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 by Dr. Rita Louise
A kidney stone is a hard mass that develops when crystals separate from the urine and build up on the inner surface of the kidney. Normally urine contains chemicals in it which prevents crystals from forming. It has been found that this mechanism doesn't work properly in individuals who form kidney stones.
If these crystals remain small enough, they pass through the urinary tract without being noticed. At times, however, these stones grown in size, making them difficult if not impossible to pass. The first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain. The pain often begins suddenly when a stone enters the urinary tract causing irritation or blockage.
Typically, a person feels a sharp cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin. If the stone is large, this pain will continue as the muscles of the ureter squeeze the stone along to the bladder. This movement may cause some blood to appear in the urine, or there may be a need to urinate more often. If fever or chills accompany any of these symptoms, an infection may be present, and it is important to contact your primary care physician immediately.
Kidney stones occur more frequently in men with the first stone affected them between the ages of 20 and 40. If a person develops more than one stone, others are likely to develop. People with a family history of kidney stones, kidney disorders and metabolic disorders such as hyperprathyroidism are more likely to develop stones as well. Other causes can include gout, excessive intake of vitamin D and blockages of the urinary tract. Certain diuretics and calcium-based antacids may also increase the risk of forming kidney stones.
Thankfully, there are a number of alternative health remedies you can try to help with kidneystones naturally.
Recommendations for Wellness
- If you have kidney stones, a combination of lobelia and wild yam in a glass of warm water can help relax the ureters, relieve pain and hasten the passing of stones.
- Marshmallow can help soothe inflamed tissues in the urinary tract.
- Vitamin A promotes the healing of the urinary tract lining.
- Chinese Kidney Activator can be used to sooth inflamed tissues, alleviate pain and provide a natural diuretic action, thus increasing the flow of urine through the urinary tract.
- A simple yet important recommendation to help prevent kidney stones is to drink more water - enough water to produce at least two quarts of urine daily. Water dilutes the urine.
- Drinking a glass of fresh lemon juice in a glass of warm water has been reported to help prevent stones from forming.
- Hydrangea is best known for its solvent properties. The solvent properties found in hydrangea help break-down and prevent further formation of stones and deposits in the urinary system.
- Aloe vera juice can be useful in preventing stone formation and reducing the size of a stone during an attack.
- Zinc is also known to inhibit crystallization, which leads to stone formation.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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