Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)

Causes

• Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine. The most common type of kidney stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. About 75% of kidney stones are calcium stones. Other chemical compounds that can form stones in the urinary tract include uric acid, magnesium ammonium phosphate (which forms struvite stones; see below), and the amino acid cystine.
• Dehydration from reduced fluid intake or strenuous exercise without adequate fluid replacement increases the risk of kidney stones. Obstruction to the flow of urine can also lead to stone formation. In this regard, climate may be a risk factor for kidney stone development, since residents of hot and dry areas are more likely to become dehydrated and susceptible to stone formation.
• infection in the urinary tract; these are known as struvite or infection stones. Metabolic abnormalities, including inherited disorders of metabolism, can alter the composition of the urine and increase an individual's risk of stone formation.
• Gout results in chronically increased amount of uric acid in the blood and urine and can lead to the formation of uric acid stones.
• Hypercalciuria (high calcium in the urine), another inherited condition, causes stones in more than half of cases. In this condition, too much calcium is absorbed from food and excreted into the urine, where it may form calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones.
• Other conditions associated with an increased risk of kidney stones include hyperparathyroidism, kidney diseases such as renal tubular acidosis, and other inherited metabolic conditions, including cystinuria and hyperoxaluria.
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are also associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones.
• People with inflammatory bowel disease are also more likely to develop kidney stones.
• Those who have undergone intestinal bypass or ostomy surgery are also at increased risk for kidney stones.
• Some medications also raise the risk of kidney stones. These medications include some diuretics, calcium-containing antacids, and the protease inhibitor indinavir (Crixivan), a drug used to treat HIV infection.
• Dietary factors and practices may increase the risk of stone formation in susceptible individuals. In particular, inadequate fluid intake predisposes to dehydration, which is a major risk factor for stone formation. Other dietary practices that may increase an individual's risk of forming kidney stones include a high intake of animal protein, a high-salt diet, excessive sugar consumption, excessive vitamin D supplementation, and possible excessive intake of oxalate-containing foods such as spinach. Interestingly, low levels of dietary calcium intake may alter the calcium-oxalate balance and result in the increased excretion of oxalate and a propensity to form oxalate stones.

Home remedies

• drinking a lot of water even at night. Tap water is OK!
• drink lemon juice in the morning to clean your kidneys : Citric acid is found in citrus fruits and may protect against kidney stone formation. Lemons are the best food source commonly available. One preliminary trial found that drinking 2 liters (approximately 2 quarts) of lemonade per day improved the quality of the urine in ways that are associated with stone prevention. Lemonade was far more effective than orange juice. The lemonade was made by mixing 4 oz lemon juice with enough water to make 2 liters. The smallest amount of sweetener possible should be added to make the taste acceptable. Further study is necessary, however, to determine if lemonade can prevent recurrence of kidney stones.
• People prone to forming calcium oxalate stones may be asked by their doctor to limit or avoid certain foods if their urine contains an excess of oxalate: rhubarb, spinach, beets, swiss chard, wheat germ, soybean crackers, peanuts, okra, chocolate, black Indian tea, sweet potatoes.
• Eight dried apricot halves have 2 g of fiber, only 3 mg of sodium, and 325 mg of potassium—all of which help keep minerals from accumulating in urine and forming calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stones.
• The herb called Jin Qian Cao or "Golden Coin Grass" is capable to disolve gallstones. Herbalists later found that Coin Grass will dissolve kidney stones just as proficiently. More recently, herbalists have found that adding Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum ) to Jin Qian Cao can work a bit better on kidney stones than Jin Qian Cao can by itself.
• Shilajit can be used as treatment for diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones, heart disease, anemia, anxiety, ulcers, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy and jaundice.
• Can be related to Magnesium deficiency.
• magnesium citrate, a natural mineral substance that counteracts the oxalate minerals in many foods. For maximum kidney stone prevention, be sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods every day -- these include avocados, broccoli, raw cacao, beans, bananas, and lentils -- and take a high-quality magnesium citrate supplement like Natural Vitality's Natural Magnesium Calm
• Highly acidic diets tend to create an environment which encourages kidney stones, while more alkaline diets help prevent these kind of deposits. Soft drinks, coffee, alcohol, products containing corn syrup and most forms of animal protein have an acidic effect on the body. (see Acid/alkaline balance)
• Western herbal remedies to prevent kidney stones include meadowsweet, sarsaparilla, joe-pye weed and plantain which help cleanse excess uric acid from the kidneys. Goldenrod is so effective in helping dissolve kidney stones that in Germany, where herbal medicine has received more official acceptance than in the U.S., it is part of the recommended course of treatment.
• Multiple scientific studies have verified the folk medicine wisdom which has long prescribed goldenrod for a variety of kidney, bladder and urinary tract disorders. Herbs such as St. John's wort, agrimony, horsetail, nettles, yarrow and shepherd's purse can offer some relief for the kidney stone pain and bleeding.
• Cornsilk is an excellent example of how the move away from fresh, whole foods deprives people of natural healing. If you buy frozen corn, or the pre-husked and cut corn on the cob, you miss out on this substance which also aids against urinary tract stones, urinary tract infections, hypertension and prostate disorders. Boil the cornsilk in pure water along with some marshmallow herb to make a potent stone-dissolving tea.
• Chanca Piedra : The name of Amazon herb chanca piedra actually translates as "stone breaker." Concoctions of this plant have long been used in South America to break down stones of the kidneys and gallbladder. It is also effective against a host of ailments from diabetes to jaundice.
• Dandelion, a powerful medicinal herb that is a known diuretic, also helps increase the amount of urine the body produces, which is believed to help dilute the components that contribute to the formation of Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi).
• Aloe Vera, apple cider vinegar, cranberry, magnesium, and potassium can all help with preventing kidney stones as well.
• Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea Salt carry just under 100 microminerals, which help the body curb gout and fight crystalline buildup of gallstones, liver, kidney and bladder stones.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.