How To Diagnose A Kidney Stone Problem
Diagnosing a kidney stone problem requires a doctors visit and a series of tests.
The first step is to determine if you have a kidney stone. This can be done by urine analysis or ultrasound imaging. If you do, the next step is to determine what type of kidney stone you have and its size. This is usually done with an x-ray or CT scan.
If your doctor suspects that you have one of the types of kidney stones that can cause serious problemssuch as those made up of calcium or uric acidtheyll likely recommend further testing, such as an MRI or CT scan, to get a better look at it from different angles. They may also recommend an ultrasound if they want to see inside the urinary tract without having to insert anything inside it.
Keeps Blood Glucose Levels In Check
Barley water is good for diabetics as it helps stabilize blood glucose levels. The beta-glucans in barley help slow down the bodyâs post-meal absorption of glucose and thereby reduce the resultant spike in glucose and insulin levels.
The claim that beta-glucans can help improve blood glucose control and insulin resistance is backed by an expanding body of research. Besides, this bountiful elixir helps reduce the risk of obesity, which is often a precursor for type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, barley is a low-glycemic-index food, making it all the more suitable for a diabeticâs diet. Foods low on the glycemic index, when combined with carbohydrate count, help in blood glucose management. The phytochemicals present in barley are potentially beneficial in controlling diabetes and lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Note:
Versatile And Easy To Add To Your Diet
Barley is cheap and incredibly easy to add to your diet.
Due to its high fiber content, barley can make a great alternative to more refined grains.
For instance, you can use it as a side dish instead of couscous or white pasta. Barley is also a great alternative to white rice dishes such as pilaf or risotto.
Barley can likewise be added to soups, stuffings, stews, salads and loaves or eaten as part of a hot cereal breakfast.
You can also simply buy whole grain bread that contains barley.
For a unique twist, add barley to desserts barley pudding and barley ice cream are just two options.
Summary Barley is cheap, edible warm or cold and easily added to a variety of savory and sweet dishes.
You May Like: How To Know If You Have A Kidney Infection
Why Are Whole Grains A Superfood
- Whole grains are a great source of dietary fiber. A ½ cup serving can provide anywhere from 1 to 6 grams of dietary fiber.
- They are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E. They also offer a variety of antioxidants.
- Whole grains are naturally low in sodium. A ½ cup serving of most whole grains will offer approximately 10 mg or less of dietary sodium. It is important to note that one should look carefully at the sodium content of preseasoned whole grains in which sodium may be added to the packaged product.
- Whole grains have a long shelf life and are often inexpensive.
- Studies have shown that whole grains offer benefits for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Deals With Pregnancy Elixir
Being loaded with nutrients, barley water is a wonderful health drink for pregnant women. The whole grain promotes digestion and prevents constipation, which is a common scourge that afflicts expecting mothers.
Plus, its vitamin B6 content may play a role in easing morning sickness. It regulates blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and also helps the immune system fight bacterial infections during pregnancy.
As barley water is lower in salt than processed foods and beverages, it helps prevent water retention, also called edema. Pregnancy edema is characterized by foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy, which can be a huge discomfort.
Nursing mothers may also take barley water as a lactogenic food to help increase breast milk production. The supplementation of fluids during breastfeeding is an effective way to increase milk production.
- To capitalize on this property, pour hot barley water over 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and then drink it.
Note:
Also Check: Which Side Is Kidney On
Vegetable Beef Barley Soup
This kidney-friendly vegetable beef barley soup recipe creates a hearty soup that uses seasonal and nutritious ingredients to create a meal that will warm you up on the coldest day! It’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather, or just want to eat something comforting. This vegetable beef barley soup can be made in your crockpot or on the stovetop for a fast and hearty meal! Now, let’s get cooking!
Appropriate for: Diabetes, Dialysis, Gluten-Free
Diet And Kidney Disease
Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage.
For example, people in the early stages of kidney disease have different restrictions than those with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease .
If you have kidney disease, your health care provider will determine the best diet for your needs.
For most people with advanced kidney disease, its important to follow a kidney-friendly diet that helps decrease the amount of waste in the blood.
This diet is often referred to as a renal diet.
It helps boost kidney function while preventing further damage .
While dietary restrictions vary, its commonly recommended that all people with kidney disease restrict the following nutrients:
- Sodium.Sodium is found in many foods and a major component of table salt. Damaged kidneys cant filter out excess sodium, causing its blood levels to rise. Its often recommended to limit sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day (
You May Like: Can You Reverse Stage 4 Kidney Disease
May Reduce Blood Sugar
Barley water helps boost intestinal bacterial growth-prevotella, shown to help lower blood sugar levels for up to 1114 hours. Drinking unsweetened barley water can give you the benefit of controlling blood sugar spikes. Antioxidants present in barley also help to control blood sugar.
Chemicals present in barley tools, found to suppress LDL cholesterol and contribute to better overall cardiovascular health. The antioxidants and fibres present barely also help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
Therapeutic Effect Of Barley Grains Powder Among Sudanese Patients With Proteinuriaadmitted At Ibn Sina Hospital In Khartoum State
Nahla A Khairy1, Ibrahim A Ali2*, Mohamed I Eisa3, Shihab Eldin S Dishean4 and Omer A Musa5
- 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bayan college of Science and Technology, Sudan
- 2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The National Ribat University, Sudan
- 3Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sudan International University, Consultant Physician and Nephrologist and Director General, Ibn Sina Hospital, Sudan
- 4Department of Nephrology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Sudan
- 5Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The National Ribat University, Sudan
Received:April 03, 2020 June 23, 2020
Corresponding author: Ibrahim A Ali, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The National Ribat University, Sudan
Background: Proteinuria is very common in Glomerular diseases like membranous glomerulonephritis, focal segmentalglomerulonephritis and minimal change disease. Severe proteinuria can cause nephrotic syndrome in which there is worseningswelling of the body. Barley grains were used to treat the proteinuria but not been recommended formally to be used.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of Barley grains powder among Sudanese patientswith Proteinuria admitted at Ibn Sina hospital in Khartoum state.
Barley was found to be effective therapy for treatment of patients with proteinuria
Keywords: Barley Proteinuria Sudan
Figure 1: comparison between urine protein pre and post administration of barley.
Also Check: Can Kidney Infection Cause Pain Under Ribs
The Common Signs And Symptoms Of Kidney Stone Are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urge to pass urine
- Sudden intense pain in the lower back
These symptoms should not be left untreated to avoid any complications.
Home remedies prove to be quite effective in treating kidney stones. One such home remedy that does wonders in treating kidney stones is barley water. It has been used for years for curing kidney stones.
Rich In Vitamins And Antioxidants
Whether your barley water is made with pearl barley or hulled barley, its rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Folate , iron, copper, and manganese are all found in large amounts in barley water. The antioxidants in barley water contribute to its many other health benefits, because they enable healthy cell growth while getting rid of the free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your organs.
Also Check: Is Lemon Water Good For Your Kidneys
Impressive Health Benefits Of Barley
Barley is one of the most widely consumed grains in the American diet .
This versatile grain has a somewhat chewy consistency and a slightly nutty flavor that can complement many dishes.
Its also rich in many nutrients and packs some impressive health benefits, ranging from improved digestion and weight loss to lower cholesterol levels and a healthier heart.
Here are 9 evidence-based health benefits of barley.
How To Use Barley Water For Kidney Stones
- Details
If you had kidney stones once in the past then your risk of getting them again is higher than if you did not have any before. Diet plays a significant role in development and prevention of kidney stones. Depending on what you eat you may get calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid or cystine kidney stone. Irrespective of the type of stone barley water will help in getting rid of it. But what to eat and what to avoid will still depend on the type of kidney stone.
You May Like: Kidney Failure Symptoms In Men
Read Also: How To Test For Kidney Disease
Very Nutritious And Low In Calories
Just 2 fresh apricots provide (
- Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
- Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
- Potassium: 4% of the DV
Furthermore, this fruit is a decent source of beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are potent antioxidants that help fight free radicals in your body .
Its best to enjoy apricots whole and unpeeled, as the skin boasts large amounts of fiber and nutrients. Be sure to discard the stone, as its inedible.
Summary Apricots are low in calories and fat while also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Rich In Many Beneficial Nutrients
Barley is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds.
Its available in many forms, ranging from hulled barley to barley grits, flakes and flour.
Almost all forms of barley utilize the whole grain except for pearl barley, which has been polished to remove some or all of the outer bran layer along with the hull.
When consumed as a whole grain, barley is a particularly rich source of fiber, molybdenum, manganese and selenium. It also contains good amounts of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium and niacin .
Additionally, barley packs lignans, a group of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease .
However, like all whole grains, barley does have antinutrients, which impair your bodys digestion and nutrient absorption.
Try soaking or sprouting the grain to reduce the antinutrient content. These preparation methods make barleys nutrients more absorbable (
Whats more, you can use sprouted barley flour for baking.
Summary Whole grain barley contains a range of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds. Soaking or sprouting your barley can improve absorption of these nutrients.
Don’t Miss: Do Nsaids Cause Kidney Damage
Easy To Add To Your Diet
Both fresh and dried apricots make for a quick, delicious snack or an easy addition to your favorite meal. You can add them to your diet in a variety of ways, including:
- stirred into trail mix or granola
- eaten fresh as a snack
- sliced and added to yogurt or salad
- used in jams, preserves, and salsas
- stewed in a slow-cooker with meat, such as chicken or beef
- added to desserts like pies, cakes, and pastries
As theyre sweet and tart, apricots can be used as a replacement for peaches or plums in most recipes.
Summary Both fresh and dried apricots are widely available. You can eat them on their own or add them to your favorite dishes, sides, or desserts.
How To Select And Cook
When buying barley, you want to look for 100 percent whole grain hulled or dehulled barley but ideally not pearled.
Soaking
To get the most benefits from barley nutrition, its recommended that you first soak and sprout hulled, uncooked barley grains, or you can choose to buy sprouted barley flour for baking. Sprouting whole grains helps unleash their nutrients so the body can actually absorb and use the various vitamins and minerals found within the grain.
This is because all whole grains contain certain antinutrients, like phytic acid, which bind to nutrients and make them very difficult to absorb.
Soaking and sprouting grains can help lower the level of antinutrients significantly, making grains more beneficial and also easier to digest. It can also reduce the amount of gluten present to some degree.
Numerous studies have found that when grains are soaked and sprouted, improvements in digestibility and nutrient absorption are commonly seen and also vitamin, mineral, protein and antioxidant levels are increased.
To sprout your own, you can soak whole, raw barley grains for eight to 12 hours and then sprout them over the course of about three days.
How to Cook
Before cooking raw barley, rinse the grains thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove any hulls or floating particles since these can carry bacteria.
You May Like: What Happens If You Have Kidney Stones
May Promote Gut Health
One cup of sliced apricots provides 3.3 grams of fiber, which is 8.6% and 13.2% of the DV for men and women, respectively .
Apricots are particularly high in soluble fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels .
Furthermore, fiber delays the movement of food through your digestive tract and feeds your beneficial gut bacteria. A healthier gut microbiome is linked to a lower risk of obesity .
While a single apricot holds only 0.7 grams of fiber, its easy to eat a few in one sitting .
Summary Apricots are a good source of soluble fiber, which feeds your healthy gut bacteria and may boost digestive health.
Take Care Of Your Heart
Heart-healthy foods help keep fat from accumulating in your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. Incorporate the following tips for a more heart-healthy diet:
- Skip deep-fried foods in favor of those that are baked, grilled, roasted, or stir-fried.
- Cook with olive oil instead of butter.
- Limit saturated and trans fats.
Some good choices are:
- poultry with the skin removed
- lean cuts of meat with the fat removed
If kidney function continues to decline, your doctor will make personalized dietary recommendations. Kidney disease can cause phosphorus to build up in your blood, so you might be advised to choose foods that are lower in phosphorus. These include:
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- bread, pasta, and rice
- rice- and corn-based cereal
Phosphorus may be added to packaged food and deli meats, as well as fresh meat and poultry, so be sure to read labels.
Poorly functioning kidneys can also lead to a potassium buildup. Lower-potassium foods include:
- apples and peaches
- white bread, white rice, and pasta
Some higher-potassium foods are:
- salt substitutes
- whole-wheat bread and pasta
Talk to your doctor about your diet. It might also be helpful to consult with a dietitian.
Also Check: Can High Bp Cause Kidney Damage
What Foods Dissolve Kidney Stones
Cranberry. Cranberry is also believed to be beneficial in preventing and reducing the size of kidney stones. The acidity in cranberry juice is effective in reducing the size of kidney stones and preventing new stones from forming when consumed in conjunction with at least 3 qts. of distilled water each day.
Recommended Reading: Is Celery Juice Good For Kidneys
Potatoes And Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are potassium-rich vegetables.
Just one medium-sized baked potato contains 610 mg of potassium, whereas one average-sized baked sweet potato contains 541 mg of potassium .
Fortunately, some high potassium foods, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, can be soaked or leached to reduce their potassium contents.
Cutting potatoes into small, thin pieces and boiling them for at least 10 minutes can reduce the potassium content by about 50% .
Potatoes that are soaked in water for at least 4 hours before cooking are proven to have an even lower potassium content than those not soaked before cooking .
This method is known as potassium leaching or the double-cook method.
Although double cooking potatoes lowers the potassium content, its important to remember that their potassium content isnt eliminated by this method.
Considerable amounts of potassium can still be present in double-cooked potatoes, so its best to practice portion control to keep potassium levels in check.
SUMMARY
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are high potassium vegetables. Boiling or double cooking potatoes can decrease their potassium content by about 50%.
Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that may not fit the guidelines of a renal diet.
They can be served raw or stewed and are often used to make sauces.
Just 1 cup of tomato sauce can contain upwards of 900 mg of potassium .
Unfortunately for those on a renal diet, tomatoes are commonly used in many dishes.
SUMMARY
Recommended Reading: What’s Good To Drink For Kidneys
How To Store Barley Water
Since this is a health drink it is best made and served on the same day. Sometimes barley water turns slimy if you leave the cooked barley in the water for longer. So consider straining the water after cooling down a bit, if you want to keep it longer at room temperature.
Once you have made barley water, you can keep it in your refrigerator for a day or 2. Great to make ahead, it is nice to have on hand so that you can enjoy it for a hydrating beverage any time of the day. But if you are trying to recover from illness, make and consume it fresh.