Kidney Stones

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Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones (renal calculi)


Description & Causes

Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones are excessive accumulations of mineral salts which are initially formed in the kidney, but may lodge anywhere along the urinary tract. Calcium is the main component of these stones. When the calcium is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, it conglomerates into a stone. Sometimes stone formation is due to overactivity of the parathyroid gland, which causes elevated levels of calcium in the blood.

Some other conditions that increase the risk of kidney stone formation are dehydration, prolonged periods of bed rest, infections and rarely, overingestion of calcium.


Symptoms

Kidney Stone symptoms include pain starting in the middle of the back which radiates around the abdomen toward the genitalia, increased urination that may contain blood or pus, nausea and vomiting.

Irritation caused by a stone may create an infection in the urinary tract, which can be accompanied with fever, chills and general discomfort.


Prevention & Treatment

Therapy through diet cannot remove already formed Kidney Stones. However, prevention of further stone formations is possible by limiting the intake of calcium. Since a deficiency of vitamin B6 and magnesium may cause these formations, adequate intake of these supplements is crucial. Also, people whose diets are deficient in vitamin A, have a tendency to form this problematic gravel.

Following are some vitamins and nutrients that may be beneficial in the treatment of Kidney Stones:

Helpful Herbs

Here are some of the herbs that are effective in the treatment and prevention of Kidney Stones:

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