Definition
Kidney stones are accumulations of mineral salts that 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
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.
Cause
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.
Kidney stones that are high in calcium may be a signal of hyperparathyroidism
(excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone). In serious cases of kidney stones
an ultrasound that fractionalizes and breaks down the stones may be advised.
See your medical doctor for more information about this.
Note: One in every 1,000 adults is hospitalized each year in the US
because of kidney stones. Kidney stones tend to be recurring, typically
reforming within seven years.
Aromatherapy: Hyssop and juniper essential oils can be helpful.
Ayurveda: Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea. Drink one cup three times a
day.
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.
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.
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.
Alternative Professional Care
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a
qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have
all been shown to be useful for treating kidney stones: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification
Therapy, Reflexology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ultrasound.