Kidney stones can be the cause of great pain and distress. Symptoms could include pain originating in the middle back and radiating around to the front lower abdominal area. The urine may contain blood or pus. There may be nausea and vomiting. Irritation by the stones may induce an infection in the urinary tract causing fever and chills. Once a stone starts growing in the kidneys, it continues to grow without any specific symptoms. The jagged stone travelling down the urethra and scraping the lining causes pain.
CAUSES of KIDNEY STONES
There are several different kinds of kidney stones; if possible, collection and analysis will help determine exact cause. However, they are all due to mineral imbalance of some kind. 80% or more are calcium-oxalate stones, formed by an imbalance of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (both meat and milk are higher in phosphorus than calcium). An excess of phosphorus displaces the calcium and causes it to precipitate out of solution. Magnesium helps keep calcium in solution in the body so the calcium does not precipitate to form stones.
Calcium-oxalate stones also form when there is a deficiency of Vitamin B6. When vitamin B6 is under supplied, the amino acid glycine is improperly utilized and changes into oxalic acid. Omitting foods containing oxalic acid (rhubarb, spinach) does not stop stone formation, as oxalate stones can still be formed even when there is no oxalic acid in the diet. The problem is the B6 deficiency.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
A good supply of Hydrochloric digestive acid (use Protein Digestive Aid or Digestive Enzymes with HCl) is important when consuming meat, to properly digest and absorb minerals, and help prevent stone formation.
Acidic foods like apple cider vinegar (stimulates natural HCl secretion) and pure cranberry juice (can be sweetened with Stevia) help keep calcium in solution by acidifying the urine.
PREVENTION FOR KIDNEY STONES
- Avoid anti-acid preparations. They create severe magnesium deficiency, causing stones, as well as alkalizing the urine contributing to stone formation. Take digestive aids to prevent the problem.
- Drink plenty of pure water – about 2 quarts per day – to flush out the kidneys on an on going basis.
- Two tablets of Magnesium (#1786-6) with one Vitamin B6 tablet (#1626-6) will prevent most stone formation. Take this daily, once stones have been eliminated. These two and either of the following herbs are recommended for maintenance.
- Hydrangea (#395-6) is a herb used for its solvent properties for kidney stones or gallstones, and gout. Two capsules per meal for a couple of months may help dissolve existing stones.
- Uva Ursi (#710-9) is a herb that supports urinary function, treats infections, and has been used to dissolve kidney stones.
- Cranberry Buchu (#834-5) Cranberry helps acidify the urine and Buchu helps dissolve kidney stones, as well as prevent infection. When taken as a combination, you have enhanced synergy for better results.
- Any of the above can be taken as capsules or may be made into a tea (1-2 capsules/cup) a quart or more can be drunk every day.
EMERGENCY KIDNEY STONE PROCEDURE
Every 15 minutes drink the juice of one lemon, preferably organic. Take Marshmallow (#440-0), about 4 capsules 4 times a day – it is a mucilaginous, slippery herb and helps the stones to pass with less pain and damage to the urinary tract. It is high in Zinc to promote healing. Also take Hydrangea (#395-6) 3 capsules 4 times a day to help dissolve the stone. Lobelia – internally – .5 ml every ½ – 1 hour as needed, will help relax the ureters, and calm nerves to decrease pain. Externally – rub a few drops over area for pain and to stop spasms.
Usually this will take no longer than 12 – 14 hours to pass stone(s). If you urinate through a strainer and can collect the stone(s), it can help to determine to which type you are prone.
Afterwards, Echinacea and Golden Seal (#835-2 capsules – up to 6/day or #3180-1 liquid – 3ml/day) can be used to aid healing and to help prevent infection in damaged ureters.
Then follow maintenance suggested under “Prevention for Kidneys Stones”. The supplementation to prevent future attacks, especially for Magnesium and B6 is not expensive, especially when one considers the pain and possible damage caused by a stone. Correcting the underlying imbalance with natural aids will also help prevent other chronic conditions and enhance overall health.
The kidneys are essential to life; if you are having challenges, consult a trained herbalist or natural health practitioner to guide you in the healing process.
Resources:
“Let’s Be Well” by Adelle Davis
“Nutrition Almanac” by Lavon Dunne
“Health in the Space Age” by LaDean Griffin
“The Ultimate Healing System” by Donald LePore
“Prescription for Herbal Healing” by Phyllis Balch
“The Merck Manual”
Benoit and Associates Health Education
© Prepared by Benoit and Associates Health 250-748-6802 TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com