Book An Appointment With Dr Sheila
Do you suffer from kidney stones, and are tired of the pain and inconvenience which comes with them?
Or perhaps you are in a high-risk group for developing them and want to take actions to ensure you live a kidney-stone free life.
Im Dr. Sheila, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I want to help.
Naturopathic medicine can offer solutions to stop kidney stones before they start, or help them pass quicker if things get to that point.
Contact me today to learn more about how naturopathic medicine can help you.
If you have questions about naturopathic medicine, or would like to start with your first consultation, contact me, and lets book an appointment.
Yours in health,
Drink A Concoction Of Lemon Juice And Olive Oil
The combination of lemon juice and olive oil is traditionally used as a home remedy to expel gallbladder stones, but it can also be used to treat kidney stones. The citric acid present in lemon helps break down calcium-based kidney stones and stops further growth of a stone.
A preliminary study published in the Journal of Urology found that patients who were treated with lemonade therapy for a mean of 44.4 months demonstrated increased urinary citrate levels and their stone formation rate decreased from 1.00 to 0.13 stones per patient per year.
Warning: This remedy may not be suitable for passing large kidney stones. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking this remedy.
Kidney Stones Are Mostly Removed By Surgery But There Are Many Who Do Not Want To Come Under The Knife There Are Some Natural Ways And Effective Ways To Remove These Painful Stones From Your System
Written by Kristina Das | Updated : December 20, 2018 7:12 PM IST
Blood in urine, severe abdominal pain that radiates to the lower back, frequent urination are some of the symptoms of kidney stones. They can lead to severe urination problems accompanied by nausea, weight loss, fever, and acute pain in the lower abdominal region.
What are the causes of kidney stones?
Lack of water in our body can lead to the formation of kidney stones. These stones can either be as huge as a golf ball or pea-sized. They have a crystalline structure and are usually made of calcium oxalate and some other compounds. The stones in the kidneys are mostly removed by surgery. But there are some natural and effective remedies to remove the kidney stones from your body.
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Kale Spinach A Superfood For Kidney Stones
- Kale
This superfood should be included in your diet if you want to protect the health of your kidneys. It is seen as the best food for the kidneys.
Moreover, Iron is tremendously rich in this food. For example, it contains far more iron than is found in beef.
Antioxidants have a lot to do with this. It also helps prevent diseases like liver, cancer, bone loss, and asthma. Kale is also another greeny leaf vegetable that is low in calories.
This leaf contains more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin K improves blood clotting and prevents heart disease and osteoporosis.
Further, They are loaded with vitamins, beta carotene, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Duration Of Kidney Stones
A kidney stone often goes unnoticed until it starts to pass into your ureters. Once this happens, symptoms typically appear without warning. Youll likely feel sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of your ribcage, though the pain can shift into the genital area as well.
The pain from kidney stones often comes in waves, and you may feel better for a few hours before the pain comes back.
Depending on the size of the stone, it can take up to six weeks to pass . Small stones may take only a few days to a week to pass. Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to help you manage the pain during this time.
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The Causes Of Kidney Stones
Like many other ailments, a poor diet is the leading cause of kidney stone formation. While genetics and environmental factors can play a role, your diet is the easiest thing you can change.
Specifically, sodas and sugary drinks are major culprits behind the causes of kidney stones. This reason being sodas are filled with unhealthy chemicals, including high levels of processed bleached sugar, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients are harmful to your body and especially harsh for your urinary system.
These drinks cause kidney stones thanks to the high fructose corn syrup which metabolizes into oxalate and increases excretion of uric acid and calcium. This combination encourages kidney stone formation at a higher rate than normal. Plus, the phosphoric acid in soda can create an acidic environment in your kidney tract, leading to more kidney stones. Diets high in sodium are also associated with this condition. The amount of calcium in your urine contributes to kidney stones and should therefore be reduced in your diet.
Instead, eat a diet for optimal urological health that is full of fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid processed foods and sugar to avoid kidney stones and maintain a healthy urinary system. Dont forget to keep hydrated!
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Can Citrus Fruits Beat Kidney Stones
If you wish for a healthy kidney, take a lot of vitamin C rich oranges and lemons to improve your vital functions.
According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publications, consuming lemon juice with water daily has been found to reduce the rate of stone formation by raising citrate levels in urine.
In addition, they are good summer foods, that can keep you well hydrated. It helps to control cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and aid digestion.
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Treatment Of Urinary Tract Stones
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids as needed to relieve pain
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Sometimes stone removal
Small stones that are not causing symptoms, blockage of the urinary tract, or an infection usually do not need to be treated and often pass on their own. Larger stones and those that are closer to the kidney are less likely to pass on their own. Some drugs may increase the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage.
Avoiding Recurrence Of Kidney Stones
If you have had one kidney stone, some tips that may help to prevent a second stone forming include:
- Talk to your doctor about the cause of the previous stone.
- Ask your doctor to check whether the medications you are on could be causing your stones. Do not stop your medications without talking to your doctor.
- Get quick and proper treatment of urinary infections.
- Avoid dehydration. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine volume at or above two litres a day. This can halve your risk of getting a second stone by lowering the concentration of stone-forming chemicals in your urine.
- Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee. Juices may reduce the risk of some stones, particularly orange, grapefruit and cranberry. Ask your doctor for advice.
- Reduce your salt intake to lower the risk of calcium-containing stones. Dont add salt while cooking and leave the saltshaker off the table. Choose low- or no-salt processed foods.
- Avoid drinking more than one litre per week of drinks that contain phosphoric acid, which is used to flavour carbonated drinks such as cola and beer.
- Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet.
Drinking mineral water is fine it cannot cause kidney stones because it contains only trace elements of minerals.
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Brew A Nettle Leaf Tea
Nettle leaf helps maintain the flow of water through the kidneys and bladder, thus promoting smooth urination. Nettle leaf also helps keep crystals from forming into stones and keeps bacteria away. Nettle tea will also enhance the benefits of water by acting as a natural diuretic.
A study published in MolecularMedicine Reports found that the methanol extract of Urtica dioica efficiently dissolves calcium oxalate renal stones in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract showed a dose-dependent curative effect on urinary and renal parameters, including calcium oxalate renal stone formation. This study was not duplicated in humans.
Note: Avoid stinging nettle if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use nettle with precaution if you are diabetic, suffering from hypertension, or taking lithium, blood-thinning, or sedative medications.
Can Kidney Stones Go Away On Their Own
Kidney stones develop in about one out of 11 Americans. They tend to be more prevalent among men, diabetics, and obese people.
Small kidney stones dont typically cause problems, and you might not feel any pain or any symptoms. Larger ones can cause severe pain, but most stones pass on their own.
When a stone doesnt pass naturally, you may need a medical procedure to break it up so it can pass or be removed altogether.
At Stone Relief Center, board-certified urologic surgeon William Cooper Buschemeyer III, MD, and our professional team have home remedy tips you can use to help them pass.
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Meet The Daily Calcium Requirements
For people with calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common kind, finding sources of calcium can help them meet their daily calcium requirement and manage their risk of kidney stones.
It is important to note that taking calcium supplements can of kidney stones, as they may provide more than the recommended daily intake. Obtaining calcium from food sources, however, can help reduce the risk.
People can get calcium from:
- dairy products
Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts, most commonly calcium oxalate, crystallize in the kidneys and create hard deposits. Although they form in the kidneys, these stones can occur in any part of the urinary tract.
Kidney stones are also known as calculi, or urolithiasis.
Dehydration is a major contributing factor in the development of kidney stones. When the body dehydrates, fluid moves more slowly through the kidneys, increasing the likelihood of mineral and salt compounds meeting and sticking together.
Small stones may form and pass on their own without causing any symptoms. However, most medium and large stones are extremely painful to pass and require medical attention.
What Does The Research Say
Much of the evidence supporting the use of ACV in treating kidney stones is anecdotal. Solid scientific studies examining the direct effect of ACV on kidney stones are lacking. However, ACV still shows potential in treating kidney stones.
For example, ACV contains trace amounts of potassium, which has been shown to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Research from 2016 found that higher levels of dietary potassium intake were strongly associated with the prevention of kidney stones.
Its important that you dont take too much ACV, though, since this can lead to potassium loss. Further research investigating the direct effect of the potassium in ACV in preventing kidney stones is needed.
A 2017 study looked at the effect of different dietary habits on kidney stones. Fermented vinegar was found to have a positive effect on the prevention of stones. It was shown to be significantly linked to a lesser risk of kidney stone formation. Tea and legumes were found to have the same effect. More research is needed to determine the direct effect of vinegar on kidney stones.
According to a 2014 animal study, ACV has a protective effect against kidney oxidative injury and increases antioxidant enzymes. It was also shown to lower cholesterol levels. This could be useful in preventing kidney stones, since higher body weights are associated with kidney stone formation. Youre more likely to have higher cholesterol if youre overweight.
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Treating Small Kidney Stones
Small kidney stones may cause pain until you pass them, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.
A GP may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help with pain.
To ease your symptoms, a GP might also recommend:
- drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
- anti-sickness medicine
- alpha-blockers
You might be advised to drink up to 3 litres of fluid throughout the day, every day, until the stones have cleared.
To help your stones pass:
- drink water, but drinks like tea and coffee also count
- add fresh lemon juice to your water
- avoid fizzy drinks
- do not eat too much salt
Make sure you’re drinking enough fluid. If your pee is dark, it means you’re not drinking enough. Your pee should be pale in colour.
You may be advised to continue drinking this much fluid to prevent new stones forming.
If your kidney stones are causing severe pain, your GP may send you to hospital for tests and treatment.
Wheatgrass Juice Makes For A Renal Tonic
Wheatgrass juice may be an effective addition in the treatment of kidney stones. You can also have a glass of wheatgrass juice mixed with 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and juice extracted from basil leaves.
Take this juice two to three times a day.
Wheatgrass juice is a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, amino acids, chlorophyll, and B vitamins.
Note: Use wheatgrass with precaution if you are diabetic. Stop taking wheatgrass as medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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Breaks Up Small Kidney Stones
Lemon juice is an excellent remedy for breaking and dissolving small kidney stones. Lemon juice contains the compound hydroxycitrate naturally. Hydroxycitrate has the ability to break up small calcium oxalate stones, thereby allowing them to travel more easily through the urinary tract, and eventually, these stone pieces are passed through the urine.
Natural Remedies To Help You Recover From Kidney Stones
In addition to conventional medications, a majority of cases of kidney stones can be treated with the help of natural ingredients. Many of them also help prevent stones from developing in the future.
Moreover, make sure to drink plenty of water. If you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water along with other kinds of fluids daily, the color of your urine will become clear, which is a good sign.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for kidney stones. Also, do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Is There Any Way To Make Them Pass Faster
The best home remedy to encourage the stone to pass is to drink lots of fluids, especially plain water and citrus juices such as orange or grapefruit. The extra fluid causes you to urinate more, which helps the stone move and keeps it from growing. You should aim for at least 2 to 3 quarts of water per day.
Smaller stones are more likely to pass on their own, so you should take steps to keep the stone from growing. This includes eating a diet thats low in salt, calcium, and protein.
However, you need all of these for your body to function properly, so talk with your doctor about an appropriate diet to help you pass the stone.
Passing a kidney stone can be very painful. Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen wont speed up the process, but it can make you a lot more comfortable while passing the stone. A heating pad can also help.
If you have a fever, significant nausea, or are unable to keep down liquids without vomiting, you should seek medical care.
Likewise, if you have only one kidney or known kidney problems or damage, see a doctor immediately.
An infected kidney stone is a surgical emergency. If you notice any signs of infection, go to the hospital.
Where Do Kidney Stones Come From
Kidney stones form develop when certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated enough to form crystals in your kidneys. The crystals grow larger into “stones.” About 80% to 85% of kidney stones are made of calcium. The rest are uric acid stones, which form in people with low urine pH levels.
After stones form in the kidneys, they can dislodge and pass down the ureter, blocking the flow of urine. The result is periods of severe pain, including flank pain , sometimes with blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting. As the stones pass down the ureter toward the bladder, they may cause frequent urination, bladder pressure, or pain in the groin.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, see your primary care physician,” says Dr. Eisner. “He or she will likely perform a urinalysis and a renal ultrasound, abdominal x-ray, or CT scan to confirm kidney stones are the source of your pain and determine their size and number.”
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Can A Large Kidney Stone Cause An Injury
Your risk of injury from a kidney stone can go up based on the size and location of the stone. A larger stone could get stuck in a ureter, causing pressure to build up. This can lead to renal failure and, in the worst-case scenario, you could lose your kidney. The chance of passing a 1 cm stone is less than 10%, and stones larger than 1 cm typically dont pass.
Testing Ultrasound Beams On Pigs
Bailey and his team tested their new approach on three anesthetized pigs. They placed glass beads inside their bladders to act as the kidney stones. The team successfully steered the glass bead along pre-chosen routes with more than 90% accuracy.
“It’s really quite controllable,” says Bailey, who consults for SonoMotion, a US firm that has licensed the technology and been developing non-invasive solutions for kidney stones.
But Ben Turney from the University of Oxford said that moving these spherical glass beads inside the bladder is easier as it has a large space. Moreover, he said that steering irregular-shaped crystals through a narrow tube would be a lot harder.
Although Turney thinks that the beams form the ultrasound could help push the stones out of their places in the kidney where they tend to get stuck and lodge. “Then you would hope that the system will flush them through,” says Turney.
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