dairy products, as they contain high amounts of calcium more likely to contribute to stone formation.

Remedies

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