Kidney Stones

Definition

Kidney stones are accumulations of mineral salts that can occur anywhere in the urinary system (kidney’s, vesica, urethra, or the ureters), and primarily occur because of calcium (oxalate) or phosphate buildup. If left untreated, kidney stones can block waste removal by the urinary system tract, causing pain, and blood loss among other problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones include unexpected and severe back pain that may come and go and often radiates from the back to the abdomen and the genital area or inner thighs. This pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, blood in the urine, pain when urinating, chills and fever. Kidney stones are said to be one of the most painful conditions, with passing a kidney stone being on a similar pain level to giving birth.

In some cases, there may be no symptoms, depending on in where the stone is located and its size.

Cause

Kidney stones are more common during the summer, possibly due to concentrated amounts of urine brought on by increased perspiring and dehydration. In general, chronic dehydration can play a role in the onset of kidney stones. Chronic stress or genetics can also play a role in kidney stones. If ones mother or father had kidney stones, there is an increased risk in his / her children. Cadmium poisoning may also play a role and shouldn’t be disregarded, especially if typical methods of healing fail.

Kidney stones high in calcium may be a signal of hyperparathyroidism (excessive secretion associated with parathyroid endocrine). In severe cases of kidney stones an ultrasound examination which breaks and stops the stones may be recommended. See your doctor for more information.

Be aware: One in a thousand adults is hospitalized every year in the US due to kidney stones. Kidney stones tend to be recurring, typically reforming within 7 years.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Hyssop and juniper essential oils can be helpful.

Ayurveda: Cumin, coriander, and fennel teas. Drink a single serving three times a day.

Diet: Diet alone cannot get rid of kidney stones. Higher than normal amounts of oxalate related to a diet full of oxalic foods, such as rhubarb, spinach, leafy veggies, and espresso beans, can kick-start kidney stone formation. Higher levels of refined carbohydrates can also trigger kidney stones. Sugar encourages the pancreas to release insulin, causing increased calcium excretion into the urine. Additional dietary factors that cause increased calcium removal through the urine and promote kidney stone development include increased intake of coffee, colas, acid-inducing diets (such as higher protein and grains), insufficient water intake, and excessive sodium consumption. Sodas containing phosphoric acid can also encourage the formation of kidney stones and should be totally eliminated.

The most crucial dietary actions you must take include, increasing your intake of pure filtered drinking water, fiber, and green vegetables, and reduce refined sugar consumption. Foods that are helpful for decreasing kidney stone formation include red grapes, black cherries, rice, bran, and kombucha teas. In addition to avoiding sugar, avoid or reduce your consumption of salt, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, refined carbs, nuts, chocolate, pepper, and animal proteins.

Herbs: Mix the tinctures of Echinacea, cornsilk, wild yam, and blackhaw in equal parts and take 1 tsp. of this mixture 3 times per day. Drink a single serving of an infusion of nettle three times each day. Other useful herbs consist of uva ursi, horsetail, as well as dandelion root.

Homeopathy: Berberis, and Sarsaparilla are both useful homeopathic remedies.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, vapor baths, bathhouses, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for dealing with a wide range of problems and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physiotherapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. All of us suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before attempting these methods to make sure they are appropriate for you.

*Purified water is important for any hydrotherapy treatment. Treatments for purifying bath water include clear instructions and recommendations.

Juice Treatment: The following juices can help stimulate the overall health of the urinary system tract and potentially eliminate kidney stones: Lemon juice; carrot, beet and cucumber juice with a splash of garlic clove or horseradish; and cranberry extract and watermelon juice.

Nutritional Supplementation: Helpful nutrients consist of: Magnesium, supplement B6, vitamin C (keep your daily intake below 6 grams to avoid increasing oxalate formation), vitamin A, proteolytic nutrients (away from meals), raw kidney glandulars, fat-disolvable chlorophyll, lipoic acid, and the amino acids glutamic acid, lysine, and methionine.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms continue despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a competent health professional. These professional therapies have all been proven to be useful for treating kidney stones: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification Treatment, Reflexology, Chinese medicine, and Ultrasounds. (See Glossary for explanations of these Alternative Therapies.)