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Please read our Golden Rules of self help before considering the information on this page.
Kidney Stones
Some people think that childbirth is the worst pain that can be experienced, others argue that it is a picnic in comparison to the pain of kidney stones, and they may be right. Symptoms include increased urination, fever, nausea, vomiting and of course extreme pain in the middle back and lower abdomen.
Kidney stones vary from the size of sand or gravel to as big as bird eggs. Often they are surgically removed but, if the cause of their formation is not remedied, they will just materialise again.
There are many causes to kidney stone formation: dehydration,
infections, overactivity of the parathyroid gland and nutritional
deficiencies. Stones can be composed of calcium oxalate, cystine (an
amino acid) or uric acid.
One Myth Smashed:
Until recently it was believed that calcium was the cause of kidney stones and people were put on low calcium diets which not only failed to prevent kidney stones but caused other problems including muscles spasms and bone weakening.
Recent studies have demonstrated that calcium actually binds with
the oxalates that cause the stones, keeping it from entering the blood
stream and precipitating into stones in the kidneys.
The Real Culprits:
- A diet with too many refined foods: too much salt and too much refined sugar cause the urine to be too alkaline and this causes minerals to deposit as stones.
- Excessive use of some antacids may also cause kidney stones.
- Oxalic acid forming foods such as: rhubarb, peanuts, chocolate, English spinach ( not silver beet), baked beans and grapes
- Too much citrus fruit contributes to the formation of uric acid stones.
- Too much animal protein is responsible for the cystine stones.
If you suffer from kidney stones formation you should avoid the above foods.
What To Do:
You will definitely be forgiven if you are confused because it all seems too complicated: oxalic acid, uric acid, cystine, too much calcium, not enough calcium! Have no fear, Granny is here.
I am sure you should be convinced by now that too much salt, refined sugar and refined flour are not good for you, no matter what ails you. So cutting them out is a good start for your kidneys. You need nutrients such as the B vitamins; which are found in wholegrain: breads, pasta, flour and in brown rice.
Have small amounts of protein always with vegetables and whole grains.
Have lots of vegetables (including seaweed or kelp) and vegetable soups, rich in potassium, which prevents stone formation.
As we have seen, calcium is actually a good guy but the best way to have it is in its most absorbable form: natural yogurt and other calcium rich foods such as sardines and cheese. Remember that exercise will help move this precious calcium intake to the bones as well.
You need to keep the lining of the urinary tract healthy and for this you need vitamin A. That means cod liver oil and olive oil.
Fluid Intake:
Is important not because it ‘flushes' the stones but because it prevents stone formation. Watermelon is an excellent cleanser and diuretic for people suffering kidney stones and kidney problems. Cranberry juice is indeed good for kidney health but not with sugar added. If you need sweetening add a little pear or apple juice to it.
As well as drinking copious quantity of purified water (between meals please, otherwise you will flush all the nutrients out) it is a good idea to drink herbal teas such as Buchu, Dandelion, Horsetail, Couch Grass, Golden rod. Of course it is better to get a herbalist and naturopath to prescribe herbs for you.
If you follow this advice, chances are you won't get stoned!
A RIDDLE:
What Do Cats, People, Oysters And Horses Have In Common?
Well, they all produce stones in their bodies! Cats and humans produce kidney stones, humans also produce gallstones, horses produce stones in their guts called enteroliths and oysters produce… pearls!
Of all the above only pearls are valuable (mind you, we don't know how the oyster feels about it); the kind humans, cats and horses make are all undesirable and interestingly they are all caused by the wrong diet and lifestyle. Too much salt, too much saturated fat, not enough good oils (such as olive or macadamia), not enough fibre in the diet and the wrong balance of minerals cause these painful pebbles.
Another reason for keeping the whole family eating healthily!
For a personalised treatment please contact me here.
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