Kidney Stones: Care And Remedies
January 28, 2010
Kidney stones are mainly made up of insoluble oxalate crystals. Care for kidney stones involves such a diet which is high in fiber and rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and nutrients like vitamin C, phosphoric acids and ascorbic acid.
Foods that Help
Studies show that calcium fortified beverages and consumption of calcium containing foods in a certain quantity can actually help in absorption of the oxalates and aid in dissolving the stones. The calcium intake must not exceed 1000 mg. 2 cups of orange juice or 2 glasses of milk are just enough for the purpose.
The orange juice containing fortified calcium also provides mineral form of citrate that helps in both prevention and break down of kidney stones.
Home made yogurt is a great source of magnesium. You may add a good quality dry milk powder to increase quantity of magnesium in the diet.
Vitamin C and ascorbic acid can be obtained from lemons, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and mangosteen. Banana is a great source of vitamin B6 which is known to help in elimination of the kidney stones.
Drinking enough water every day is helpful in curing kidney stones. Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, broccoli, asparagus, oranges, raspberries, plums and coconut which contain high quantities of water and water soluble fibers are extremely helpful. Aerated beverages contain high quantities of phosphoric acid.
Food to be Avoided
All those food which contain high quantity of oxalates must be avoided. These foods are peanuts, beans, beetroot, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, chocolates, meats, cabbage, cauliflower, pulses and wheat bran. Salt consumption must be only as per the daily body requirement.
Kidney stones are usually a hereditary disease. Those at risk must take care to prevent development of kidney stones. The pain caused by kidney stones disrupts the life of the patient significantly.
Consumption of some herbs has shown to allow elimination of the stones from the body through anus. These herbs are Uva Ursi, dandelion leaf, juniper berries, parsley root and Cornsilk.
These herbs must only be used if they are available in most pure quality. Also, only a specific dosage of these herbs is effective against the stones hence it must be obtained only from an experienced person.
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