A kidney stone or renal calculus is a solid mass that consists of aggregates of crystals and small amounts of proteins and glycoproteins. There can be one or more stones present at the same time in the kidney, bladder or ureter. The type of stones tends to vary in individuals in different parts of the world. Dietary factors probably play a part in determining varying patterns. Kidney stones are more common in young men.
Allopathic treatments for Kidney Stones include phosphate solutions, allopurinol (for uric acid stones), antibiotics (for struvite stones), and agents that alkalinize the urine such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate. However these Allopathic treatments do not cure Kidney stones. They are merely a way of suppressing symptoms.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
The pH of urine influences the formation of stones. Alkaline urine tends to increase precipitation of calcium phosphate and may be responsible for calcium phosphate stones. Kidney stones are formed when there is an alteration in the relative proportions of crystalloids and glycoaminoglycans in the urine.
Conditions associated with the formation kidney stones are:
• Obstruction of the urinary tract
• Infection of the urinary tract
• Climate or occupation giving rise to excessive sweating
• Inherited disorders like cystinuria and xanthinuria
• Gout, medullary sponge kidney
Types of Kidney Stones
• Calcium phosphate stones are very common and easily dissolve in Vitamin C acidified urine.
• Calcium oxalate stones are common. Oxalate is present in certain foods. Diseases of the small intestine increase the tendency to form calcium oxalate stones. These stones do not dissolve in acidified urine.
• Struvite stones (Magnesium ammonium phosphate) are not very common. Struvite stones are mainly found in women after a urinary tract infection. They can grow very large and may obstruct the kidney, ureter or bladder. They dissolve in vitamin C acidified urine.
• Uric acid stones result from difficulty in metabolizing purine (the chemical base of adenine, xanthine, theobromine [in chocolate] and uric acid). They may form in a condition such as gout.
• Cystine stones are rare and may form in persons with cystinuria. It is a hereditary disorder affecting both men and women due to an inability to reabsorb cystine. Children usually suffer from these types of stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
• Kidney stones may not produce any pain or other symptoms until they begin to move down the ureter.
• Pain is usually severe and often starts in the flank region, and moves down to the groin. Pain in the back and flank may be bilateral or unilateral.
• Pain may be progressive, severe, colicky (spasmodic) or pricking.
• Vomiting and nausea may be present.
• Excessive and painful urination.
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Blood or abnormal color of urine.
• Fever with chills may be present.
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
There may be severe tenderness of the abdomen or back. If the stones are big, persistent, or recurring, there may be signs of kidney failure or other kidney diseases.
The following tests help in diagnosing kidney stones:
--Routine analysis of the urine may reveal the type of stone, levels of calcium, phosphate and oxalate, and protein loss if any.
--Ultrasound scan
--Intravenous pyelography
--X-ray of the abdomen
--C T Scan of the abdomen
--MRI of the abdomen
--Retrograde pyelogram
Treatment of Kidney Stones
The treatment depends on the type and cause of the stone. Most stones can be treated without surgery. Drinking enough water (21/2 to 3 liters, a day) to produce a high urinary output and staying physically active are often enough to move a stone out of the body.
The primary goal of treatment is to relieve pain and other symptoms and prevent a further formation of stones. Usually, kidney stones pass out on their own.
Hospitalization may be required if the symptoms are severe, or in the case of complications.
When the stone passes, the urine should be strained and the stone saved for analysis to determine its type.
Pain-relieving medicine may be needed to control renal colic (pain associated with the passage of stones). Severe pain may require narcotic analgesics.
Depending on the type of stone, medications may be given to decrease stone formation and/or aid in the break-down and excretion of the material causing the stone. These may include medications such as diuretics, phosphate solutions, allopurinol (for uric acid stones), antibiotics (for struvite stones), and agents that alkalinize the urine such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate.
If the stone does not pass out on its own, surgical removal may be required. Lithotripsy may be an alternative to surgery. Ultrasonic waves or shock waves are used to break up the stones, so they may be expelled in the urine (extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy) or removed with an endoscope that is inserted into the kidney via a small flank incision (percutaneous nephrolithotomy).
Diet modification is essential to prevent recurrence.
Biogetica Therapy
Kidney stones / renal calculi can be single or multiple, they are known for their propensity to recur. Biogetica offers products which are a combination of Ayurvedic herbs, resonance Homeopathic therapies including sarcodes and nosodes, and dietary supplements. Traditionally used natural ingredients are known to support optimal renal functions. Similarly nosodes and sarcodes based on classical homeopathic principle of 'Like Cures Like' remind corresponding tissues of specific functions and encourage optimal urinary pH balance and metabolism.
Please consult your doctor regularly. You may also chat live with one of our Homeopathy or Ayurveda experts for additional help which is not to be construed as medical advice.
Complications Associated with Kidney Stones
• Recurrence of stones
• Kidney damage - where the affected kidney becomes functionless with hydronephrosis
• Urinary tract infection
• Obstruction of the ureter, acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
Prevention of Kidney Stones
Preventive strategies include dietary modifications and sometimes taking drugs with the goal of reducing the excretory load on the kidneys.
• Drinking enough water to induce a urinary output of 2 to 3 liters, a day.
• Drinking enough water to induce a urinary output of 2 to 3 liters, a day.
• Drinking water from a tender coconut, daily, is good for kidney function and prevents the formation of stones.
• A diet low in calcium, protein, nitrogen and sodium is beneficial.
• Restriction of oxalate-rich foods.
• Taking drugs (after consulting your primary care physician) such as thiaxide, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate and allopurinol, depending on the cause of the stone.
• Avoid certain foods that may increase the risk of stones such as tomatoes, spinach, grapes, rhubarb, chocolates, peanuts, cashews, apples and berries.
We have a 100% money-back guarantee, to support our firm belief in our products, and to build trust in customers who have been facing battles they thought would be lifelong! You may return the products within 120 days of your order date for a full refund of the purchase price. You may alternatively request a free consultation and additional remedies if you are not 100% better. Our mission is fulfilled only when you are better. Hence, we stand by our customers and do what it takes to make you feel great! We can afford to do this, because the customers who re-order or refer us to friends and family, are 20 times more than those who ask for a return. So, go ahead and give us a try. You'll be glad you did.
