What Causes Kidney Stones and How to Prevent Them?

What is a Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones (or renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) are the hardened deposits of salts, minerals, etc. accumulate in our kidneys. When kidney stones are small, they rarely cause any pain. However, when a kidney stone reaches a large enough size, symptoms such as pain, lacerations, etc. are observed. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease uses potent herbs to dissolve the stones.

Kidney Stone Formation Mechanism

Tiny hard masses known as kidney stones generate intense pain. What processes lead to their formation? The processes within your kidneys resemble intricate chemistry experiments. The kidneys perform blood filtration to remove waste products which then exit your body through urine. Urine consists of numerous components such as minerals and salts. These substances typically dissolve in the fluid yet there are instances where they reach excessive concentration levels.

You can envision the process as creating a sugar solution. A small amount of sugar when added to water becomes dissolved. Through continuous addition the solution reaches a point where water refuses to dissolve any more sugar causing crystallization to occur. A similar physiological process occurs within renal structures. Tiny crystals begin to form when specific substances in your urine reach high concentration levels. The crystals bind together forming larger masses which eventually become kidney stones. 

Causes of Kidney Stone

Kidney stones can have various reasons, but some of the most common ones are:

• Severe dehydration
• Obesity
• High sodium diet
• Family history
• High protein diet
• Digestive surgery

Symptoms of Kidney Stone

• Flank pain
• Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, characterized by a fluctuating nature
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills, especially if you have an infection

How to Diagnose Kidney Stones?

• Physical exam
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, or intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Examination of passed stones

Complications of Kidney Stones

Untreated kidney stones can lead to:

• Kidney infections
• Hydronephrosis
• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease
• Permanent kidney damage
• Urinary tract infections
• Sepsis
• Intractable nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration

It is important, therefore, to catch the symptoms of kidney stones early and opt for a treatment as kidney stones can have extremely fatal consequences in rare cases.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stone

Kidney stones treatment in Ayurveda is a holisitic process where herbs and therapies are used to dissolve the stones and remove them from the body. Ayurvedic herbs not only help break the renal stones into smaller fragments and remove them from the body, but some of them help strengthen your renal function too. Some of the most potent herbs to treat kidney stones in Ayurveda are:

• Varuna: Its diuretic properties aid in the removal of toxins from the body. This Ayurvedic herb inhibits the formation of oxalate in the body, thus reducing your chances of developing oxalate-based kidney stones. It is one of the most effective kidney stones medicne in Ayurveda.
• Pashanabheda: Pashanabheda disintegrates kidney stones into smaller fragments and flushes them out of the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties keep a check on inflammation caused by renal stones in the body.
• Gokshura: Gokshura’s diuretic and anti-inflammatory qualities are helpful in removing stones from the body. A further reduction in the inflammation in the kidney tissues is also achieved by consuming this herb.
• Punarnava: By promoting healthy urine flow due to its diuretic properties, Punarnava encourages the reduction of toxins in the body. This herb also regenerates renal tissues and strengthens overall renal functions.

Note - Please consult your doctor before you take any herbs or supplements to treat renal stones. Some of the herbs mentioned above can adversely interact with your ongoing medications. Do not try to self-medicate.

Kidney Treatment in Ayurveda: Lifestyle Changes

• At least 8-10 glasses of water daily is the mantra for healthy kidneys. Keeping yourself well-hydrated also helps your kidneys effectively remove toxins from the body.
• A low-on sodium diet is good for renal health and it also reduces your chances of getting kidney stones, as renal stones are masses of minerals, salts, etc.
• If you have had a history of renal stones, meat, fish, red meat, chicken, etc. should be consumed in moderation. A diet rich in animal-based proteins leads to an increased creatinine level in the body. in addition, consuming protein-rich foods means your kidneys having to work harder to remove the excess protein. Try replacing meat, fish, etc. with legumes, tofu, and nuts.
• Oxalate-rich foods such as beets and nuts must be consumed in moderation, if you want to avoid oxalate-based renal stones.
• Obesity breeds many diseases including renal disorders; maintain your weight with apt exercises. If you are already a renal patient, indulge in gentle exercises like mild jogging, swimming, and other such low-impact exercises.
• Caffeinated beverages and sodas should not be consumed by renal stones patients.
• Herbal teas are excellent for renal patients, as they boost the immune system and enhance the renal functions too.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be troublesome and they can cause multiple health complications too, not to mention the unbearable pain. A proper treatment, along with appropriate diet and lifestyle changes would greatly reduce your chances of going through surgical intervention for this disease. If your symptoms are severe, then opting for a consultation with a well-qualified nephrologist or a hospital like Karma Ayurveda Hospital is your best bet.

FAQ

1. What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?
Common symptoms include severe pain in the lower back, blood in urine, frequent urination, and nausea.

2.  How can I prevent kidney stones?
Staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, and avoiding excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods can help prevent kidney stones.

3. Is Karma Ayurveda for kidney stones treatment a good choice?
Yes, Karma Ayurveda offers natural and Ayurvedic treatments that help dissolve kidney stones and prevent recurrence without harmful side effects.

4. When should I see a doctor for kidney stones?
You should consult a doctor if you experience intense pain, persistent nausea, or difficulty urinating.

5. Can diet changes help in managing kidney stones?
Yes, reducing salt, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods while increasing water intake can aid in managing and preventing kidney stones.