Introduction

When natural bodily functions become painful, life becomes tough. 

We do realize what is happening inside our bodies only when painful symptoms start to make our lives miserable. Kidney stones are one such painful condition that needs immediate medical attention. It is essential for you to know the signs and symptoms of kidney stones and when to seek medical help without inviting further complications. The problem occurs when people delay the treatment. They remain unaware of the condition and ignore it for too long. 

If you are looking for the best kidney stone treatment in Kolkata, you must first know all the details about the condition to understand everything and seek the right treatment. Here, in this all-encompassing guide to kidney stones, we shall talk about the causes, symptoms, risks, and available ways of kidney stone treatment. You can follow the guide to understand the all inclusive knowledge about kidney stone. 

What are Kidney Stones?

A kidney stone is a hard, stone-like substance found in the kidney or the urinary tract. The condition is medically termed as nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones may form in one or both the kidneys if there are high levels of minerals in the urine. This is a common health condition, occurring in one out of every 20 persons. When there is a decrease in the urine volume or too much quantity of stone-forming minerals, they may crystallize to form kidney stones. 

They can vary in their shapes and sizes. Some kidney stones are as small as sand particles, while others may be as big as a pea or even as large as a pebble. In some rare cases, kidney stones can be huge, like golf balls.

There are several types of kidney stones, which can be categorized into four main types. Kidney stones treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the stones. Dissolving kidney stones also depend on what minerals are present.

· Calcium stones

The most common type of stones are Calcium stones. They mainly contain Calcium oxalate and Calcium phosphate but the most common is Calcium oxalate. It is synthesized by our liver or absorbed from our diet or accumulated after Vitamin C gets catabolized.

· Uric acid stones

The second category of popular kidney stones is uric acid stones. It occurs when the urine contains high amounts of uric acid. It may occur in people having too much fish and meat in their diet. 

· Struvite stones

Struvite stones are less common and can suddenly develop in a person after having a UTI. 

· Cystine stones

This occurs as a result of a disorder known as cystinuria, which is the accumulation of the amino acid Cystinethat formed stone in the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder and is often hereditary. 

Signs and symptoms of Kidney Stones

It is hard to notice kidney stones symptoms if they do not move around inside the kidney or block the urinary tract. You need to seek treatment and remove kidney stones when they are large enough to move around inside the kidney or pass into the ureter. Symptoms occur when these kidney stones in the ureters hinder the flow of urine. It causes the kidneys to swell up, and at that point, you may experience certain signs and symptoms:-

• Moderate to severe pain while urinating
• Burning sensation during urination
• Blood along with urine
• Sharp pain below the ribs, along the sides
• Acute pain from the ribs to the lower abdomen and the groin
• A resurgence of the pain in waves, gradually increasing in intensity
• Shifting of the pain to a different side or increasing intensity as the stone moves inside the kidney.
• Such acute pain that you can’t sit still or lie in any comfortable position.
• Foul-smelling urine
• Reddish or brownish urine
• Change in the frequency of urination. You may be urinating more than usual. 
• A decrease in urine volume. 
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fever and chills sometimes. 

You should seek an immediate appointment with a doctor to cure kidney stones if you find these signs and symptoms of kidney stones. Delaying the treatment by ignoring these painful symptoms can further worsen the condition and give rise to complications. 

Cause of Kidney Stones?

There are several factors that may contribute to causing kidney stones in the body.

Kidney stones occur when the urine contains calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and such minerals in high content. These crystallize into stones after mixing with the waste products and remain undiluted by urine. 

Intake of minerals through food does not give rise to kidney stones. It is only when the body fails to absorb the minerals, and they remain in the kidney. Dietary factors, metabolic disorders, and surgeries may increase the concentration of minerals like calcium and oxalate in the urine.  

Some of the major risk factors contributing to kidney stone formation are:-

• Dehydration
• Low water intake
• Too much of unused minerals in urine
• History of kidney stones in the family
• Eating a very high-protein and high-sodium diet
• Digestive and bowel diseases like chronic diarrhea
• Repeated history of urinary tract infections
• Too much intake of dietary supplements 
• Cystic kidney diseases
• Obesity is sometimes linked to having a connection with kidney stones

Risks and complications from Kidney Stones

Risks and complications from kidney stones are rare but not unlikely. Complications can arise if you ignore the symptoms for a long time and do not seek treatment. You must seek immediate medical treatment before the problems occur. 

Some of the risks and complications that may occur from untreated kidney stones are:-

• Severe, unbearable pain 
• Kidney infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage and hampering of kidney functioning
• Hematuria or blood loss through urine
• Injury of the ureter
• Sepsis, a type of infection that spreads throughout the body, transmitted by the blood.

Diagnosis and treatment of Kidney Stones

The step in the diagnosis and kidney stones removal treatment is the correct identification of the condition. The doctor notes down the symptoms of the patient. He or she may first ask the patient to describe the symptoms and how long they have been occurring. Talk in detail about the nature and intensity of the symptoms and how long you have been suffering. Also, mention the medications and vitamins you take every day to help in better diagnosis. The doctor may also ask you to note and inform the amount of water intake and urine output in a day. The doctor then confirms the presence of kidney stones after ruling out other causes of pain in the abdomen and urinary tract.

Tests for Kidney Stones

Doctors can also conduct certain tests to confirm the presence of kidney stones and decide the course of treatment. 

Imaging Tests

There are two kinds of imaging tests that a doctor may perform to look inside the kidneys and better understand the situation. They are:-

· X-rays-

X-ray radiation is one of the imaging tests that help doctors to look at the state of your kidneys. Some stones may show up in the X-ray report, but the little ones are likely to remain invisible in the report. 

· CT scans-

Non-contrast CT scans are a better way to confirm kidney stones in the body. They provide an in-depth view of the kidneys, taking pictures from several angles. Computerized tomography, or CT scan, slices images to have cross-sectional views of the organ. The computer puts together all the slices to provide immensely detailed images. This is primarily the reason doctors are going for CT scans than normal X-rays. It gives quick images even in emergencies and helps the doctors in fast diagnosis. 

Ultrasound-

An ultrasound test uses sound waves instead of radiation to take pictures inside the abdomen. Recently, ultrasound, along with abdominal X-rays, helps in better diagnosis of kidney stones. However, pregnant women are not exposed to radiation to avoid risks to the baby. They may simply have to get an ultrasound done to confirm the diagnosis. 

Treatment

Most kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract on their own if they are small enough. Ample fluid intake can force down the small stones through the urinary tract. In fact, drinking more water at home to avoid dehydration is the best possible way to prevent kidney stones. Larger stones are very difficult to pass on their own and need other methods of kidney stone removal. 

Ways of Kidney Stones removal

Natural Treatment

The best way to remove kidney stones naturally is to let them pass through the urine. Ample water intake along with proper medications helps to flush out the kidney stones through the urine. Larger stones either need to be broken down or surgically removed. How to pass kidney stones fast?

If fluids are not enough to pass the kidney stones, doctors may suggest some medication to improve the passage rate and dissolve kidney stones.

Surgical Treatment

Kidney stones are mainly made of minerals such as calcium. The mineral deposits bind with waste products in the kidneys to crystalize into hard stones. They are small initially, but with time, they grow bigger when more minerals or waste products bind with them. When it is not possible to remove kidney stone naturally, they can get stuck in the urinary tract. The main reason behind it the large size of the stones that block the ureter and cause extreme pain and bleeding. In that case, kidney stone removal without surgery is not an option. Large stones have to be removed through surgical procedures. 

Whether you seek treatment for stone in kidney in Kolkata or any city in India, doctors will suggest four major types of surgeries.

The Fundamentals Of Alternative Treatment For Kidney Stones

So, what lays at the foundations of the kidney stone natural treatment methods? Ayurveda, Unani, and Therapeutic Yoga are three fundamentals of this mode of treatment. Several herbs have proved to effectively ward off the dreadful deposits in and around the urinary tract. In Ayurveda, they tend to address the root of the formation of kidney stone that varies among patients depending on their lifestyle. Further, the treatment varies depending on the size, location, and chemical composition of the stone. Hence, the remedy comes different and specific for every individual that too in a holistic manner.

Kidney Stone Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, kidney stone disease is termed as Mutrashmari. It refers to a ‘dosha’, happens due to the disturbed balance of ‘Vata’ (space and air energy) that results in the drying of ‘Kapha’ (earth and water energy). Brihatrayis, an ancient Sanskrit book on medicine suggests oral remedies before applying surgical methods to dissolve kidney stone. Ayurveda differentiates renal deposits into the following categories depending on their shape, size, color, and specific symptoms.

• Vatashmari
• Pittashmari
• Kaphashmari
• Sukraashmari

The treatment, however, maintains a hierarchy on the basis of the magnitude of the problem and prescribes accordingly. For comparatively smaller sized deposits Ayurveda suggests effective diet regimes to pass kidney stone. Similarly, for larger sized stone particles there are therapeutic and surgical methods too.

Unani Treatment For Kidney Stones

Unani treatment methods have emerged from Greece and the Persian-Arabic traditions. However, it is now among the most popular alternative treatment methods practiced in India and around the world. In Unani, the idea of kidney stone is termed as ‘Hassat-e-Kuliyah’. According to the ancient theories, ‘Qoowat-e-Faayelah’ or the active power inside human system causes rise in temperature of kidney. This in turn dries up ‘Maaddat-ul-Hisaat’ or the viscous blood elements and causes the formation of kidney stones. However, the three basic fundamentals that play part in kidney stone formation are:

• Arkan (Pillars of life)
• Mijaz (Mood)
• Akhlat (Manners)

Unani treatment is basically a therapeutic regime that aims at managing the symptoms of kidney stone and renal infections. The methods focus on adequate fluid intake, maintaining an oxalate-free diet, and taking purgative drugs in severe cases. Mufattit-e-Hisaat, Mudirr-e-Baul, and many other drugs are used to dissolve kidney stone in Unani treatment.

Yoga For Kidney Stone

Yoga has been an answer to several physical and physiological issues since time immemorial. It acts as the bridge between your own consciousness and the universal rhythm. But, does yoga help to cure kidney stone? Of course, it does. A simple meditation regime on a regular basis can save you excruciating pain and other kidney stone related symptoms.

• Ushtra Asana helps to reduce nausea, back pains, abdominal cramps, and other symptoms if you already developed kidney stones.
• Pawanmukta Asana helps to achieve a healthier digestive and renal system.
• Bhujanga Asana turns down the possibility of stone formation by activating steady blood circulation.

Treating Kidney Stones With Naturoveda

If you happen to have developed kidney stones then surgery ain’t your final resort anymore. Kidney stone treatment in Kolkata has expanded its territory by including Ayurvedic treatment clinics and extensive care services. ‘Naturoveda Health World’ is an institution in itself when it comes to curing renal disorders and kidney stone Ayurvedic treatment. With the divine combination of the fundamentals of Ayurveda, Unani and Therapeutic Yoga, kidney stone removal is no more a distant dream.

Foods To Eat And Avoid

Often enough we tend to overlook the drastic effects of our regular food habit on our excretory system. Junk food, alcohol, excessive oil, and fat consumption, and reduced fluid intake can harm not just kidney but the whole organic system. However, you can consider a kidney stone as a result of all your unhealthy and irresponsible intakes. Therefore, kidney stone remedy is all about eating right. Let’s throw light on what to eat and what to avoid, in order to achieve a healthier pair of renal organs.

What Foods Should Kidney Stones Patients

Remember, your urinary tract was not meant to excrete solid particles like kidney stones. Hence, apart from a sound sleep and moderate workout, you must follow a healthy diet plan to avoid kidney stones. And if you’ve already developed one or many, then plan on your diet alongside medical treatments to flush them off. So, what food regime should you consider if you have developed kidney stones?

Hydrate

There’s no friend like water! One of the simplest yet very effective ways to ward off kidney stones is to hydrate your internal system frequently. This will ensure effortless excretion of waste and cleanse your urinary tract the best way possible.

If you tend to sweat a lot, then watch out! Keep a bottle of water whenever you hit the heat burnt streets during summer or start your home work out session. It’s because you dehydrate faster than many and a dried system is the best environment for kidney stone development. Hence, drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily. If you have small-sized stones in the urinary tract, then water can help pass kidney stone through urine.

Increase Citrus Consumption

Limes, lemons are among the key components to dissolve kidney stone. Citric acid salt or citrate binds the calcium components of your food and turns them into a soluble citrate complex. This in turn lessens the super-saturation of calcium salts. Therefore, citrus inhibits the mechanism of forming calcium crystals. Further, the alkalinity of citrate salts helps to increase the pH of your urine and neutralizes the acidity of it. Hence, never ever underestimate the power of citrus consumption to pass kidney stone without pain.

Put Calcium In Your Diet

No, calcium ain’t making the way to your kidney stone formation. And, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You actually need adequate calcium in your diet to flush off those tiny stone particles. Include calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt and cheese etc.

What Foods Should Kidney Stones Patients Avoid?

Just like the essentials, there are food items that you have to say no to if you are a kidney stone patient. There are plenty of apparently healthy foods that actually fall in the category of foods that cause kidney stone. Let’s call out some of these food categories and eliminate them from your diet.

Stop Looking For Foods High On Sodium

Sodium and calcium happen to have the same gateway of transport inside your kidney. Therefore, if you consume sodium-rich food, the chances of calcium getting leaked in the urine increase desperately. Look out for food materials that are high on sodium, and say no! Several processed and canned foods tend to have high sodium content. Moreover, fast foods, salted products, and butter are renowned sources of sodium. On the other hand, fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and carrots are low in sodium.

Limit Intake of Animal Protein

Certainly, animal protein is one of the most prominent protein sources in our body. But, that doesn’t dilute the fact that animal protein creates the frame for kidney stones too. Red meats, shell fishes, and organ meats contain an extensive amount of an organic chemical called Purine. Consumption of high purine enhances the production of uric acid that aids in developing acidic urine. The acidic pH level of urine in turn enhances the chances of kidney stone development.

Forget Added Sugar Consumption

Soft drinks are a weakness, isn’t it? Certainly! But have you ever considered its effects on your kidneys? Soft drinks contain a high amount of added sugar and phosphate, the two kidney stone forming agents. Hence, reduce and eliminate the intake of these products. Added sugar is the sugar syrup that contains added sucrose and fructose. These synthetic sugar elements are present not just in soft drinks but also in canned juices, cakes, and bakery products. Therefore, to cure kidney stone related health issues forget added sugar.

Essential Health Tips

Once a kidney patient always a kidney patient! Unfortunately, kidney stone ain’t a “once in a lifetime” event. It is going to stay with you and keep coming back even if you’ve successfully flushed it off. Therefore, you must look for a healthy lifestyle before and after your kidney stone treatment is over.

• Keep hydrating and drink at least 4 litres of water regularly.
• Increase dietary calcium and citrus content in your food regime.
• Include moderate exercise in your routine and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Eliminate junk food and avoid foods that help with bloating and digestive issues.
• Add meditation and therapeutic yoga to your daily health regime.

Dos & Don’ts For Kidney Stones Patients

A life with renal disorders comes with a handful of dos and don’ts to follow for the rest of your life. Hence, if you are a potential kidney stone patient, consider these dos and don’ts as part of your existence.

What To Do

• Medicate and meditate.
• Seek a doctor’s advice if you spot even one relevant symptom of kidney stone.
• Resort to a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and well-planned exercise sessions.
• Stay positive and avoid stress.
• Try therapeutic sessions and Ayurvedic ways to cure kidney stone.

What Not To Do

• Avoid suppressing the urge to urinate.
• Stop feeling awkward if you have to urinate multiple times.
• Eliminate late nights from your routine.
• Get over your alcohol indulgence.
• Avoid sun exposure as much as possible.