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Watch Video: Effective Measures to Prevent and Treat Kidney Stones Naturally
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Watch Video: Effective Measures to Prevent and Treat Kidney Stones Naturally

by Dr. Shruthi R
written by Dr. Shruthi R

Kidney Stone : If you have kidney stones, then adopt these measures. Drink adequate amount of water, which can help in passing the stones. Consume lemon juice and olive oil, it is helpful in dissolving stones. Coconut water and juice of basil leaves are also useful. Be sure to consult a doctor.

Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain and lead to various complications if not managed properly. This detailed guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of kidney stones, including their causes, symptoms, and effective measures for prevention and treatment.

Understanding Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are crystalline structures formed by the aggregation of certain substances in urine. The most common types include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones. Each type has different causes and treatment options.

  1. Calcium Oxalate Stones: The most common type, formed when calcium combines with oxalate in urine. High levels of oxalate are found in certain foods such as spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate.
  2. Calcium Phosphate Stones: Formed from a combination of calcium and phosphate, often due to metabolic conditions such as renal tubular acidosis.
  3. Struvite Stones: Often caused by urinary tract infections. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large.
  4. Uric Acid Stones: Result from high levels of uric acid in the urine, often associated with a diet high in purines (found in red meat, shellfish, and alcohol) or certain genetic factors.
  5. Cystine Stones: Rare and caused by a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which leads to high levels of cystine in the urine.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The presence of kidney stones may not always cause symptoms, especially if they are small. However, larger stones can lead to severe symptoms such as:

  • Severe Pain: Often described as sharp and excruciating, pain typically starts suddenly and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain, known as renal colic, may come in waves as the stone moves.
  • Hematuria: Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Caused by the body’s reaction to intense pain.
  • Frequent Urination: An increased need to urinate, often accompanied by pain or burning sensation.
  • Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Indicative of a urinary tract infection, which can accompany kidney stones.
  • Fever and Chills: Signs of an infection in the urinary tract, which requires immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones:

  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water leads to concentrated urine, making it easier for minerals to crystallize and form stones.
  • Diet: High intake of protein, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of some types of stones.
  • Obesity: Higher body mass index (BMI), larger waist size, and weight gain are linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout, and certain genetic disorders can increase stone risk.
  • Family History: A family history of kidney stones increases the likelihood of developing them.

Preventive Measures

Preventing kidney stones involves a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medications. Here are effective strategies:

  1. Hydration: The most crucial step in preventing kidney stones is drinking plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8-12 glasses (2-3 liters) of water daily to dilute the substances in urine that lead to stones. Adequate hydration helps flush out minerals and prevents crystallization.
  2. Dietary Changes: Adjusting your diet can significantly reduce the risk of kidney stones.
    • Reduce Sodium Intake: High sodium levels increase calcium excretion in urine, leading to stone formation. Limit salt intake to 2,300 mg per day or less.
    • Limit Oxalate-Rich Foods: For those prone to calcium oxalate stones, reducing oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, and chocolate can help.
    • Moderate Protein Intake: High-protein diets increase the risk of uric acid stones. Aim for moderate protein consumption, focusing on plant-based proteins when possible.
    • Increase Citrate Intake: Citrate, found in lemons and limes, helps prevent stone formation. Consuming citrus fruits and juices can increase citrate levels in urine.
  3. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: A popular home remedy involves mixing lemon juice and olive oil. Lemon juice contains citrate, which helps break down calcium stones. Olive oil acts as a lubricant, easing the passage of stones.
  4. Coconut Water: Known for its hydrating properties, coconut water helps in flushing out kidney stones. It also reduces the risk of new stones forming.
  5. Basil Juice: Basil contains acetic acid, which helps break down kidney stones and reduce pain. Drinking basil tea or juice can aid in passing stones.
  6. Calcium Intake: Contrary to popular belief, dietary calcium can actually help prevent stones. However, calcium supplements should be taken cautiously, as they might increase the risk.
  7. Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary beverages, especially those with high fructose corn syrup, can increase the risk of stones. Opt for water, herbal teas, and natural fruit juices instead.
  8. Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Exercise helps regulate metabolic processes and promotes overall kidney health.

Consultation with a Doctor

While home remedies and lifestyle changes can be effective, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or are experiencing symptoms. A doctor can provide personalized advice, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatments.

Medical Treatments

In cases where kidney stones do not pass on their own or cause significant pain and complications, medical intervention may be required. Treatment options include:

  1. Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms and facilitate stone passage. Pain relievers, alpha-blockers, and medications that dissolve uric acid stones are commonly prescribed.
  2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass more easily.
  3. Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is inserted into the urethra and bladder to locate and remove or break up stones using a laser or other instruments.
  4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is used to remove the stone.
  5. Surgery: In rare cases, open surgery may be necessary to remove very large stones or those causing obstruction and damage.

Kidney stones are a common and painful condition, but they can be effectively managed and prevented with the right measures. Staying well-hydrated, adopting a healthy diet, and consulting a healthcare provider are key steps in preventing and treating kidney stones. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their kidney health and avoid the discomfort associated with kidney stones.

Remember, while home remedies like lemon juice, olive oil, coconut water, and basil juice can be helpful, they should be used as complementary approaches under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you suspect you have kidney stones or are at risk, seek medical advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your health.

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copper
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Advantages of Drinking Water from a Copper Bottle

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

While you certainly think about the source of your drinking water on a regular basis, you might not think about the container in which it is stored nearly as much. If one of your New Year’s intentions was to drink more water or use less plastic, you might be considering investing in a new reusable water bottle. While there is an ever-growing variety of products on the market, copper water bottles are one option with some unexpected advantages. According to the sales pitch for several businesses selling reusable copper water bottles, holding drinking water in a copper vessel can help digestion, improve your immune system, boost your tan, and even speed up wound healing. Do these, however, is true?

Today, Optimum will be exploring the benefits of drinking water from a copper bottle. As an eco-friendly company, we’re always interested in ways to reduce the use of plastic. Beyond that, a reusable water bottle that supposedly has health benefits is of extreme interest to us. If you’re just as interested in this as we are, keep reading! You may be surprised at the information we have for you.

Copper: An Essential Nutrient

Believe it or not, copper plays a huge role in maintaining many – if not all – of your bodily systems. This includes the digestive and immune systems. While this may sound as though copper is a miracle metal that you need to ensure you’re getting as much of as possible, deficiencies are, in fact, extremely rare. According to Emeritus professor Anthony Wedd, copper is “almost everywhere, it’s in most foods. There’s no problem for people getting their copper from their diet because its main form is Cu2+, which is soluble in water: unlike iron, which can be tricky to get enough of.”

Still, getting as much copper in your diet as possible is important. As such an essential nutrient, it’s better to have more than needed than too little. For this reason, drinking water out of a copper bottle may be beneficial. But what health benefits can you expect from purchasing a copper water bottle and using it on a daily basis? Let’s find out.

The Health Benefits of Copper Water Bottles

Put simply, storing water in a copper vessel creates a natural purification process. It can kill all of the microorganisms, algae, fungi, bacteria, and molds in water that can be harmful to the body, making it perfectly fit for drinking. Additionally, water stored in a copper water bottle, preferably overnight, acquires a certain quality from copper. That’s because, as explained, copper is a mineral that is largely beneficial to human health. So, what can copper do for you?

Better Digestive Performance

One of the biggest benefits of drinking water from a copper bottle is found in its ability to improve digestive performance. This is due to the fact that copper has certain properties that can kill harmful bacteria as well as reducing inflammation in the stomach. This makes it a great remedy for infections, ulcers, and indigestion. Further, copper also aids in cleansing and detoxing the stomach, which regulates the functioning of both the kidneys and liver. For those with digestive issues, this is a huge reason to consider drinking water from a copper bottle.

Aiding in Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a quicker way to lose weight (and let’s be honest, who isn’t), you should try drinking water from a copper water bottle regularly. Why? Aside from fine-tuning your digestive system to perform better, copper also helps the body break down fat as well as eliminating it more efficiently. This process helps your body hold on to only what it will use, eliminating the rest. This is a great way to aid your body’s ability to lose weight more quickly.

Helping Wounds Heal Faster

Copper is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. These qualities make copper a great tool for healing wounds more rapidly. Copper is also known to strengthen the body’s immune system, assisting in the production of brand new cells. That being said, copper’s ability to heal the body isn’t found on solely an external level: it has also been shown to assist in healing wounds within the body, especially in the stomach.

Helps with Arthritis and Inflamed Joints

As stated, copper has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great mineral in terms of helping with arthritis and inflamed joints. For those experiencing these problems, copper is great for reducing aches and pains caused by inflamed joints, such as in cases of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Copper also has bone strengthening properties, which is also beneficial to those suffering from these conditions.

Boosting Skin Health and Melanin Production

Finally, copper is the main mineral involved in the body’s production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that plays a role in the color of your eyes, your skin tone, and your hair color. Copper’s ability to aid in the production of new cells increases the body’s ability to replenish the top layers of the skin, leaving your skin smoother and more radiant. If you want to rejuvenate your skin and make it as youthful in appearance as possible, drinking water from a copper bottle may be the way to go.

Combine the Benefits of Copper with Drinking More Water!

Now that you have an understanding of copper’s benefits for the body, it is likely you’re interested in drinking water from a copper water bottle. Why not make things easier on yourself by having an endless supply of fresh water? Further, why not do more for the environment by eliminating the need for plastic water bottles? That’s what you’ll get with one of Optimum’s bottleless water systems.

With Optimum’s bottleless water systems, you will be given access to a fantastic 5-stage filtration process that removes sediment, bacteria, chlorine, and other harmful contaminants found in your drinking water supply. This means, apart from great-tasting water, more convenient access to drinking water. When combining drinking more water regularly with a copper water bottle, you’ll receive all of the health benefits described here. Shop our selection of bottleless water systems and increase your water intake today!

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