Several factors can cause kidney stones. These factors include dehydration, unhealthy diet, medical conditions, medications, and family history. Kidney stones are a common occurrence in several Nigerian people. But in this article, we will educate you briefly on what kidney stones are, and the benefits of detox teas for the kidney.
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside your kidneys. These stones are made of mineral and acid salts that are normally dissolved in your urine. When the concentration of these substances becomes too high or the urine becomes too acidic, they can crystallize and clump together, forming a stone.
Kidney stones form when there's an imbalance in the substances dissolved in your urine. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Dissolved Minerals and Waste: Your blood constantly carries waste products and minerals. The kidneys act as filters, removing these from your blood and sending them into your urine. Normally, these substances are diluted enough in your urine to pass through your urinary system without any problems.
2. Crystallization: If the concentration of certain minerals and waste products in your urine becomes too high, or if your urine becomes too acidic, these dissolved substances can start to come out of the solution and form tiny crystals.
3. Clumping Together: These tiny crystals can then act like a sticky surface, attracting other minerals and waste products. They can clump together and grow larger, forming a small, hard mass – the beginnings of a kidney stone.
4. Stone Growth: If these clumps aren't flushed out by your urine flow, they can continue to grow over time, sometimes for months or even years, eventually becoming a full-fledged kidney stone.
If kidney stones have been formed, several factors will affect the process of how kidney stones will be removed. It includes the size and location of the stone, the severity of the pain, and your overall health.
The good news is that most kidney stones don't require surgery. Here's a breakdown of how doctors typically address kidney stones, depending on their size and location:
1. Hydration and pain management: This is often the first line of defense for smaller stones (less than 5 mm). Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush the stone out of your urinary system. Pain medication can help manage discomfort while the stone passes.
2. Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL): This outpatient procedure uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments that can then pass more easily. It's a non-surgical option for small to medium-sized stones (up to 2 cm).
3. Ureteroscopy (URS): For stones located lower down in the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), URS might be used. A thin, flexible scope with a camera and laser is inserted through the urethra (urinary opening) and bladder to locate the stone. The laser can then fragment the stone for easier passage or remove it entirely.
4. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a surgical option for large or complex stones that can't be treated with other methods. A small incision is made in the back, and a thin tube (nephroscope) is inserted directly into the kidney to locate and remove the stone. This is typically done under general anesthesia.
1. Drink lots of water
This is the cornerstone of kidney stone prevention. Aim for eight or more glasses of water throughout the day. This helps dilute your urine and prevents minerals from concentrating and crystallizing. Fluids like water, not Coke or Fanta, and unsweetened teas are all good choices.
2. Limit sodium intake
High sodium intake can increase calcium excretion in the urine, potentially contributing to stone formation. Be mindful of your salt intake and read food labels carefully.
3. Be mindful of specific foods (depending on the stone type):
Calcium oxalate stones: If you're prone to these, moderate protein intake, especially animal protein, and limit oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts.
Uric acid stones: Reduce purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and seafood.
1. Improved Filtration Function: Kidney Detox Tea improves the kidneys and helps improve their filtration efficiency, allowing them to better remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the body.
2. Prevention of Kidney Stones: Kidney detox teas reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by supporting proper kidney function and preventing the buildup of mineral deposits.
3. Balanced Fluid and Electrolyte Levels: Kidney detox teas when consumed help the kidneys to function optimally, to maintain fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body, which is crucial for overall hydration and cellular function.
In conclusion, early diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones are crucial to prevent complications and minimize discomfort. If you experience symptoms like severe flank pain, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating, consult your doctor right away for a proper diagnosis and or start your treatment here with our Kidney Detox Tea.