What is a kidney stone?
Kidney stones are solid masses, or deposits usually originate in kidneys. They can form anywhere along your urinary tracts, like kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These deposits hinder the flow of bodily toxins, which naturally passes through urine.
A kidney stone is one of the most common diseases of the urinary system. Kidney stones are a result of more salts or minerals in the urine. Kidney stones mostly occur during the summer season as people tend to be more dehydrated during that period. The pain one experience having kidney stones is severe.
According to Ayurveda, all problems arise in a body due to the imbalance of the three doshas. This is no exception. Kidney stones occur due to an imbalance of vata, which leads to the drying in kapha. This, in turn, leads to the forming of kidney stones.
Symptoms:
- Pain and burning sensation in passing urine
- Acute pain in the lower abdominal region
- Vomiting sensation
- Fever
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Heaviness in breathing
- Feeling bloated
Causes:
- Inadequate water intake
- Excessive eating
- Avoiding urinal urges
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Packaged drinks
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Improper daily routine
- Alcohol consumption
- Eating more non-vegetarian food
- UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stone:
The kidney stone size varies from person to person. The treatment of stones depends upon the type of stones that are formed.
According to Ayurveda, small-sized stones can be removed by a physician without any surgery. A person needs adequate water intake, recommended food and medicines by a physician. Certain ayurvedic herbs can break the stone into pieces and dissolve them.
Generally, it is shown that most of the stones which are less than 7 mm in size automatically pass out of the body without any physician’s help. For these small stones, if any complication arises, a minor surgery might be needed.
In the case of large stones, medications might not help, and surgery will be required. Ayurveda recommends invasive surgical methods for removing large stones from the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine For Kidney Stone (Recommended):
Home Remedies for Kidney Stone:
1. Coconut water
Coconut water is one of the healthiest drinks available on the planet. It is known for the dissolution of kidneys and flushes them out from the body through urine. It also reduces the burning sensation during urination.
2. Lemon juice and honey
Lemon is well known to flush out toxins from the body. With warm water, it makes the best remedy for kidney stones. Adding honey or rock salt is an extra advantage.
3. Okra or ladyfinger
Due to its high magnesium content with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is perfect for kidney health. It prevents the crystallization of chemicals in the kidney.
4. Horse gram
It is also known as kollu. It is beneficial for the organ as well as gall bladder stones. This incredible pulse helps in breaking the stones into small pieces that can come out through urination easily.
5. Sugarcane juice
Sugarcane juice combined with cardamom or lemon is one of the best remedies for kidney stones. It should be consumed on an empty stomach twice a day. You can add tulsi, cumin or fennel seeds as well if you want.
Prevention:
- Sufficient fluid intake like water, coconut water, buttermilk, etc. throughout the day. Avoid caffeine.
- Limit food items, which are high on salt like packaged snacks.
- Protein is a big no-no for people having kidney stones. Avoid high protein diets like chicken, mutton, fish, egg, etc.
- Consume vegetables and fruits in more quantity.
- Avoid postponing the urge to urinate. Drink warm water first in the morning to cleanse the bowel.
- Consumption of fast food should be avoided as well.
Most Common Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How does a kidney stone occur?
A kidney stone occurs when substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid content get higher in the urine. These substances might be at the normal level, but still, chances are there for the occurrence of stones if the production of the amount of urine is low or minimum. They form crystals that get bigger and form kidney stones.
2. How are stones diagnosed?
Your doctor can ask you to get the urine tests done at first to examine if any material is there at a high level, which can form the stones. The blood test also can be done to check the same. Few imaging tests are also used to locate kidney stones or to check if there is any blockage in the urinary tract.
3. Are there any long-term consequences of having a kidney stone?
It is said that once a stone former always a stone former. It means the probability of having kidney stones is high if you have a history of having stones. Generally, it may occur again in the span of the next 5-7 years. Therefore, it is advised to take preventive measures beforehand like adequate water intake, diet, etc.
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