How To Prevent Kidney Stones

Chances are you have had or known someone who has suffered the effects of renal calculi (kidney stones). I feel extremely fortunate to have never experienced this. Knock on Wood. While working in hosptials I have seen people writhing in pain from this, some folks with a look a sheer terror on their faces. Hopefully this hub will help even just a handful of

people avoid this tumultuous health ordeal.

Once a person has passed a stone, he or she may be prone to the development of other stones. To prevent further stones from forming, it is important to identify the type of stone that someone has passed; this is done by straining the urine with a screen and sending any stones to the lab for analysis. With all varieties of stones, fluids are generally increased in order to keep urine more dilute and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can predispose a person to stone formation. Additional long-term pharmacological and dietary management varies depending on the type of stone that was passed. Read on to see the prevention measures for each type of stone.

When it is metabolized, purine increases uric acid levels and helps for uric acid stones. To prevent this formation, foods high in purine and protein should be avoided. This includes shellfish, mushrooms, asparagus and all organ meats. A low-purine alkaline-ash diet is recommended. Uric levels can also be decreased by way of a medication called Allopurinol (Zyloprim).

Calcium stones may be prevented by following a low-protein, low-calcium diet. Dairy products are contraindicated. Contrary to traditional beliefs and some folklore, cranberry juice is not recommended by doctors as a preventive measure against kidney stones- Cranberry juice is in fact contraindicated. It is still believed, however, that cranberry juice does has mild antibacterial properties that can help prevent urinary tract infections. A medication called Calcibind may be prescribed for a person with calcium stones.

Struvite stones are also described as infection stones since they occur mainly due to urinary tract infections. The bacteria that are producing urinary tract infections and thereby struvite stones are proteus and klebsiella. Any conditions that cause urinary tract infection with bacteria have the ability to produce ammonia which will be a key factor in struvite stone formation. Struvite stone formation can be prevented by eliminating UTIs and prompt treatment when a UTI is acquired.

Cystine is an amino acid in protein that does not dissolve well. Some people inherit a rare, congenital (i.e., present at birth) condition that results in large amounts of cystine in the urine. Cystine stones that are difficult to treat and prevent and requires life-long therapy.  A regimen of urinary dilution and urinary alkalinization provides the best combination of efficacy and safety. Since the components of this regimen are complementary in their actions (decreasing urinary cystine concentration and increasing urinary cystine solubility), they should always be used together. An MD must presribe this treatment.

Oxalate stones may be prevented by avoiding foods that increase oxalate excretion. Such foods include tea, chocolate, spinach, strawberries, rhubarb and many types of nuts.

 Allopurinol

• Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It reduces the production of uric acid in your body. Uric acid buildup can lead to gout or kidney stones.

• It is used to treat gout. It is also used to treat patients with kidney stones and to decrease levels of uric acid in people who are receiving cancer treatment.

• It may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

 Calcibind

• Cellulose sodium phosphate (SELL-u-lose SO-dee-um FOS-fate) is used to prevent the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones. It is used in patients whose bodies absorb too much calcium from their food.

• Cellulose sodium phosphate works by combining with the calcium and some other minerals in food. This prevents the calcium from reaching the kidneys where the stones are formed.