Take Steps To Bypass Kidney Stones
Even though kidney stones can be common and recur once youve had them, there are simple ways to help prevent them. Here are some strategies that can help:
1. Drink enough water. A 2015 meta-analysis from the National Kidney Foundation found that people who produced 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily were 50% less likely to develop kidney stones than those who produced less. It takes about 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water daily to produce that amount.
2. Skip high-oxalate foods. Such foods, which include spinach, beets, and almonds, obviously raise oxalate levels in the body. However, moderate amounts of low-oxalate foods, such as chocolate and berries, are okay.
3. Enjoy some lemons. Citrate, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. “Studies have shown that drinking ½ cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can increase urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk,” says Dr. Eisner.
4. Watch the sodium. A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. Federal guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams . If sodium has contributed to kidney stones in the past, try to reduce your daily sodium to 1,500 mg.
How Successful Are These Treatments
In short dubious at best. There have been many reports of people using these natural methods, but the efficacy is unsubstantiated. Some people report success, but none of these treatments are based in scientific fact. For every anecdotal success story posted online, there are hundreds more stories of failures . So, what natural remedies DO work?
4. Lab Grade Chanca Piedra
Lab grade chanca piedra has shown high rates of success in kidney stone treatment. This herbal remedy breaks down and prevents the development of new kidney stones. The clinical benefits of all-natural Chanca Piedra are related to ureteral relaxation and to a putative reduction of the excretion of urinary crystallization promoters such as calcium. It first grabbed the attention of the scientific community in a 2002 study on rodents which demonstrated it slowed or halted kidney stone growth. Further studies indicated lab grade Chanca Piedra actually interferes with the process that would normally cause stones to form.
Professor Dr. Nestor Schor speaking about his research on lab grade Chanca Piedra:
Treatment with Phyllanthus niruri strongly inhibited the growth of the stones and reduced the number of stones
These results show that Phyllanthus niruri has an inhibitory effect on crystal growth
Treating And Preventing Kidney Stones
Most kidney stones are small enough to be passed in your pee, and it may be possible to treat the symptoms at home with medication.
Larger stones may need to be broken up or removed with surgery.
It’s estimated up to half of all people who have had kidney stones will experience them again within the following 5 years.
To avoid getting kidney stones, make sure you drink plenty of water every day so you do not become dehydrated.
It’s very important to keep your urine pale in colour to prevent waste products forming into kidney stones.
The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that are roughly 10cm in length.
They’re located towards the back of the abdomen on either side of the spine.
The kidneys remove waste products from the blood. The clean blood is then transferred back into the body and the waste products are passed out of the body when you pee.
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Maintain A Healthy Weight
If heart disease, cancer, depression and chronic pain arenât strong enough motivators to maintain a healthy weight then how about kidney stone prevention? Obesity has been linked to kidney stone formation.
There are multiple reasons why obesity is linked to kidney stones. One reason is dietary. If youâre eating processed foods and sugar then youâre increasing your weight along with the sodium and uric acid excretion by your kidneys. Sodium and uric acid cause kidney stones.
Obesity is also a state of inflammation. This causes everything from changes to the healthy bacteria in your gut to something called metabolic syndrome. I wonât bore you with too much science but needless to say losing some weight can be an effective home remedy for kidney stones.
Weight loss as a home remedy for kidney stones? â Miracle. Thereâs no doubt that being overweight or obese increases your risk for kidney stones.
Ultrasound Shock Wave Therapy
In ultrasound shock wave therapy, sound waves are used to break up the stones. The stone fragments are then flushed away in the urine. This treatment is also referred to as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy . A machine is used to send sound waves from outside of the body through the tissue to the stones. Shock wave therapy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes when treating simple kidney stones . It can often be done without having to spend the night in hospital. The treatment outcome can be checked using ultrasound or x-ray scans.
Shock wave therapy is especially suitable for kidney stones that are smaller than 20 millimeters in diameter. If the stones are in the upper third of the ureter, they shouldnt be any bigger than 10 millimeters, though.
During shock wave therapy
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How To Pass Kidney Stones
Stones cause trouble when they obstruct or block the ureter, the tube which drains urine from the kidney to the bladder. Pain can come and go, depending on the degree of obstruction. If the stone is sitting in the ureter without causing blockage, there may be little or no pain. However, if the stone turns even slightly, it may cause partial or complete blockage, which can cause gradual or sudden onset of severe pain.
The last segment of the ureter runs through the wall of the bladder. Stones frequently become stuck in this part of the ureter. If so, they can cause urinary symptoms, including frequency , urgency , and postvoid fullness . These symptoms mimic the symptoms of urinary tract infection. Patients may think they have a bladder infection, but most often these voiding symptoms are due to the stone. When stones are in the lower part of the ureter, they may also cause pain that is referred to the testicle or the tip of the penis in men or into the vaginal and urethral area in women.
When trying to pass a stone, patients should proceed as follows:
When To See A Urologist
Kidney stones that do not receive the proper medical treatment can ultimately cause bleeding, urinary tract infections, and organ damage/failure. If you suspect you might have a kidney stone or are having complications with your renal system seeing a urologist is strongly recommended.
Contact our office to be seen by a specialist to provide personalized care and treatment for all your urology needs.
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When To Visit A Doctor
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Unbearable pain in your side, groin, abdomen or genitals
- Blood in your urine
- A urinary tract infection accompanied by severe pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills
To avoid further complications, we recommended you get treatment as soon as you notice the onset of the stones. Most of us become careless when it comes to a healthy diet and lifestyle, putting ourselves at a great risk of developing several health conditions. Kidney stones can make our life difficult, and hence, need to be addressed immediately. Go ahead and start using the knowledge you have gained to treat them. Also, dont forget to share this article with your near and dear ones you will be helping them as well.
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Staying Hydrated Is Key
Drinking plenty of fluids is a vital part of passing kidney stones and preventing new stones from forming. Not only does the liquid flush out toxins, but it also helps move stones and grit through your urinary tract.
Although water alone may be enough to do the trick, adding certain ingredients can be beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.
Talk to your doctor before getting started with any of the home remedies listed below. They can assess whether home treatment is right for you or if it could lead to additional complications.
If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies. Your doctor can determine whether a juice may cause side effects for you or your baby.
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Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Being rich in citric acid, apple cider vinegar can help in the break down of kidney stones. It can also potentially dissolve the stones in tiny particles easing their removal through the urethra.
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Kidney Stone Causes Symptoms Treatments & Prevention
Your kidneys remove waste and fluid from your blood to make urine. Sometimes, when you have too much of certain wastes and not enough fluid in your blood, these wastes can build up and stick together in your kidneys. These clumps of waste are called kidney stones.
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Diagnosis Of Kidney Stones
When you have kidney stone symptoms, as described above, see your health care provider. Shell check your medical history, give you a physical examination, and order imaging tests, as needed.
Your doctor may ask you to drink extra fluid to help flush out the stone. By straining your urine, you may be able to save a piece of the stone. This will enable your doctor to determine the type of stone, what may be causing the condition, and how to reduce your risk of recurring stones.
If your stone doesnt flush out, your doctor may order a high-resolution CT scan from the kidneys to the bladder or a KUB X-ray to determine the size and location of the stone.
Another test used for some patients is the intravenous pyelogram , an X-ray of the urinary tract taken after injecting dye.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed
The doctor will ask about:
- the symptoms and how long they’ve been going on
- your child’s diet
- whether your child could be dehydrated
- whether there’s a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems
The doctor will do an exam and probably order:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- kidney function tests
- imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans. These can show a stone’s exact size and location. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
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Home Remedies For Kidney Stones: Myths Or Miracles
Kidneys stones are miserable! Thereâs no sugar coating this fact. Unfortunately getting relief in a speedy fashion is not always easy.
If you do make it to an ER, then youâre left dealing with a lengthy visit, a big bill and constipation inducing pain medications. Itâs no wonder that youâd rather consider a home remedy for your kidney stone.
Unfortunately, the internet is filled with self-proclaimed âexpertsâ who make claims that are not backed in science. Allow us to help. At VirtuCare we partner with board-certified urologists who are kidney stone experts.
Rather than drink your cocktail or beer, olive oil and lemon juice because you âheard it helps kidney stones passâ allow us to separate myth from miracles. We donât want you wasting time on a home remedy that has no hope of helping your body push out a kidney stone.
Whether youâre actively trying to birth that little rock from your pee hole or hoping to prevent future episodes, letâs review the various home remedies for kidney stones.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have One
Most salivary stones are small, and they often can be coaxed out out on their own by stimulating salivary flow. Dr. Gadbois recommends drinking lots of water and sucking on tart lemon candies throughout the day.
That can create this river behind the stone and push it out, she says, kind of like how you can sometimes flush out kidney stones by drinking a lot of water.
Your doctor or dentist may encourage you to try this for a few days, Dr. Gadbois adds. If it doesnt come out on its ownor if youre in a lot of painyou may need surgery.
Well get them numb and make a small incision and cut it out, she says. Normally we dont even have to put a stitch in and it heals fine on its own.
Doctors often put patients to sleep to do this surgery, Dr. Gadbois says, while dentists, who are more accustomed to doing oral surgery while patients are awake, tend to use local anesthesia.
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How Are Kidney Stones Treated
Treatment depends on the type of kidney stone and its size. Some kids only need to drink a lot of water and take pain medicines to pass a kidney stone. Those with larger stones may need surgery or other treatments to help remove the stones.
There are different types of stones. A stone that passes in pee and is caught in a strainer can be tested to see what type it is. Knowing that can help doctors find the cause and offer advice how to treat it and prevent other stones.
Home Treatment
To help pass a small stone, give your child plenty of water to drink and medicine to ease the pain. Often, over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are enough. But sometimes, doctors prescribe pain medicine.
The doctor might ask you to strain your child’s pee for a few days to collect the kidney stones. Examining them can help the doctor decide if your child needs more treatment.
Hospital Treatment
Kids whose kidney stones block the urinary tract or cause severe pain or dehydration may need care in a hospital. They might get intravenous fluids and pain medicine to help the stones pass and treat dehydration.
Large stones rarely pass on their own. To get rid of large stones and stones that are damaging the kidneys, doctors can do a procedure to break up the stone. This lets the smaller pieces pass on their own or be removed with a scope or surgery.
Risk Factors You Can Control
Drinking too little water is the most common cause of kidney stones. Diet also plays an important role. Eating a lot of animal protein, sodium, and high-oxalate foods, such as chocolate or dark green vegetables, can boost the risk for kidney stones in some people. Other risk factors include drinking sweetened beverages, putting on weight, and taking certain medications.
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Does Cranberry Juice Help Kidney Stones
Cranberry is the bog plant native to the region of North America. Its fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Citrate and magnesium are two compounds that inhibit the formation of renal stones. Both of these are present in urine. To effectively prevent kidney stones, a natural beverage should increase the levels of inhibitors and simultaneously decrease the levels of compounds which form stones.
Consuming cranberry juice raises the amount of citrate, magnesium, calcium and oxalate in urine. This implies that while increasing two inhibitory compounds, it also raises the amount of two compounds that form calcium oxalate stones.
Hence, consumption of cranberry products actually raises the risk of renal stones, which form from oxalate and calcium. Additionally, cranberry juice may also decrease urine acidity, which raises the risk of formation of uric acid renal stones.
However, cranberry juice prevents infection of the urinary tract hence, it prevents formation of struvite kidney stones. This kind of stone is formed of ammonium, phosphate and magnesium and it is formed only when there is an infection of the urinary tract is present. Does cranberry juice help kidney stones? This implies that though the struvite stone components may be increased by consuming cranberry juice, their formation is actually prevented as it prevents UTIs. This occurs as it prevents the sticking of bacteria to the bladder wall.
How to Prepare?
What Are The Most Common Types Of Kidney Stones
The most common type of kidney stone is a calcium oxalate stone. This type happens when calcium and oxalate combine in your urine. It can happen when you have high quantities of oxalate, low amounts of calcium and arent drinking enough fluids.
Stones caused by uric acid are also fairly common. These come from a natural substance called purine, which is a byproduct of animal proteins .
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Prevention Of Urinary Stones With Hydration
PUSH is a study designed to determine if changes in behavior, such as drinking more fluids, helps prevent kidney stones over a two-year period. During this time, participants will be given a smart water bottle that syncs with a mobile app to help individuals keep track of how much water they are drinking. Some of the participants will get additional support to help them reach their water intake goals but others will not. Individuals selected to receive additional support will be chosen at random.
Most kidney stone treatments focus on patients who have a kidney stone and are having terrible pain there is little research about how to prevent kidney stones. PUSH hopesto identify ways to change behavior so a patient is less likely to have another kidney stone, and help determine if drinking more water can help prevent kidney stone recurrence.
Find more information on PUSH in the study brochure .