Kidney Stones

What do we do about Kidney stones?

Many years ago Americans ate natural wholesome foods and kidney stones were unheard of. As our diets became lower in fiber and higher in fat, sugar, dairy, and processed chemicals, this problem is now very common.

The main type of kidney stone is made out of calcium salts, especially the oxalate type. A small percentage are made of calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.  A very small remaining percentage are uric acid. I am going to talk about the main type. This blog will not be for gout.

If you have been diagnosed with kidney stones, you should be under the care of a physician to rule out other conditions or to check for infection. Very large stones may need to be hospitalized. This condition can be a medical emergency if stones block the urinary tract. But for small stones, there is a lot you can do and many lifestyle choices to make so they don’t return.

Root Causes of Kidney Stones

1. Lack of Fiber in the Diet

A low-fiber diet can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Fiber helps regulate calcium absorption and can reduce the amount of oxalate in the urine. Without enough fiber, oxalate levels in the urine can rise, increasing the likelihood of calcium oxalate stones forming.

2. Chronic Dehydration

Chronic dehydration is one of the leading causes of kidney stones. When you don’t drink enough fluids, urine becomes more concentrated, and minerals like calcium can crystallize and form stones. It’s important to drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day to dilute the urine and flush out excess minerals.

3. Urinary pH

The acidity or alkalinity of your urine (urinary pH) plays a significant role in kidney stone formation. A low pH (acidic urine) may encourage the formation of uric acid stones, while an alkaline pH (higher than normal levels of pH) can promote the formation of calcium phosphate stones. An imbalance in urinary pH can contribute to kidney stone formation.

4. Not enough good Vitamin D from the Sun

Allopathic doctors will tell you to avoid excess calcium. This is incorrect. Your body needs calcium so it doesn't leech from your bones and end up with kidney stones. Get outside in the sunshine. If you can't, take D3 with K2 (must be together).

5. Hyperparathyroidism

This condition occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), which increases calcium levels in the blood and urine. This elevated calcium concentration can contribute to stone formation.

6. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with higher levels of calcium and oxalate in the urine, which can contribute to stone formation. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic syndrome, may also play a role in kidney stone formation.

Testing Techniques for Kidney Stones

To diagnose kidney stones and understand the underlying causes, several testing techniques can be used. These tests can help identify the type of stones, whether they're made of calcium salts, and other contributing factors.

Urinary pH Test

This test measures the acidity or alkalinity of your urine. It can help determine if urinary pH imbalances are contributing to stone formation.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that can detect the presence of kidney stones. It is commonly used because it doesn’t involve radiation and can provide clear images of the kidneys and urinary tract.

CT Scan

A CT scan is a detailed imaging technique that can detect kidney stones, even small ones. It is often used if the ultrasound results are inconclusive or if additional detail is needed.

Urine Culture

A urine culture can identify any urinary tract infections (UTIs) that might be contributing to kidney stones. UTIs can sometimes lead to struvite stones, a different type of kidney stone.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can assess kidney function and calcium levels, helping to determine if conditions like hyperparathyroidism or other metabolic issues may be contributing to kidney stones.

Recommended Foods to Prevent Kidney Stones

A healthy diet is a key factor in preventing kidney stones, especially calcium salt stones. Including certain foods in your diet can help reduce your risk.

Recommended Foods:

• Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and other greens are high in fiber and help regulate calcium absorption.

• Citrus Fruits: Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are rich in citric acid, which can help prevent calcium salts from forming stones.

• Water-Rich Vegetables: Cucumbers, zucchini, and celery are great for hydration and flushing out excess minerals.

• Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are high in fiber and beneficial in maintaining kidney health.

  
  

Foods to Avoid to Prevent Kidney Stones

Certain foods can increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly calcium oxalate stones. It’s important to limit or avoid these foods in your diet.

Foods to Avoid:

• High-Oxalate Foods: Spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts should be limited, as oxalates can combine with calcium to form stones.

• Salty Snacks: Excess salt in the diet increases calcium excretion, contributing to stone formation. Limit processed foods, chips, and high-sodium items.

• Red Meat: Consuming too much animal protein can increase the risk of calcium phosphate stones. Limit beef, pork, and lamb.

• Sugary Beverages: Soda, fruit juices with added sugar, and other sweetened drinks can increase the risk of kidney stones. Stick to water and herbal teas.

  
  

Natural Remedies to Support Kidney Health

There are several natural remedies and herbs that may help support kidney health and prevent stone formation.

Natural Remedies:

• Dandelion Root: Known for its diuretic properties, dandelion root helps promote urine flow and supports kidney function.

• Inositol Hexaphosphate - IP-6: Take 120mg twice per day

• Aloe Vera: Drink 1/4 cup per day

• Juniper Berry Tea: Drink 3 cups per day when you have a stone

• Horsetail Herb: This herb has diuretic effects and is thought to help prevent kidney stones by promoting urinary tract health.

• Nettle Leaf: Nettle is believed to support kidney function and prevent urinary stones due to its ability to improve urine flow.

• Cranberry Extract: Often used for urinary tract health, cranberry can help reduce the risk of kidney stones by lowering urinary pH.

• Magnesium: Take 250mg twice a day to prevent formation of crystals

• Vitamin B6 to reduce crystals