KIDNEY STONE PREVENTION AND SURVIVAL

The problem of kidney and bladder stones is one of the oldest medical afflictions known to mankind. You may have probably come across a friend or relative who might have been complaining from severe (lower) backache and from all investigation or analysis no solution has alleviated them from their suffering. Well, Kidney and bladder stones are today one of the most common diseases of the urinary system that may manifest as lower backache in its earlier onset.

A hereditary factor has been reported, but environmental factors apparently play the predominant role, as family members living in the patient’s household have stones more often than blood relatives who live elsewhere. The higher the calcium level excreted in the urine the higher the risk of stone formation. In this article, we give you the liberty of appreciating the prevention and medical management of Kidney and Bladder stones at home before a serious diagnosis of kidney failure could be made on those afflicted.

As one would expect, a seasonal variation occurs in the number of causes of urinary stones; the highest incidence being in the hot, dry months of the year when the fluid part of the urine is lowest in relation to the solid parts such as calcium. About half of all stones formed will pass spontaneously whilst the balance may require surgical removal. An important point to note though is that the chemical composition of stones depends on the chemical imbalance in the urine. The four most common types of stones are comprised of calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Even though, most kidney stones are calcium oxalate or calcium oxalate combined with calcium phosphate. They originate as microscopic particles and develop into stones over time. The medical term for this condition is nephrolithiasis, or renal stone disease.

However, symptoms of urinary stones vary. If the stone does not obstruct urine flow it may not produce symptoms and the first indication of urinary stone may be the expulsion of the stone through the urethra. Pain is by far the most common symptom, and may be provoked by slight physical disturbance such as automobile travel. Onset of the pain is generally sudden and severe. The patient may not be able to remain still for even an instant. The worst pain is usually confined to one side, but may become so severe to the extent that it would be difficult for the patient to say where it is most intense. It may radiate down from the back of the waist into the groin, sometimes extending into the external genitalia and thigh. There may be abdominal distention and nausea with repeated vomiting, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, decreased urine output, bloody or cloudy urine and painful, frequent, or difficult urination.

Surprisingly, diet plays an important role in the Cure and development of kidney stones, especially in patients who are predisposed to the condition. A diet high in sodium, fats, meat, and sugar, and low in fiber, vegetable protein, and unrefined carbohydrates increases the risk for renal stone disease. Recurrent kidney stones may form in patients who are sensitive to the chemical byproducts of animal protein and who consume large amounts of meat.

High doses of vitamin C (i.e., more than 500 mg per day) can result in high levels of oxalate in the urine (hyperoxaluria) and increase the risk for kidney stones. Oxalate is found in berries, vegetables (e.g., green beans, beets, spinach, squash, tomatoes), nuts, chocolate, and tea. Stone formers should limit their intake of cranberries, which contain a moderate amount of oxalate.

Nonetheless, the following seven (7) nutritional recommendations by Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. may help to prevent stone formation or recurrence:

1. Water drinking is not only the safest, but also the best treatment for urinary stones. It should be thought of first as it is imperative that the urine does not become concentrated as it encourages stone formation. Patients should drink enough water to produce two to three quarts of urine daily. One quart of water should be taken during the night to maintain good urine flow at all times.

2. An increase in urinary calcium is associated with an increased incidence of urinary stones. Use a low calcium diet, eliminating milk and all foods containing milk (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.), fish, chocolate, cocoa, Ovaltine, antacids, collards, dandelion, mustard and turnip greens, and kale. Lactose in milk produces increased absorption of calcium.

3. Daily vigorous outdoor exercise increases circulation to the urinary system. Stone formation is far more common in sedentary people. Lack of exercise may impair kidney drainage or alter calcium metabolism, producing skeletal decalcification and subsequent excretion of the extra calcium in the urine.

4. Over-nutrition may be a contributing factor in urinary stone formation. Use only two simple meals a day, the diet consisting principally of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. At least one study suggests that a high intake of fruits and vegetables may actually protect against kidney stones. Avoid refined carbohydrates, high protein foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, and concentrated foods. Excessive vitamin D intake in the form of vitamin supplements increases calcium absorption thus encouraging stone formation.

5. High intake of animal protein has been suggested as a factor favoring production of urinary stones. As much as possible, eliminate all high protein animal products (eggs, meats, cheese, etc.). Excessive dietary protein causes increased absorption as well as increased excretion of calcium.

6. Bear in mind that a diet low in free fats will promote good blood circulation. Since a high sugar intake has been implicated as contributing to urinary stone formation, it is well to choose a diet low in or devoid of free sugars.

7. Urinary stones are sometimes associated with gout. Persons with high uric acid levels should avoid foods high in oxalates. These include Ovaltine, cocoa, chocolate, coffee, tea, and cabbage.

Additionally, supplements known to help include; Magnesium citrate—Taken as 500 mg daily. Low magnesium intake has been linked to stone formation. Magnesium supplementation may decrease the size of an existing stone and prevent further formations. Citrate supplementation may prevent further stone formation. Vitamin B-6—Taken as 25 mg daily. A B-6 deficiency increases urinary oxalate, which may lead to kidney stones.

It is clear from our discussion that Kidney and Bladder stones do not necessarily occur as a result of a genetic or metabolic disorder but has a strong diet-related predisposition. Proper nutrition can support healthy kidney function and may discourage stone formation, and natural therapies may help ease the pain and spasm that accompanies stone passage. One thing to keep in mind though, is the fact that there are many gimmicky, expensive, unnecessary, and potentially harmful products, programs, and practitioners who over exaggerate the effectiveness of their detoxification products & therapy programs. We recommend that you should avoid any approach that sounds extreme or over the top. Be sure to follow guidelines that seem reasonable and safe, and that promote a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, choose one that helps you feel in control and that does not promise results that seem unrealistic.

Jones H. Munang’andu
Professional Scientific Medical Writer
Health commentator
Contact; Mobile ; 0966565670
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