Search for wellness enhancements with nutrition, supplements, and exercise. We help you reduce medication dependence and achieve ideal health.

Kidney Stones and Kidney Stone Symptoms


kidney stones and kidney stone symptomsWhich well known diet was found to provide a lower risk of kidney stones? Read below…

What causes kidney stones and kidney stone symptoms?

It is a common occurrence to know someone close to us who has developed kidney stones and kidney stone symptoms. The cause of kidney stones and kidney stone symptoms depend on the type of stones being formed. Mayo Clinic states that “kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal forming substances in the fluid that your urine can dilute.” Anyone that has developed kidney stones should make an effort to strain all urine output to collect a stone so that the type of stone may be determined.

Kidney Stone Symptoms and Signs

If you have ever had kidney stones and kidney stone symptoms, you will not forget them. Kidney stones and kidney stone symptoms include an abrupt onset of severe sharp pain in the side of your low back or lower abdomen. You may experience constant pain, or it may come and go. You may need to urinate more often, develop bloody urine or cloudy urine may occur.

Types of Kidney Stones Causing Kidney Stone Symptoms

Calcium oxalate is the most common type of kidney stone. Calcium oxalate stones typically form with those who have an increased excretion of urinary calcium. Calcium oxalate stones are not dependent on urine acidity. Uric acid stones are known to form in an acidic urine pH and calcium phosphate stones tend to form in those with a more alkaline urine.

New Research Reveals More Data to Help Prevent Kidney Stones and Kidney Stone Symptoms

New research by Prochaska, ML et al evaluated participants from the nurses health studies, NHS I and NHS II between the dates of 1976 and 2016. Researchers collected 24 hour urine from kidney stone formers in these studies.

Calcium Intake and Kidney stones

Healthcare providers previously advised kidney stone patients to reduce calcium in their diet. New findings by Prochaska, ML et al determined that participants with a higher intake of dietary calcium had a lower risk of kidney stones. It did not matter whether the dietary calcium was coming from vegetables or dairy products. Calcium from supplements was associated with a 20% higher chance of forming kidney stones in older women but not younger women. A low calcium diet appeared to have a higher risk of kidney stone formation.

Prochaska, ML et al reinforced these factors which lower the risk of kidney stone formation and may provide an avenue for prevention of kidney stones:

  • Adequate consumption of nondairy and dairy dietary calcium
  • Consume enough dietary potassium
  • Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee as well as caffeine was associated with lower risk of kidney stones.
  • DASH diet which contains low-fat dairy, higher amounts of vegetables and fruits, as well as low in red meat and processed meat was found have a lower risk of kidney stones.
  • The beverages tea, beer, wine, and orange juice were all associated with a lower risk of kidney stones.
  • Participants in the nurses health studies who had larger amounts of urine volume had a lower risk of kidney stones.
  • Those with higher urinary citrate in their urine had a lower risk of kidney stones.

DASH diet which contains low-fat dairy, higher amounts of vegetables and fruits, as well as low in red meat and processed meat was found have a lower risk of kidney stones.”

Consider avoiding these factors which showed a higher risk of kidney stone formation as documented by Prochaska, ML et al:

  • Taking calcium supplements was associated with a higher risk of stone formation.
  • A higher intake of oxalate containing foods was associated with higher risk.
  • There was a higher risk of kidney stones in those who consumed more sugar containing beverages including sucrose, fructose, soda sweetened with sugar, and punch.
  • A higher body mass index was associated with higher risk of stone formation.
  • The Nurses Health Studies showed diabetes mellitus type 2 and gallstones were associated with higher risk of kidney stones.
  • Those who had higher concentrations of oxalate or calcium in the urine had a higher risk of kidney stone formation.

Common Beverages With Risk of Kidney Stones and Kidney Stone Symptoms

45,289 men without previous renal stones were followed in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (4) for formation of stones. Increasing intake of fluid reduced kidney stone formation. The study found that specific types of beverages were found to decrease risk of stone formation. For each 8 ounce serving daily of the following beverages consumed per day, stone formation risk decreased by the following amounts on average: coffee with or without caffeine, 10%; tea, 14%; beer, 21%; and wine, 39%. Also, for each 8 ounce serving of apple juice, stone formation risk increased by 35%, and grapefruit juice increased risk by 37%. A similar study design looked at kidney stone formation in women and found a 59% reduced risk of kidney stones with each 8-ounce serving of wine daily (5).

References for Kidney Stones and Kidney Stone Symptoms
1.Mayo Clinic. Kidney Stones. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/basics/definition/con-20024829 Accessed 7/30/2106.
2.Prochaska ML, Taylor EN, Curhan GC. Insights Into Nephrolithiasis From the Nurses’ Health Studies.  Am J Public Health. 2016 Jul 26:e1-e6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27459448
3.Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/hbp_low.pdf 
4.Curhan GC, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Spiegelman D, Stampfer MJ. Prospective study of beverage use and the risk of kidney stones. Am J Epidemiol. 1996;143:240–7.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8561157
5.Curhan GC, Willett WC, Speizer FE, et al. Beverage use and risk for kidney stones in women. Ann Intern Med. 1998;128:534–40.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9518397

Preventive Health Advisor A to Z:

32 Possible Ways to Live Longer and Increase Life Expectancy

There are many potential ways to live longer ...

40 Natural Ways to Reduce Cholesterol and LDL

"The clock is ticking...Your doctor may only give ...

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Clinical Presentation: The AAA may be present as ...

Acai Berry

Introduction: What is acai berry? Acai berry is ...

Ace Inhibitor with Pycnogenol

Introduction: A natural treatment added to Ace inhibitor ...

Acid Reflux Home Remedies, Foods for GERD, and Beyond

"Give yourself or a loved one an optimum ...

Acne Treatment Home Remedies

Introduction: Acne Treatment Home Remedies Acne is the most ...

Acupuncture and Weight Loss

Introduction: Acupuncture is one of the most commonly ...

Acupuncture for Controlling Pain in Multiple Areas

Acupuncture for Controlling Pain in Multiple Areas Acupuncture ...

Aerobic Exercise for Disease Prevention and Treatment

Introduction: Patients should seek approval by primary physician prior ...

Agaritine

Introduction: Agaritine is a mycotoxin found in the ...

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) definition: AMD is ...

Allergic Rhinitis

Introduction: Natural Sinus Relief for Chronic Allergic Rhinitis ...

Aloe vera

Introduction: Aloe is a cactus-type succulent plant that ...

Alpha Carotene

Introduction: Alpha carotene is a plant nutrient which ...

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Introduction: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant ...

Alpha-hydroxy Acid

Introduction: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are common in ...

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s disease

Introduction: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as ...

Andrographis

Introduction: Scientific name Andrographis paniculata is a bitter ...

Anti-aging, Increasing Lifespan, and Reducing Risk of Mortality

Introduction: This information includes a collection of observational ...

Anxiety or Stress Natural Techniques and Supplements

Introduction: Natural Techniques and Supplements for Anxiety or ...

Apthous Ulcers: (Canker Sores)

Introduction: Apthous ulcers are painful red eruptions with ...

Aspirin

Introduction: Aspirin or acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) is commonly ...

Asthma Natural Supplements for Adults with Allergies Plus Much More

Introduction: Asthma Natural Supplements For Adults With Allergies ...

Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized ...

Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Full aspects of atrial fibrillation treatment and ...

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child Behavior

Introduction: Autism is a developmental disorder of the ...

Ayurvedic Supplement Concerns

Introduction: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of ...

Baby Formula, Breastfeeding, and Nutrition

Introduction: Evidence of breastfeeding the newborn are well-supported ...

Bacterial Vaginosis, Vaginitis, and Vanginal Candidiasis

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one the most ...

Beet Juice and Benefits of Beets

Introduction: Beet Juice and Benefits of Beets Healthy athletes ...

Berberine

Introduction: Berberine is bright yellow colored ammonium salt ...

Beta-Blockers: Important Points

Introduction: Beta-blockers will be discussed here primarily for ...

Beta-Carotene and Carotenoids

Introduction: Beta-carotene is a pigment which produces the ...

Beta-cryptoxanthin

Introduction: Beta-cryptoxanthin is a natural plant pigment classified ...

Better Kid Care and Child Development Health

Introduction: The following information includes tips on providing ...

Bilberry

Introduction: The bilberry is related to the blueberry ...

Biotin Containing Foods

Introduction: Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin ...

Black Seed for Cholesterol

Black Seed for cholesterol contains bioactive antioxidant compounds ...

Black tea

Introduction: Black tea is made from the leaves ...

Bladder Cancer

Introduction: The most commonly seen type of bladder ...

Blueberries Nutrition and Blueberries Health Benefits

Introduction for Blueberries Nutrition and Blueberries Health Benefits ...

Boron

Introduction: The foods containing boron are listed below ...

BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evidence for Herbals

Introduction to BPH Natural Treatment BPH occurs when ...

Breast Cancer

Introduction: The following information focuses on potential Integrative ...

Brewer’s Yeast Health Benefits

The most notable improvements on average, included lower ...

Broccoli Sprouts

Introduction: Sulforaphane is a compound believed to be ...