Dec 27 2009
All About Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones? That sounds barbaric. Well, in one sense, they are. Kidney stones are small, hard, mineral deposits produced inside these vital organs. When they form they can range everywhere from unnoticeable to something you hope you never notice again. But what are they made of and how do they form? What can we do about them?
As the small sacs (nephrons) in the kidneys go about their vital work of filtering the blood, regulating electrolytes and performing other tasks they can malfunction. When that happens, small crystals can form. They might be made chiefly of calcium, uric acid, or other materials found inside these fist-sized organs.
Over time, they can reach a size where they stimulate the nerves as they pass down from the kidneys through the ureters on their way to the bladder. If they get large enough (about 1 mm, the width of a pencil lead) that ‘nerve stimulation’ may be in the form of intense pain.
Despite those strong feelings, they rarely do much physical damage to the tissues on their way out of the body. Even less often do they require any specific treatment, much less surgery. Anyone affected, though, will generally want to take pain medication, since the pain can last up to an hour. Along with the pain, other symptoms may include cloudy urination, usually a sign of excess protein. On rare occasions, the urine may even be bloody.
The causes are manifold and often mysterious.
A small percentage of people have a hereditary disorder that increases the likelihood of forming a type called cystine stones. The genetic defect causes them to produce excess cystinuria, a type of amino acid.
More commonly, they may result from a urinary tract infection, which can produce struvite stones. These form in a horn shape and the jagged edges produce a particularly intense pain as they move through the system. They also tend to be larger than other types.
But the most common type are made of calcium oxalate, the offspring of the plentiful calcium and oxygen in the bloodstream. A wide variety of factors can increase calcium levels that up the odds of forming stones, including high doses of Vitamin D. Diets abnormally rich in vegetables and fruits (high in oxalates) can contribute to the odds. The result is a small rough pebble.
Plenty of Fluids
Ample fluids can help reduce the odds of any of these types being formed. Stones are more likely when there is inadequate fluid level to dissolve the salts of which they’re made. Climate factors like long, hot summers make them more likely. To offset that is simple: compensate with extra fluid intake.
You can’t do anything about hereditary factors, nor age, both of which increase the odds. But you can compensate by paying more attention to diet. Decreasing protein intake as the decades pass is one way.
Get Some Exercise
Changing activity levels may also be helpful. We tend to exercise less as we age, but sedentary habits increase the odds of forming kidney stones. The bones release more calcium when activity is limited. Age-appropriate exercise will offset the effect somewhat.
At the same time, stones are more likely among those with a higher BMI. Staying trim through dietary control and exercise helps all around.
~ To your health and well-being.
Healthy Nutritional Products.
Planetary Formulas Stone Free is a unique combination designed to support the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. Dandelion root and turmeric are bitter substances, which support the body’s normal flow of bile. Gravel root, parsley root and marshmallow root have been used historically to support normal fluid elimination.
