Kidney Stones

Kidneys are the organs that help to clean the blood from metabolic waste and produces urine that will be excreted through the bladder. The kidneys, to the urethra, bladder and ureter form the urinary tract. Kidneys are positioned on either side of the spine, are mid-way on the back; approximately eight centimetres above the hip bone. [1]

Among the most common kidney ailments that most adults suffer, is kidneys stones. We are going to have a look into:

What are kidney stones

What causes kidney stones

The different types of kidney stones

What are the risk factors

Symptoms

Natural remedies that helps to prevent and/or treat kidney stones

What are Kidney stones?

Kidney stones (renal lithiasis, nephrolithiasis) are hard deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside your kidneys. [2] Kidney stones can be caused by various factors, and can affect any part of your urinary tract; from your kidneys to your bladder. Usually, stones are a result of crystallized minerals formed when the urine becomes concentrated.

Causes

Kidney stones often have no definite, single cause, although several factors may increase your risk.

Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances such as: * calcium

*oxalate and

* uric acid

At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.

Types of kidney stones

Knowing the type of kidney stone helps determine the cause and may give clues on how to reduce your risk of getting more kidney stones. If possible, try to save (collect it and keep) your kidney stone if you pass one, so that you can bring it to your doctor for analysis.

Types of kidney stones include:

Calcium stones (most common type of kidney stones)

*calcium oxalate.

Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in food and is also made daily by your liver. Some fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolate, have high oxalate content. See link (https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/kidney-stones-food-causes#1)

* calcium phosphate.

This type of stone is more common in metabolic conditions, such as renal

tubular acidosis.

It may also be associated with taking certain seizure medications, such

as topiramate (Topamax).

Struvite stones.

* Stones form in response to an infection, such as a urinary tract infection(UTI). These stones can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes with few symptoms or little warning.

Uric acid stones.

* Stones can form in people who don't drink enough fluids or who lose too much fluid

* those who eat a high-protein diet

* those who have gout

*certain genetic factors also may increase your risk of uric acid stones

•Cystine stones.

* Forms in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids (cystinuria).

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing kidney stones include:

Family or personal history.

*If someone in your family has kidney stones

*If you've already had one or more kidney stones

Dehydration.

*Not drinking enough water each day

*People who live in warm climates and those who sweat a lot may be at higher risk than others

Certain diets.

*Eating a diet that's high in protein, sodium (salt) and sugar may increase your risk of some types of kidney stones.

*Too much salt in your diet increases the amount of calcium your kidneys must filter and significantly increases your risk of kidney stones.

Being obese.

* High body mass index (BMI), large waist size and weight gain have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.

Digestive diseases and gastric surgery.

*can affect your absorption of calcium and water, increasing the levels of stone-forming substances in your urine

Other medical conditions.

* renal tubular acidosis

* cystinuria

* hyperparathyroidism

*certain medications and some urinary tract infections

From the risk factors above, we can see by implementing a more natural and healthy lifestyle…...

Symptoms

A kidney stone may not cause symptoms until it moves around within your kidney or passes into your ureter (the tube connecting the kidney and bladder). When in starts moving, you may experience among these common symptoms:

Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs

Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin

Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity

Pain on urination

Pink, red or brown urine

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

Persistent need to urinate

Urinating more often than usual

Fever and chills if an infection is present

Urinating small amounts

Pain caused by a kidney stone may change - for instance, shifting to a different location or increasing in intensity - as the stone moves through your urinary tract.

Natural Remedies for Controlling Kidney Stone Symptoms

Most people pass kidney stones successfully though the urine happens over a few days usually with lots of pain in the process. There are several ways you can speed this removal up and then prevent kidney stones from returning. In other instances — for example, if stones become lodged in the urinary tract or cause complications — surgery may be needed.

Stay Hydrated

Drink sufficient clean water. While fluid intake varies depending on your size, diet, location and how much you exercise, it is ideal to drink about one cup (250 ml) of water every hour or two during the day.

Keep your body alkaline

By reducing consumption of red meats, processed meats, dairy and processed sugars; your body’s ph(scale of how acidic or alkaline your body is) becomes more neural . This includes soft dins and excessive amounts of fruit juices

Supplements that Can Help Reduce Kidney Stones

Several supplements that are beneficial if you regularly develop kidney

stone symptoms include:

Magnesium: Balances other minerals in the body and prevents electrolyte imbalances.

B vitamins: B vitamins help reduce calcium and oxalates from accumulating.

Antioxidant: Useful for lowering inflammation and reducing calcium and oxalate build up.

Cranberry extract: Reduces risk for developing urinary tract infections and balances calcium levels.

Aloe vera juice/gel: Reduces crystallization of minerals within the urinary tract.

The following Forever Living products are natural and convenient ways of helping you in the prevention and complementary treatment of kidney stones.

* Aloe berry nectar drink

>Contains organic aloe gel and cranberry extract

*Aloe blossom herbal tea

>Rich in antioxidants, and contributes to daily healthy fluid intake

*Absorbent C

>A water soluble vitamin and antioxidant that contributes to overall health and including immunity and

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Reference list:

Anatomical location of kidneys: http://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/viscera/kidney/

https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/uraemia

J. C. E Underwood and S.S Cross, 2009, General and systematic Pathology 5th Editon, Churchill Livingstone

http://www.msdmanuals.com

http://www.myoclinic.com