Kidney stones and its natural treatment | Ethnic Health Court

Kidney stones usually comprised of a compound called calcium oxalate, are the result of an accumulation of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys. These deposits can grow to the size of a golf ball while maintaining a sharp, crystalline structure.

The kidney stones may be small and pass unnoticed out of the urinary tract, but they may also cause extreme pain upon exiting.

Kidney stones that remain inside the body can lead to many conditions, including severe pain and ureter (the tube connecting the kidney and bladder) blockage that obstructs the path urine uses to leave the body.

What causes kidney stones?

The key process in the development of kidney stones is supersaturation.

  • The urine carries salts, including calcium oxalate, uric acid, cystine, or xanthine.
  • These salts can become extremely concentrated if there is not enough urine, or if unusually high amounts of crystal-forming salts are present.
  • When salt concentration levels reach the point at which they no longer dissolve, these salts form crystals.

Different factors may be involved in either reducing urine amount, or increasing the levels of the salts.

Deficiencies in Protective Factors. 

Normally, urine contains substances that may protect against stone formation, including:

  • Magnesium
  • Citrate
  • Pyrophosphate
  • Enzymes

These substances:

  • Allow salt in the urine to be at higher-than-normal concentrations without forming crystals
  • Prevent crystal formation
  • Coat the crystals and prevent them from sticking to the surface of kidney tubes

Not having enough of these protective substances can cause stones.

Changes in the Acidity of the Urine. 

Changes in the acid balance of the urine can affect stone formation.

  • Uric acid and cystine stones mainly form in acidic urine.
  • Calcium phosphate and struvite stones increase in alkaline urine.

Medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infections, renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, medullary sponge kidney, and Dent’s disease have been known to lead to kidney stones. It also has been suggested that water fluoridation – the addition of fluoride to drinking water – is responsible for some cases of kidney stones.

kidney cross section and stones

Causes of Calcium Stones

Often, the cause of calcium stones is not known. The condition is then called idiopathic nephrolithiasis. Research suggests that nearly all stones result from problems in the breakdown and absorption of calcium and oxalate. Genetic factors may play a role in about half of these cases. A number of medical conditions and drugs can also affect digestion and intestinal absorption.

Excess Calcium in the Urine (Hypercalciuria). 

Hypercalciuria (too much calcium in the urine) is responsible for as much as 70% of calcium-containing stones. A number of conditions may produce hypercalciuria. Many are due to genetic factors, but most cases are due to unknown causes (idiopathic).

The following can lead to hypercalciuria and calcium stones:

  • Too much calcium absorption in the intestines: In most of these conditions, genetic factors lead to increased calcium absorption in the intestine.
  • Excessive chloride: Chloride has a negative charge, and calcium has a positive one, so they balance each other in the body. Excess chloride may lead to excess calcium.
  • Renal calcium leak: In this condition, the does not regulate minerals normally, causing an increase of calcium in the urine.
  • Excessive sodium: High urinary levels of sodium result in increased levels of calcium. Certain defects in the kidney tubules transport system, which cause imbalances in sodium and phosphate, can lead to high calcium levels in the urine. A diet high in salt can also produce this effect.

Excess Oxalate in the Urine (Hyperoxaluria). 

Oxalate is the most common stone-forming compound. Too much oxalate in the urine is responsible for up to 60% of calcium stones and is a more common cause of stones than too much calcium in the urine.

Hyperoxaluria can be either primary or secondary.

  • Primary hyperoxaluria is an inherited disorder in which too much oxalate in the urine is the main problem.
  • Secondary hyperoxaluria results from specific conditions that cause high levels of urinary oxalate.

Secondary hyperoxaluria is usually caused by too much dietary oxalates (found in a number of common vegetables, fruits, and grains) or by problems in the body’s breakdown of oxalates. Such defects may be due to various factors:

  • Severe vitamin B6 deficiencies (usually due to genetic disorders)
  • Deficiencies in Oxalobacter formigenes, an intestinal bacteria that breaks down oxalate
  • Short bowel syndrome, a condition that generally results from removal of portions of the small intestines. It causes an inability to properly absorb fat and nutrients. Calcium may bind to the unabsorbed fat instead of the oxalates, which causes a buildup of oxalate
  • Androgens (male hormones)

Female hormones (estrogens) actually lower the risk of hyperoxaluria. Estrogen may help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones by keeping urine alkaline, and raising protective citrate levels.

Patients who undergo the most common gastric type of bypass surgery, the Roux-en-Y, may be at increased risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones, beginning 6 months after surgery. These patients develop hyperoxaluria, and the condition is common 12 months after surgery.

Excessive Calcium in the Bloodstream (Hypercalcemia). 

Hypercalcemia generally occurs when bones break down and release too much calcium into the bloodstream. This is a process called resorption. It can occur from a number of different diseases and events:

  • Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands cause about 5% of calcium stones. People with this disorder have at least a 20% chance of developing kidney stones. Women are more likely to have this disorder than men.
  • Immobilization: Lack of movement can lead to kidney stones.
  • Renal tubular acidosis: This disorder causes an acidic and alkaline imbalance. Renal tubular acidosis not only increases calcium levels in the bloodstream, but it also reduces protective citrate levels.

Hyperuricosuria is a condition in which there are high levels of uric acid in urine. It occurs in 15 – 20% of people (mostly men) with calcium oxalate stones. Urate, the salt formed from uric acid, creates the center of a crystal (nidus), around which calcium oxalate crystals form and grow. Such stones tend to be severe and recurrent. They appear to be strongly related to a high intake of protein. (Hyperuricosuria also plays a major role in some uric acid stones.)

Low Urine Levels of Citrate (Hypocitraturia). Citrate is the main substance in the body that is responsible for removing excess calcium. It also blocks the process that turns calcium crystals into stones. Low levels of citrate in the urine is a significant risk factor for calcium stones. Hypocitraturia also increases the risk for uric acid stones. This condition most likely contributes to about a third of all kidney stones.

Many conditions can reduce citrate levels. Some causes include:

  • Renal tubular acidosis
  • Potassium or magnesium deficiency
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney failure
  • Chronic diarrhea

Causes of Uric Acid Stones

Human body tissues, and certain foods, substances called purines. Purine-containing foods include dried beans, peas, and liver. When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The presence of a certain level of uric acid in the body is normal, but excess uric acid can lead to stones.

The following conditions are usually seen in patients with uric acid stones:

  • Too much uric acid in the urine for a long period (the most important cause of uric acid stones)
  • Lower than normal amounts of urine produced
  • Hyperuricosuria, a metabolic disorder that leads to high levels of uric acid in the urine

Note: Hyperuricosuria can also trigger calcium stones. Therefore, a combination of calcium and uric acid stones may be present in patients with hyperuricosuria.

A number of conditions and other factors may contribute to, or cause, uric acid stones:

  • Gout: Uric acid and other kidney stones develop in up to 25% of patients with primary gout, a painful form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid in the blood forms crystals in one or more joints.
  • Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have highly acidic urine that can lead to kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones.
  • Insulin resistance: People with insulin resistance have an increased risk for uric acid stones. The reason is unknown but may be related to the transport of certain salts through the kidneys. This transport changes in patients with insulin resistance.
  • Kidney abnormalities: Kidney problems that reduce the production of ammonia, particularly in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, may lead to uric acid stones.
  • Genetic factors: Inherited factors can increase a person’s risk for uric acid stones.
  • Hypocitraturia: Hypocitraturia is a low amount of citrate in the urine.
  • Diet: Eating too much animal protein increases the risk of forming uric acid stones.

Other risk factors include:

  • Certain medications (chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, and salicylates)
  • Binge drinking
  • Not eating for long periods of time (fasting)
  • Lead poisoning
  • Treatment of blood cancers (leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphomas)
  • Some rare types of anemia (low levels of red blood cells in the blood)
  • Chronic diarrhea

How can kidney stones be prevented?

For individuals in good health, preventing kidney stones can be as easy as staying hydrated. Diluting the urine with water keeps the minerals from concentrating and forming stones. When one’s urine is clear, rather than yellow colored, the chance of stone formation is reduced. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to prevent certain types of stones for individuals who are at higher risk.

A study found that a daily glass of orange juice can help prevent the recurrence of kidney stones better than other citrus fruit juices such as lemonade.

If you are prone to kidney stones you should watch your caffeine intake, a study concluded.

water splash from glass of water

Natural Remedies for Kidney Stone Pain Relief 

Your kidney pain may not respond to these home remedies, but you may get some additional relief. Pain medications may be your best option to minimize the intense agony you are feeling.

  1. Increase your water intake dramatically. Try to get 14 glasses of water per day while the kidney stones are passing. Once they have passed, keep drinking plenty of water each day to help prevent future stones.
  2. Add a little citric acid to your water. Squeeze some juice from a fresh lemon or add a lemon slice. The citric acid may help to break down the components of the stone (calcium and salts).
  3. Apply warm compresses to the area. The heat will help to dull the pain.
  4. Find a comfortable position to rest and recover from your kidney stones, but be sure to walk around. Even if walking hurts, get some physical activity each day or you risk getting a serious, and potentially life threatening, blood clot in your leg. You may find that sitting propped up on pillows is much more comfortable than lying on your back.
  5. Drink dandelion root tea. This herbal tea may help to cleanse the kidneys by acting as a diuretic..
  6. Take Marshmallow root. This herb helps to reduce inflammation naturally in the digestive tract. Kidney stones may irritate and inflame the ureter as they pass to the bladder
  7. 1/2 tbspoon of baking soda in 8 oz(1 glass of water) atleast thrice a day is found effective for renal pain
  8. 2 tbsp of Bragg Apple Cider vinegar + 1 tsp of honey + 1 cup of lukewarm water  is effective for calculus pain

How to Remove Kidney Stones Naturally

Kidney stones are solid crystalline masses formed from dietary urates, oxalates, phosphates and carbonates. Once formed, the stones are flushed from the body through the urinary tract. Many people pass small stones without even realizing it; however, if the stones develop sufficient mass, they may have difficulty moving through the urinary passages. This sort of obstruction causes the kidney muscles to contract in an effort to dislodge the stone, leading to pain in the abdomen and lower back. The following home remedies were developed to help dissolve kidney stones and restore normal function to the urinary system.

Drink more water.

Make it a goal to drink at least three liters of water per day. Water will help move the stones through the system, washing away any residual toxins in the process. Drinking more water can help to keep uric acid diluted, which helps prevent the absorption and subsequent collection of the chemical compounds which form kidney stones.

Increase your consumption of natural diuretics such as watermelon, cantaloupe, celery and grapes. By eating these foods you encourage the removal of excess fluids from the body and work to restore the health and function of the kidneys.

Eat more asparagus. Canned, fresh or frozen, this vegetable contains the compound asparagine which breaks up kidney stones. In addition to making the stones smaller and easier to pass, asparagus increases the level of cellular activity within the kidney, increasing the flow of urine and helping to wash the stones from the system.

Take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, add it to 1 cup of water and drink before each meal. The chemical composition of this old-time remedy works to soften and dissolve kidney stones.

Drink linseed tea to break up your kidney stones. Add 2 tablespoons of linseed to 2 cups of boiling water. Allow the seeds to steep for 15 minutes and then pour the brew through a coffee filter to remove the seeds. Add ¼ cup of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of honey and stir until well blended. Enjoy this tea three to five times a day until pain has decreased and kidney function returns to normal.

Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of my favorites and easily one of the most effective remedies for kidney stones and the pain they cause. At the first symptom of stone pain, mix 2 oz of organic olive oil with 2 oz of organic lemon juice.

Drink it straight and follow with a 12 ounce glass of purified water. Wait 30 minutes. Then, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into 12 ounces of purified water, add 1 tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar and drink. Repeat the lemon juice, water and apple cider vinegar recipe every hour until symptoms improve.

Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi is a common folk remedy for kidney stones. Not only will it help fight off infection in the kidneys, but it may also help reduce pain and cleanse the urinary tract. 500mg three times a day is recommended for kidney stones.

Dandelion Root

Organic dandelion root is a great kidney tonic and cleanser. Taking up to 500 mg twice a day may be beneficial.

Kidney Beans

The shape of this bean may be indicative of its healing potential. An effective urinary home remedy for kidney stones, traditionally the pods were used as a medicinal tonic.

Try removing the beans from inside the pods, and then boil the pods in purified hot water for six hours. This liquid can be strained through cheese cloth, cooled and taken throughout the day for one day to ease kidney stone pain.

Horsetail

A diuretic, horsetail tea is an effective natural remedy for kidney stones. Drink up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily or 2 grams of the herb in capsule form daily.

Pomegranate Juice

We’ve all heard that pomegranates have many health benefits. But, more specifically, the seeds and juice of pomegranates can be considered another natural remedy for kidney stones. This may be related to their sourness and astringent properties. I prefer eating organic pomegranates and drinking freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice

Magnesium

Studies show that people with recurrent kidney stones who took magnesium supplements had a 92.3 percent improvement rate in reduction of kidney stones. 300 mg of magnesium orotate is recommended daily for prevention and reduction of stones.

 Organic Celery

Celery in vegetable form and celery seed are great diuretics and kidney tonics. Regular use of celery seed, as a spice or as a tea, may prevent kidney stone formation

Basil

A kidney tonifier, basil tea can be taken throughout the day for overall kidney health. If you have kidney stones, try taking one teaspoon each of basil juice with raw honey daily for up to six months. It’s believed that folk remedies with pure basil juice can help induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.

Change in Diet

Unhealthy food intake is a primary cause of kidney stones. Cut down on the amount of soda and energy drinks you consume. Avoid processed foods and alcoholic beverages. Add more fruits and veggies to your diet, especially those listed above.

The remedies listed above are not intended to replace medical care. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain from kidney stones, see your doctor immediately. For optimal health, recommend performing a colon cleanse, liver and gallbladder cleanse, chemical and heavy metal cleanse and even a harmful organism cleanse at least 1-2 times a year.

Herbal Method for renal calculus expulsion

There are numerous herbs that can be used for a kidney stone cleanse, and many home remedies to use them. Using herbs is generally unnecessary unless you are having severe back pain. This recipe, taken from Dr. Hulda Clark consists of the following:

  • 1/2 cup of dried hydrangea root
  • 1/2 cup of gravel root
  • 1/2 cup of marshmallow root
  • 8 oz. Black Cherry Concentrate
  • Pinch vitamin B2 powder
  • HCl drops (Hydrocloric Acid)
  • Honey, Agave Nectar, or Maple Syrup for Sweetening (optional)

Take a 1/4 cup of each root and soak in ten cups of cold water in a plastic bowl covered. It’s important that the bowl and lid is not metal. After soaking for a few minutes, add vitamin B2 powder. Allow the mixture to sit overnight (minimum of four hours), and then heat to boiling. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Next, add the black cherry concentrate and bring the heat back to boiling. Strain the mixture and pour into a glass jar. Allow the mixture to cool and drink 3/4 cups of the tea, add two drops of HCl, and sip slowly throughout the day. Refrigerate half of the tea to use one week, and freeze the other half for another week.

Measure 1/4 (one fourth) cup of each root [half of the roots] and set them to soak, together in 10 cups of cold tap water, using a non-metal container and a non-metal lid (a dinner plate will do). Add vitamin B2 powder. After four hours (or overnight), heat to boiling and simmer for 20 minutes. Add black cherry concentrate [8oz.] and bring back to boiling. Pour through a bamboo or plastic strainer into glass jar. Drink 3/4 (three fourths) cup by sipping slowly throughout the day (stir in two drops HCl first). Refrigerate half to use this week, and freeze the other half for next week.

Kidney Cleanse Diet

A successful kidney cleanse requires a healthy diet.  A few days before doing a cleanse eat light meals.  During the fast, drink plenty of fresh fruit and/or vegetable juices throughout the day. Lunch should be the largest meal of the day, consisting of raw or cooked vegetables, salad with olive oil and lemon juice, baked potato, egg yolk, brown rice, baked fish, or baked turkey.  You can also eat vegetable soup and dark rye bread.  Avoid red meat, smoked meats, pork, and canned fish.


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