Kidney Stones Diet

Kidneys are the organs that produce urine and flush-out the unwanted from the body. Producing urine is a primary function of the kidney, and are a part of the urinary system. As the body releases urine, it throws out the waste like urea and ammonium. Kidneys are responsible for re-absorption of glucose and amino acids, production vitamin D, erythropoietin and hormones. Kidney lies behind abdominal cavity in retroperitoneum. Kidney stones are a common type of kidney diseases. However, the disorder can be cured by adhering to kidney stones diet.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid crystals of dissolved urinary minerals. These stones are formed in the kidneys. The causes of kidney stones vary from renal tubular acidosis, Dent's disease, Hyperparathyroidism and medullary sponge kidney. Even Crohn's disease is a major cause of kidney stones. Kidney stones can be cured by passage of urine.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The first symptom of kidney stones are lower abdomen pain and groin pain. The level of pain depends on the size of the kidney stone. As the stone blocks the flow of urine, the person may experience excruciating kidney pain in the passage of urine. The pain is defined by sharp cramp sort of pain in the back and side area of the kidneys. If the stone moves down towards ureter, the person may feel a burning sensation while urinating or the need to urinate more often.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Many a times, the stones do no cause any pain. These stones are called as the silent stones, which are detected through X-rays. Small stones are passed through urine and often go unnoticed. Blood and urine test samples, collected in 24 hours and put through processes help in diagnosing kidney stones. A CT scan may be required to detect any other infection in the urinary tract.

Cure for Kidney Stones

Fortunates, the painful kidney stones can be cured in natural ways as well as with medical ways. In acute cases a surgery may be necessary, but that's not the case always. Doctors may prescribe medicines to avoid concentrations of acids and alkali in the urine.

Kidney Stones Foods

Before you follow any diet for kidney stones, consult your doctor. Making a few lifestyle changes, can ensure cure of kidney stones. Frequent urination helps in passage of kidney stones from the body. Thus for frequent urination, increase the intake of water. A person suffering with kidney stones should be able to produce at least 2 quarts of urine in 24 hours. About 2.5-3 liters of water is required for the body to work normally. Fluids in any form are alright, you can add juices and dals. Those who have highly acidic urine, must avoid food items like egg, meat, fish and poultry. Avoiding dairy products and food items with high calcium content can reduce the risk of forming calcium stones in the urine. For controlling calcium phosphate stones, relatively low in calcium diet has to be maintained. Food items like alcoholic beverages, radishes, tomatoes,condiments, pickles, cucumbers, spinach, rhubarb, watercress, asparagus,onions, carbonated water, aerated drinks, cauliflower and beans are irritants to the kidneys.

Kidney Stones Diet Plan

• Begin your day with a glass of lukewarm water.
• For breakfast have a glass of carrot juice with 50% water.
• A bowl full of fruits in the morning and continue the same with five hourly intervals.
• For lunch have steamed vegetables, buttermilk, whole wheat tortilla and finish the meal with a glass of water.
• In between the meals, have a glass of carrot juice or coconut water.
• For dinner, have fresh vegetable salad, juice of your choice and glass of water.
• Avoid having caffiene, tea and flesh food.

Following the Kidney stones diet will go a long way in curing the system and reviving it. Water is the keyword in the diet for kidney stones. For additional benefits, Yoga exercises, outdoor exercises and brisk walking will save your kidneys any more stones.