What are Kidney Stones ?

They are solid crystalline lumps that separate from the urine and build up in the urinary tract. When the stone passes from the kidney to the urethra it causes maximum pain. They may be as small as a sand grain or as large as a golf ball. The pain reduces when the stone squeezes its way to the bladder.

What are the symptoms that you have Kidney Stones?

1. Inability to pass normal amounts of urine at a time.
2. Fever and chills if there is an infection.
3. Waves of sharp pain in the back just below the ribs.
4. Blood in the urine.
5. Vomiting and bouts of nausea.

How is Kidney stone caused?

Excessive absorption of calcium from the intestine, high uric acid levels, family history, bacterial infections, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent urinary tract infection and hot climate where sweat loss increases and urine production decreases.

Home based cures for Kidney Stones

1. Pain can be relieved temporarily by using painkillers.
2. To flush the stone out drink at-least 3 quarts of water a day till urine is colorless and increase water intake when it is hot outside.
3. When you urinate use a strainer to trap the stone. Then show it to your physician to trace the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
4. The passage of stone can be speeded by walking.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

1. Urinary tract infections should be treated to prevent stone formation.
2. If you have a family history, consult your physician about dietary measures.
3. Drink at-least 3 quarts of water a day.
4. Protein intake also has to be reduced.
5. If you have too much of oxalate in your urine, lower your intake of green leafy vegetables, cheese, black pepper, Vitamin C, tea, chocolate, nuts and beer.