Kidney Stones
Description
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"Kidney Stones" are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys when waste substances like calcium or uric acid become overly concentrated. These stones can block urine flow, causing sharp lower back pain, nausea, or blood in the urine. Dehydration and high-oxalate diets increase risk. Staying well-hydrated, limiting salt, and moderating animal protein can help prevent recurrence. Treatment depends on stone size and type, but prompt care supports kidney function and lowers the chance of painful recurrences.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Kidneys and Urinary System
Causes
Environmental Factors, Diet, Low Urine Volume, Genetics, Low Bodily pH
Things To Do
The dietary recommendations for kidney stones include:
hydration. Drinking large amounts of quality water, especially distilled water, helps dilute urine, prevent kidney stone formation, and flush out existing stones.
Drink water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Citric acid is known to improve pain.
consume a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats.
incorporate foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, mangoes, papayas, etc.
foods containing vitamin B6, such as dark leafy greens, potatoes, pumpkins, avocados, carrots, etc.
foods rich in magnesium, such as dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, bananas, seeds, whole grains, etc.
foods containing zinc, such as dairy products, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, kidney beans, broccoli, etc.
calcium-rich foods, such as
anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits and vegetables, turmeric, garlic, ginger, seeds, a limited amount of fish, herbs, spices, etc.
Furthermore, try the following:
If you follow any fasting regimen, always drink plenty of fluids during that period. Hydration is key for kidney stone treatment.
regular low-intesity physical exercise. Walking, swimming, or cycling can speed up the time needed to pass a kidney stone.
maintain a healthy weight.
get enough restful sleep.
practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.
Things To Avoid
The following foods and products should be avoided for kidney stone problems:
processed, junk, and fast foods.
sugar, desserts, candy, sugary snacks, and beverages. Insulemic responses cause calcium excretion.
oxalates found in foods such as spinach, beetroot greens, celery, blueberries, strawberries, almonds, peanuts, cocoa, rhubarb, etc.
purine-containing foods, such as fish, seafood, shellfish, and meats.
beer, carbonated drinks, coffee, and black tea.
In cystine stones, avoid the amino acid L-cystine.
Watch out for salt intake. Sodium should be limited in people with kidney stones.
Watch out for animal protein. Do not eat excessive amounts of it if you have kidney stones.
dehydration.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
sedentary lifestyle.
chronic stress.
smoking.
being overweight and obese.
medications that impact the kidneys.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect kidney stones by inhibiting crystal formation, supporting mineral balance, or promoting the breakdown and flushing of stones.
Magnesium: Magnesium citrate helps prevent the crystallization of calcium oxalate in urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. It also impedes the absorption of dietary oxalate, contributing to overall kidney stone prevention.
Potassium: Potassium citrate acts as a urinary alkalinizer, reducing urine acidity and enhancing protective compounds like citrate. This helps lower calcium oxalate supersaturation and decreases the risk of stone recurrence.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps lower the excretion of oxalate in urine, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by keeping oxalate levels in check.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, conditions that can contribute to stone formation. It also helps reduce calcium oxalate crystal aggregation, supporting kidney stone prevention.
Chondroitin: Chondroitin affects the surface of calcium oxalate crystals, potentially preventing their aggregation and deposition, thus helping to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Vitamin D3/K2: Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, while Vitamin K2 ensures that calcium is directed to bones rather than soft tissues like the kidneys. This calcium-balancing effect may help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target kidney stones directly but may support urinary tract health, reduce inflammation, or enhance hydration and detoxification.
Probiotics: Probiotics help break down oxalate in the gut, with strains like Oxalobacter formigenes reducing oxalate absorption and excretion in urine. This process lowers the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.
Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of kidney stones. They help lower urinary oxalate levels and decrease calcium oxalate supersaturation, both key factors in stone prevention.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys, protecting against conditions that favor kidney stone formation and reducing the risk of stone development.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage kidney stones by supporting stone dissolution, improving urinary flow, or balancing mineral levels.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help dissolve kidney stones and prevent new ones from forming by altering urine pH. Its mild diuretic effects promote increased urine flow, helping flush out the kidneys, while its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce urinary tract inflammation and pain.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate raises urinary pH and may help prevent uric acid stones by neutralizing excess acidity. It’s used in urology to reduce stone risk in patients with acidic urine profiles.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support relief from kidney stones by promoting diuresis, reducing crystal aggregation, or relaxing the urinary tract.
Chanca Piedra Extract: Chanca piedra, known as the "stone breaker," inhibits the growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, helping prevent kidney stones. Its diuretic properties also assist in flushing out small stones and reducing the risk of stone formation.
Berberine: Berberine acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, and urinary alkalinizer. By reducing urinary calcium and oxalate levels, it helps prevent calcium oxalate stones from forming, contributing to kidney stone prevention.
Tribulus Terrestris Extract: Tribulus terrestris lowers the excretion of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate, addressing key factors in kidney stone formation. It also combats oxidative stress and restores antioxidant enzyme activity in kidney tissue, providing additional protection against stones.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice or lime juice bind with calcium through its citrate content, helping to prevent the formation of kidney stones by reducing calcium crystal buildup.
Horsetail Extract: Horsetail is a natural diuretic that increases urine production, helping flush out excess minerals that contribute to kidney stone formation. Its antioxidant properties also protect the kidneys from oxidative stress, reducing stone risk.
Uva Ursi Extract: Uva ursi acts as a mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic, promoting increased urine flow and reducing urinary tract inflammation. It helps prevent mineral crystallization and supports the expulsion of small stones.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on kidney stones but may support liver and kidney function, reduce oxidative stress, or promote internal fluid balance.
Dandelion Root Extract: Dandelion root’s diuretic properties increase urine production, helping flush out the kidneys and reduce the risk of stone formation. It also supports liver and kidney detoxification, contributing to overall kidney health.
Parsley Extract: Parsley’s diuretic effects increase urine output, helping flush out toxins and minerals that may contribute to kidney stone formation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help protect the kidneys and urinary tract.
Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice or extract helps acidify urine, reducing the risk of calcium stone formation. Its diuretic properties increase urine flow, flushing out the urinary tract and preventing mineral buildup that leads to stones.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support urinary health, promote kidney function, and assist the body in eliminating or preventing stone formation.
Ayurveda: Ayurvedic formulations, such as Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), and Varun (Crataeva nurvala), promote the breakdown and passage of kidney stones, especially smaller ones, through the urinary tract. They also help reduce stone size and alleviate symptoms like hematuria and urinary frequency.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture supports kidney and bladder meridian function, and clinical studies suggest it may reduce renal colic pain and improve urinary flow. Points like BL23 and KI3 are used to regulate kidney qi and promote smooth urination.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
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Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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