Kidney Stones
Tiny deposits of hardened minerals and salts, kidney stones as their name suggests develop within the kidneys, part of the body’s urinary tract. While there are numerous causes for them (including digestive/ assimilation problems, a diet rich in certain minerals, recurrent urinary tract infections, and genetic factors), stones develop from concentrated levels of minerals and salts such as calcium, phosphorus, and oxalate in urine.
These stones can either stay in the kidneys or travel out along the urinary tract. Many smaller stones are able to be passed out of the bodily easily through urination with little to no pain, while larger ones can become lodged and block urine flow, causing considerable discomfort. Symptoms include bloody and bad smelling urine, pain during urination, irregular urinating patterns (either going too little or too often), reduced urine levels, and severe lower back/abdominal pain coupled with vomiting and nausea. In some extreme cases a fever and chills may develop as well.
There are several kinds of kidney stones: Calcium stones (primarily composed of calcium oxalate, which is found in a number of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and is also produced by the liver), Struvite stones (which form in response to an infection), uric acid stones (often form in people who are under hydrated or eat a high protein diet), and cysteine stones (found in people with a genetic condition in which the kidneys secrete excessive amounts of the amino acid cysteine). The likelihood of developing any of these types of stones are increased by different factors including obesity, dehydration, high protein/sodium/sugar diets, digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, and urinary tract infections.
If You Are Suffering from Kidney Stones
Treatment for kidney stones varies depending upon the size of the stone and the severity of any blockage it may be causing. For smaller stones drinking enough water, taking a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or taking an alpha blocker medication proscribed by your doctor can all help in clearing the blockage. For larger stones and more severe blockages more intensive measures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces to alleviate the blockage, a surgical procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and inserting a ureteroscope through the urethra to find and subsequently remove the stone.
Additionally your doctor may also, depending upon the variety of stones you are dealing with, medication to help lower the mineral/salt levels in your urine.
Lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water regularly, adopting a diet low in sodium and animal protein, and lessening usage of calcium supplements, can be effective preventative measures against future stone build up.
A Whole Health Perspective
Looking at Kidney Stones through a Whole Health model, we explore the individual’s unique presentation from the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ perspective.