Kidney stones (also known as Nephrolithiasis or
Renal calculus) are small hard masses made up of crystals (Calcium, Cystine,
Struvite, Uric Acid Etc) which are seen in urinary tract (Kidney, urethra and
ureter).
Some medical conditions, low water
intake, some food stuffs (will be explained) and obesity can cause kidney
stones in susceptible people. It is one of the very painful condition
associated with nausea, vomiting, low grade fever, painful urination and blood
in the urine.
Initially
NSAIDs are given to reduce the pain and wait for spontaneous expulsion.
Treatment of kidney stones varies according to size, number
and locations. Small kidney stones (less than 5 mm (0.20 in) in diameter) may pass through urine
without any pain or other symptoms
Food
that can cause kidney stone
If your kidney stone is caused by excess of calcium, it is
better to reduce the amount of oxalate in your diet.
Food that contain oxalate include
·
leeks
·
parsley
·
celery
·
beetroot
·
asparagus
·
rhubarb
·
chocolate
·
berries
·
grains,
such as oatmeal, wheat germ and wholewheat
·
almonds,
peanuts and cashew nuts
·
soy
products
Studies have shown that drinking grape juice may increase the
risks of forming kidney stones.
To avoid developing a uric acid stone, you should reduce the
amount of meat, poultry and fish in your diet.
Key Dietary Recommendations for Kidney Stone Formers
|
• Urinate more than
two liters per day.
|
• Consume enough
dietary calcium to meet the US RDA.
|
• Avoid dietary
oxalates (for calcium oxalate stone-formers).
|
• Limit sodium to
2,000 milligrams per day.
|
• Limit protein to
12 ounces per day.
|
Kidney stones | Prevention
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water will help to dilute the substances
that lead to stones. Health care providers recommend 2 to 3 liters of pure
water per day. People who have had cystine stones may need to drink even more.
Lemon and orange juice
Add some lemonade in your water. The citric acid present in
lemon helps to break down the calcium-based kidney stones and at the same time
stops the further growth of such stones.
Studies have shown that a glass of orange juice can prevent kidney stone
in susceptible subjects. It is better to avoid grape juice as it may promote
kidney stone formation in some people.
Reduce sodium intake
High sodium in your diet can trigger the stone formation in
kidneys as it increases the calcium in your urine. The U.S. recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) of sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg).
So you need to reduce pickles, highly salted food stuffs,
food that containing baking soda and monosodium glutamate
Limit animal protein
Eating too much of animal protein like red meat, sea foods ,
poultry and eggs can cause high uric acid in blood which may lead to stone
formation in kidneys. A high-protein diet also reduces levels of citrate, the
chemical in urine that helps prevent stones from forming.
Get the calcium you need
Calcium from food does not really cause calcium oxalate
stones in kidneys. Calcium in the digestive tract binds to oxalate from food
and keeps it from entering the blood, and then the urinary tract, where it can
form stones. People who are prone to calcium oxalate stones should add 800 mg
of calcium in their diet in their diet every day, not only for kidney stone
prevention but also to maintain bone density.
Kidney stone | Home remedies
1) Pomegranate
Both the seeds and juice of
pomegranate can help in the treatment of kidney stones due to their astringent
properties. We recommend a pomegranate or squeezed juice of it per day. Its
seeds are also good to prevent kidney stones.
2) Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are one of the effective
home remedy for kidney health.
3) Basil
Basil is a tonic for kidneys which
can help to prevent kidney stones also. Those suffering from kidney stones must take one teaspoon of
basil juice and mix it with equal amount of honey and have it daily in the
morning for five to six months.
4) Beriberis vulgaris
Beriberis vulgaris is a wonderful
remedy for kidney stones which is very commonly used by homeopaths
around the world. It is kidney tonic. 10 to 15 drops of beriberis vularis
tincture is recommended for those who are suffering from kidney stones.
5) Uva ursi
Uva ursi is a remedy for urinary
tract infection. It used to treat kidney stones also.
15 drops of uvaursi’s tincture is
recommended.
See also
Source:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/kidneystonediet/index.aspx
Great tips! My niece who is only seventeen had kidney stones last year. Fortunately nobody in my immediate family has had this problem. Have a terrific day!
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