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Kidney Stones
Overview:
Kidney stones are an accumulation of mineral salts that can lodge any where along the course of the urinary tract. The salts calcium, magnesium phosphorus, oxalic acid and uric acid which saturate the urine, crystallize and form stones which can be jagged or smooth.
Signs and Symptoms:
Kidney stones can be one of the most painful of ailments. The pain radiates from the upper back to the lower abdomen and groin, causing excessive sweating, frequent urination, odorous and/or cloudy urine. Sometimes blood or pus appear in the urine and fever and chills occur.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Metabolism malfunction or depressed immunity are thought to be linked to kidney stone formation. Other risk factors include reduced urinary output, heredity, living in a tropical climate which 'promotes dehydration and dietary habits.
Risk Factor:
These factors may increase your risk of developing kidney stones: Lack of fluids, Family or personal history, Age and sex, Diet, Limited activity, Obesity, High blood pressure, Gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea.
Treatment:
Treatment for kidney stones varies, depending on the type of stone and the cause. You may be able to move a stone through your urinary tract simply by drinking plenty of water — as much as 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.8 liters) a day — and by staying physically active.
Stones that can't be treated with more-conservative measures — either because they're too large to pass on their own or because they cause bleeding, kidney damage or ongoing urinary tract infections — may need professional treatment.
Lifestyle Management:
By far the single most important factor is to increase water consumption. Water dilutes urine and helps prevent concentrations of the minerals and the salts that form stones. Cranberry juice helps to acidify the urine and lemon juice in warm water first thing in the morning is a good preventive. Foods rich in vitamin A ie. sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, apricots, and alfalfa are beneficial to the urinary tract.