What is Kidney Stone?

Types of Kidney Stones

• Calcium Stones: Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones observed in patients. They are composed of two types: calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, making up 69.3% of all kidney stones.Uric Acid Stones
  
  

• Uric Acid Stones: Uric acid stones form due to high levels of uric acid in the urine. These stones are common in patients with gout or those who consume a high-protein diet, accounting for 14.9% of cases

  
   
• Struvite Stones: Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, form due to urinary tract infections. They are also present in 14.9% of cases
  
  
• Cystine Stones: Cystine stones are rare and occur in patients with a hereditary condition called cystinuria. This condition causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids, accounting for only 0.9% of cases.

Common Causes of Kidney Stones

1. Dehydration: When your fluid intake is Inadequate it causes kidneys to retain fluid and excrete less amount of urine. Due to this the urine becomes concentrated increasing the risk of stone formation.
    
2. Dietary Factors: Consuming foods high in oxalate, sodium, or protein can contribute to the development of kidney stones.
    
3. Family History: A strong family history of Kidney Stones increases the chances of developing Kidney Stone in a patient.
    
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism or urinary tract infections, can predispose to Kidney Stone formation in a susceptible patient.

Pathophysiology

Kidney stones form when certain minerals in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated and bond together to form crystals. Sufficient fluid intake helps dilute these minerals in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. The main factors influencing the formation of kidney stones include urine pH, fluid intake, and the presence of specific chemicals in the urine.

Complications if Not Treated

If left untreated, Kidney Stones can lead to complications due to:

• Obstruction: Large Kidney Stones may obstruct the proper flow of urine and can cause severe pain and kidney damage.

• Infection: Kidney Stones can harbor bacteria and it increases the risk of urinary tract infections.

• Kidney Damage: Prolonged obstruction or recurrent stone formation can damage the kidneys and impair their kidney functions.

Investigations for diagnosis of Kidney Stone

If you experience abdominal pain radiating from the back to the front of the abdomen, typically from the loin to the groin, it is highly likely to be due to kidney stones. In such cases, your doctor may recommend a plain X-ray or an ultrasound to detect the size, location, and any complications associated with the kidney stone. Additionally, to assess the extent of obstruction, the doctor may suggest an additional investigation called an intravenous pyelogram. Sometimes, a blood test to determine elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus may also be advised to determine the type of stone.

Conventional Approach

Conventional treatment for Kidney Stones includes pain management by painkillers, hydration therapy to flush out the stone, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove or break up large stones. Surgical intervention includes lithotripsy to break the big stone into small so that they can pass easily. Occasionally cystoscopy or ureteroscopy to remove obstructed stone.

You can explore non-surgical alternatives by opting for homeopathic treatment for kidney stones.

Preventive Steps

Follow these steps to reduce the risk of Kidney Stone formation.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Maintain a balanced diet that is low in sodium, oxalate, and animal proteins.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Limit consumption of foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate.

Diet to prevent kidney stones

Foods to avoid

Foods High in Oxalate:

• Spinach
• Beets
• Nuts and Seeds (almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds)
• Soy Products (tofu, tempeh, edamame)
• Chocolate and Cocoa

Foods High in Sodium:

• Processed Meats (lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon, ham)
• Canned Soups and Vegetables
• Salty Snacks (potato chips, pretzels, popcorn)
• Restaurant Meals
• Seasonings (salt, soy sauce, etc.)

Foods High in Protein:

• Meat (beef, poultry, pork)
• Seafood (fish, shellfish)
• Eggs
• Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)

Role of Calcium in the Management of Kidney Disease

Dietary calcium is very important in the management of Kidney Stones. Calcium should be taken in moderate quantities. The best is to take 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from low-oxalate foods like milk, yoghurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables (except spinach), and calcium-fortified foods. Avoid artificial calcium supplements like calcium tablets but focus more on natural calcium supplements. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your daily eating.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Kidney Stone

It is always advisable to consult the best homeopathy doctor for kidney stone for effective management of Kidney Stone, here are the top 5 homeopathic medicines for Kidney Stone that we commonly recommend.

1. Berberis vulgaris: Useful for renal colic with shooting pain radiating from the kidneys to the bladder.
    
2. Lycopodium: Indicated for right-sided renal colic with bloating and gas.
    
3. Cantharis: Helpful for intense burning pain during urination with frequent urging
    
4. Sarsaparilla: Recommended for renal colic with pain extending from the kidneys to the bladder, often relieved by lying on the back.
    
5. Apis mellifica: Effective for sharp, stinging pains in the kidneys with swelling and inflammation.