The kidneys are among the special organs inside our body. Without these, we would not be able to secrete our waste products in the form of urine. The pair of kidneys also helps in the elimination of the excess and toxic products of the drugs that we take, and even alcohol.
But aside from its excretory functions, the kidneys are also responsible in filtering our blood as it circulates, and in producing and regulating the functions of some of our hormones and the acid-base balance in our body. These are vital functions of the kidneys. Once they fail, you will suffer from various diseases that can possibly end your life.
Our kidneys are not exempt from diseases. They can also acquire infections, as well as obstructions that eventually can lead to chronic and irreversible conditions. One of these diseases is the formation of kidney stones or commonly known in the medical profession as Renal Calculi. More specifically, when these calculi are present in the kidneys, the condition is called nephrolithiasis (when these are present in the urinary tract, it is called urolithiasis).
Many people in the United States and even around the world have been diagnosed with this condition, and a large percentage of these patients have worsened their condition after they took no action for their disease-condition. So, it is vital to understand the disease very well.
These kidney stones or calculi are usually made up of calcium, uric acid, magnesium, cystine, or the combination of all of these minerals. When these minerals start to accumulate, they crystallize and harden, and eventually become renal stones.
Once the person acquires the disease, he will usually manifest symptoms such as colicky pain in the loin to groin, blood in the urine, pus in the urine, burning pain upon urination, decreased amount of urine, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
If the condition is left untreated, it will progress to a more serious complication that includes renal failure, which is considered life-threatening.
The treatment for renal stones usually involves surgical interventions. Doctors will usually suggest removing these calculi immediately before they increase and size and totally block the passage of urine that contains toxic elements for our body. He may also prescribe medications that can dissolve the stones and inhibit the pain.
But prevention is still better than cure. Preventing the condition from occurring or progressing is very important, in order not to experience the symptoms. It is important that you drink at least three liters of water everyday, and consume a diet which is low in sodium and nitrogen content. You should also avoid foods that are high in oxylate contents, such as chocolate, soybeans, and spinach. There are also fruit juices that are considered as active flushers of toxic waste and renal calculi. These include cranberry juice, orange juice, and black currant juice. It is also advisable to avoid soft drinks and cola, as well as large doses of vitamin C or ascorbic acid.
Kidney stones can be life-threatening, but if you take caution and adhere to the diet and guidelines that are recommended, you can avoid acquiring the disease, and save yourself from the pain that this condition can trigger.
