Kidney stones are known to be one of the oldest medical conditions affecting people all over the world. The occurrence of kidney stones in the urinary tract is extremely common, however, given the fact that most cases see the stones pass out of the body naturally; no alarm bells are often raised. Under normal conditions, urine contains a chemical that will prevent the creation of crystals. However, some individuals are not as effectively protected against this occurrence as others and this will result in the coagulation of chemicals that are found in urine, phosphorous, calcium and oxalic acid which turn into a hard, crystallized object. These kidney stones can vary greatly in size and while some stones may be as small as a grain of dust, others may be as big as a bird's egg. While the causes of the development of kidney stones are not extensively known as yet, it is usually attributed to a weakness in the overall metabolism of the individual. When the urine is highly concentrate as a result of excessive sweating or an inadequate consumption of fluid, the kidney is more prone to infection.
Other known causes of the condition include excessive consumption of acid forming foods, sugar, meat, tea, coffee, spices and seasonings. French beans are known to be extremely beneficial when dealing with kidney problems and kidney stones in particular. For the best results, you should try removing the beans from inside the pods, slicing them and mixing about 40 grams of it in four liters of hot water. Boil the solution slowly for six hours. After straining the liquid with the help of a muslin cloth, let it cool for eight hours. The patient should be made to drink the concoction every two hours through the course of the first day, after which drinking it regularly during the course of the week will suffice. The best natural method for the removal of kidney stones is to drink plenty of water. Drinking herbal teas such as those made from the leaves of stinging nettles will prevent the formation of crystals in the kidneys and helps wash away bacteria. Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A which is essential in the maintenance of the overall health of the kidneys. Other foods that are beneficial as a result of their high vitamin A content include pumpkin, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Sip a little water throughout your day to ensure the continuous disposal of salts in the body.
answered by G M
In most cases, kidney stones can be prevented by adhering to a few lifestyle changes. If preventive measures do not prove to be effective and medical tests disclose that the stones are getting larger, your medical expert may prescribe specific medications to control the growth. Doctors usually advocate that patients with a record of kidney stones should pass at least 2 quarts (approximately 2 liters) of urine every day. In order to do this, patients need to consume at least 15 cups (3 liters) of fluids daily - and even more if the climate is hot and dry. Water is the best form of fluid to be consumed on a daily basis. Lemons are also believed to be useful and a glass or two of homemade lemonade can also be had daily, in addition to the water consumed. Do not use powdered ready-made lemonade mixes, rather it is best to consume lemon juice made with fresh lemons. Fresh lemon juice increases the levels of citrate in the urine, and citrate helps in the prevention of kidney stone formation.
Patients who have a past history of calcium oxalate stones, can benefit from cutting back on certain foods rich in oxalates. Foods that are rich in oxalates and must be avoided include, garden rhubarb, carambola, beetroots, beet greens, collard greens, lady's-finger, dried beans, spinach, chard, sweet potatoes, sesames, sweet almonds and soy products. Research reveals that a diet low in salt and animal protein can vastly reduce the probabilities of developing kidney stones. A diet abundant in magnesium and potassium like avocados, pears, brown rice and broccoli helps to lower the level of oxalates. A high consumption of fiber is also useful in reducing the level of calcium in the urine; however, drastically cutting down on the intake of calcium in the body can prove to be harmful to those who endure osteoporosis. It is important to take the recommendation of a physician before making any dietary modifications.
As a general rule, limiting one's consumption of calcium does not seem to lower the risk of developing kidney stones. On the contrary, medical experts have discovered that women with a high calcium intake are less likely to form kidney stones than women who take in less calcium. This is because, dietary calcium sticks to oxalates in the digestive tract so that oxalates do not get absorbed by the intestine and eliminated by the kidney to form stones. An exception to this rule takes place when a person takes in higher dietary calcium than necessary. During such a time, curbing the intake of calcium is useful. Medical experts claim that calcium supplements also have the same preventative effect as dietary calcium, but only if they are taken with meals.
answered by G M