Kidney Stones - NL-016
Around 12% of men and 7% of women will have to deal with kidney stones at some point in their lives. Statistics show that once you have suffered through them, you're more likely to have them again.
Kidney stones aren't always a problem, and usually pass through urination without causing issues. The problem, however, is that stones can grow to a size that interferes with the urinary tract and causes severe pain.
Statistics suggest that those who have had a kidney stone, regardless of the need for surgery or the successful passing of it, have an 80% chance of experiencing it again. On the brighter side, this often leads people to explore natural remedies.
What are the causes of Kidney Stones?
In the majority of cases, individuals who suffer from kidney stones have an underlying chemical imbalance playing a part in their propensity to develop them. Even so, it is generally the case that those who get kidney stones do not drink enough water, instead opting for increased amounts of coffee and soda.
Doctors who hold to traditional practices have stated that high amounts of calcium, taking an over-abundance of vitamins, consuming large amounts of animal protein, and hereditary traits could all be attributed to the development of the condition.
Though genetics may potentially make one more prone to developing kidney stones, it is more likely that such an affliction is passed down through learned behaviour within the family. Factors such as the taking of certain drugs, the use of low-grade supplements, drinking soda, eating factory-farmed meats and dairy, consuming too much table salt, drinking tap water, and maintaining an acidic diet can all contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
It is generally accepted that the notion of the high calcium hypothesis is false, and sadly, there remain many physicians who continue to suggest it. Evidence has demonstrated that restricting calcium intake is not beneficial and, in fact, has the potential to make the situation worse.
An acidic, modern diet can lead to problems like kidney stones.
Consuming an unprocessed, nutrient-rich diet can help ward off kidney stones.
Different Types of Kidney Stones
The formation of a kidney stone is normally due to an accumulation of minerals, acid salts, and other substances in the urine that form into a stone. This usually occurs when the urine is excessively acidic or alkaline, or when an insufficient amount of fluids (or the wrong type of fluids) is consumed.
Different types of stones can be observed, such as Struvite stones, which tend to form in women due to urinary tract infections. Uric acid stones are the result of a poor protein metabolism caused by the intake of factory farmed animal products.
Lastly, cystine stones, which are quite uncommon, arise from a genetic condition that leads to the kidneys expelling considerable amounts of particular amino acids.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Taking magnesium citrate with an extra dosage of vitamin B6, as well as drinking stevia-sweetened lemonade, while maintaining a healthy diet, usually prevents the formation of sizeable kidney stones.
A study conducted by Harvard researchers discovered that taking 180mg of magnesium and 10mg of B6 daily can prevent more than 90% of kidney stones. Additional research has demonstrated that taking 500mg of magnesium on a daily basis can also significantly reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Diet is important
For a nutritious regimen, one should consume fresh, organic produce. Refined foods, including salt, sugar, and flour ought to be avoided. Additionally, drinking plenty of water, preferably spring water, is beneficial. Furthermore, it is suggested to drink lemon water sweetened with stevia daily, as lemons can help ward off kidney stones.
If you are fond of coffee, it may be beneficial to switch to tea instead. Research indicates that both black and green tea can reduce the probability of kidney stones.
Additionally, it is best not to consume animal products that were raised in factory farms. Furthermore, you must be careful when selecting supplements and try to avoid any poor-quality products, particularly protein powders, vitamin C, D, calcium, and minerals. Our vitamin products, however, are liposomal.
Raw apple cider vinegar, dandelion root, olive oil, kidney beans, and watermelon are all foods that can help to both prevent and eradicate kidney stones.
Natural Remedies for combating Kidney Stones
- A recommendation is to consume 1 litre of stevia lemon water mixed with cranberry juice for every 25kgs of bodyweight, daily. It's all right for a short-term period, especially for helping to pass stones and treating urinary infections as cranberry juice contains polyphenolic compounds that dissolve kidney stones and flush them out of the urinary system. However, long-term usage has been proven in some studies to potentially form stones, mostly because of the high oxalic acid content.
- Consuming a cup of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of unrefined blackstrap molasses each day can help to balance the body's pH.
When searching for a tincture or tea to treat kidney stones, be sure to look for the following herbs, which have demonstrated a successful track record of relieving pain associated with the condition:
- The leaf of the stinging nettle plant is beneficial in maintaining an efficient passage of fluid through the kidneys and bladder, thus helping to prevent the formation of stones.
Hydrangea root has been identified as a potent diuretic and antilithic herb, which can expel and protect against kidney stones. - Gravel root is beneficial in defending against kidney stones, as it promotes the release of urine and helps to maintain an alkaline pH by eliminating any surplus of uric acid, which is a factor in kidney stone formation.
- The marshmallow root is beneficial in flushing out toxins and calming the urinary system's cellular layers, thereby facilitating the passing of kidney stones.
- The horsetail herb is beneficial for moderating the calcium levels in the body and alleviating inflammation of the urinary tract.
- Uva ursi leaves are employed to expand renal circulation and decrease the acidity of the urine.
- Consumption of corn silk can decrease the possibility of recurrent kidney stones and can be beneficial for treating bladder infections.
- The goldenrod flower has been known to help flush out kidney stones, as well as to aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections.
It is better to prevent a problem rather than having to fight it. If you recognize that your drinking habits are not healthy, like drinking too much coffee or soda or having an acidic diet, this is a good time to make some changes.
For those who have experienced or are presently enduring the pain of kidney stones, it is suggested to incorporate both preventive measures and treatments to terminate the current episode and keep them from happening again.