Kidney stones are crystals that form in the urinary bladder or kidneys. They are composed of calcium salts (the most common), uric acid or struvite (a substance that contains magnesium). The mention of kidney stones to those who have been plagued by this condition before is enough to make them shudder. It has been said that the pain associated with the stone moving through the narrow urinary tract literally makes men, and women, cringe and cry. The pain is rated as among the most severe caused by a health condition. These stones usually do not cause any symptoms until they are dislodged, causing excruciating pain below the ribs when they travel down the urinary passage way. The pain sometimes radiates into the abdomen and thighs. Commonly, the sufferer would have chills, nausea, fever and profuse sweating. The colour of the urine could be cloudy and pinkish (due to blood).


FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE
TO KIDNEY STONES

Sluggish / obstructed urine flow
Cushing’s Disease
Hyper-parathyroidism
Gout
Sarcaidosis
Hereditary Metabolism Problems
Specific Drugs (eg. antacids, thyroid medication)
Abnormal pH of urine


Kidney stones require prompt medical evaluation by a doctor. This will determine if there is any urinary obstruction, infection and also to assess the cause of kidney stones. The diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound method. The doctor may recommend lithotripsy (a procedure that uses high frequency ultrasound to pulverize the stone). If this doesn’t produce results, then surgery is the next course. Kidney stones have a nasty habit of recurring and preventive therapy should be on top of the list.

KIDNEY-STONE PREVENTION DIET
Apparently, a diet high in fat, sugar, salt and meat (with very little intake of water) has led the way for the upswing rate in kidney stones. Insufficient water can set the stage for stone formation in susceptible people. Drink at least 2 Liters of water daily, especially on hot days) and make sure you have some water before, during and after exercise. Stones form more easily after physical activity because exercise causes a temporary acidity of the body system. Drinking extra water helps to “dilute” this effect. Obesity, diabetes, antacids and cigarette smoking also seem to be linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. People who consume lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber record a much lower risk of stone formation. So, what’s the best food to prevent stone formation? Lots of green vegetables, fresh fruits and purified water! There is some evidence that magnesium and vitamin B6 help to reduce risk of stones. Green vegetables, avocado, legumes, brown rice and whole grains are good natural sources of these nutrients. In general, people who have kidney stones should not supplement with mega doses of calcium and vitamin C. Daily limits should be set at 800mg calcium citrate and 500mg vitamin C. Kids suffering from kidney stones respond extremely well to an increase intake of dietary potassium. Most green, leafy vegetables are rich in potassium. Banana is another good source.

BENEFICIAL HERBS
Herbal therapy is effective to alleviate pain, relax the ureter (so that the stone can pass easier), minimize damage to the urinary passages when the stone moves and most important of all, to prevent recurrence of kidney stones. Herbs are only appropriate in cases where there is no major obstruction to urine flow. If you have not consulted a doctor for your pain, it is important to do so immediately.

Crataeva – This Ayurvedic herb is highly acclaimed for its use in the treatment of urinary tract problems, especially kidney stones. Clinical experience shows that the majority of patients with existing kidney stones report significant symptom relief within a few weeks of treatment (between 4 – 12 weeks). In cases of kidney stones not requiring surgery, Crataeva may weaken and soften the stones such that they are passed out in the urine (naturally or after lithotripsy). This is truly quite a wonderful herb as it has the additional benefit of being able to improve bladder tone. Apart from its usage for treating kidney stones, it is one of the most reliable herbs for improving symptoms associated with prostate enlargement (frequency of urination and retention of urine), urinary tract infection and incontinence of most kind. For treatment of stones, Crataeva works best when combined with the following herbs below.

Marshmallow – This herb is a wonderful demulcent to soothe and heal irritated urinary tissues. It has a traditional reputation of cleansing the kidneys and to expel gravel-like stones.

Horsetail – A herb with a strong ability to repair slow-healing wounds. It is particularly useful to calm and heal the inflammation lesions due to kidney stones. Old herbal traditions appreciated Horsetail from the earliest times to soothe the urinary system and to gently “flush out” small kidney stones.

Buchu – This is a South African aromatic plant that is used extensively to treat chronic complaints of the genitourinary tract including inflammation, infection and stones of the bladder. It has an antiseptic effect, lowering the risk of infection that often accompanies kidney stones.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal clinic in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.

THE SUN, INSERTION DATE : 17 JUNE 2003