Urinary stones are a congregation of chemical substance present within the body .Normally urine contains many dissolve chemical substances .A specific concentration of these chemicals in urine causes them to crystallize ,thus leading to formation of stones.They may be smooth ,jagged or spiky and can be single or multiple .
Different types of stones are :
- Calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate stones (commonest )
- Struvite (infection ) stones
- Uric acid stones
- Others such as cystine , xanthine ,pyruvate
Presence of Stones :
Stones can be present anywhere along the urinary tract starting from the kidneys to the Urethra but are most commonly located in the kidney or the Ureter.
What are risk factors for urinary stones ?
The exact cause of urinary stone formation is not known .However studies indicate a high co-relation between certain factors and incidence of urinary stones.
- Prior history of urinary stones.
- Family history of urinary stones.
- Inadequate fluid intake .
- Dietary conditions -high intake of protein ,mineral and salts like oxalate ,calcium etc.
- Condition that block or reduce the flow of urine eg. Enlarged prostate ,stricture urethra etc.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Certain disease like arthritis ,gout, thyroid disorder etc.
Natural treatment (conservative Therapy ) of urinary stones :
- Since the majority of stones are small enough to be passed naturally ,many physicians suggest this approach .This wait and watch approach involves drinking lot of water to increase urinary volume in order to help flush out the stone.
- moderate consumption of meat, milk and dairy products is advised.
- You should also avoid alcohol ,tea , coffee, chocolates ,cabbage ,cauliflower etc.
- You should cut back your salt
- Limit food high in Oxalates such as colas
- Increase your citric acid intake
