The formation of stones in the urinary system has been recognized for many centuries but changes in the pattern and frequency are increasing. In the past, most incidences occurred almost exclusively in the bladder, whereas today most stones are formed in the kidneys.
Not surprisingly due to several factors, the frequency of stones has increased dramatically. Today, ten percent of all American men will develop kidney stones during their lifetime. Presently in the United States one of every 1000 hospital admissions are for kidney stones. This also correlates with the increase of other diseases associated with the common Western diet, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Men are affected more than women, and most of them are over thirty years old.
In the United States, the majority of kidney stones are composed of calcium salts (75 to 85%), magnesium ammonium phosphate (10 to 15%), and uric acid (5 to 8%). The prevalence of different types of stones varies by regions representing a differences in the environment, lifestyle, diet, and quality of water.
Components in human urine regularly remain in solution due to pH control and the secretion of protective substances that inhibit crystals growth. However, if the consumption of substances that make up stones or that contribute to the decrease of protective factors, tiny crystals can form that eventually become kidney stones. There are also a number of metabolic disorders that can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Diagnosing the type of stone is critical to determine the correct type of treatment. A physician may recommend urinalysis, urine culture, measurement of blood levels of calcium, uric acid, creatinine, and electrolytes. The daily nutritional intake should be analyzed and new dietary guidelines should be implemented depending the diagnosis.
Prevention of recurrence of kidney stones should not be ignored. Specific treatment is determined by the type of stone and may include the following dietary recommendations:
• Reducing urinary calcium (sodium intake, excess of protein, soft drinks)
• Reducing purine intake (meat, fish, poultry, yeast)
• Avoiding high-oxalate foods (spinach, beets, French fries, nuts)
• Increasing foods high in magnesium (barley, bran, buckwheat, rye, soy, oats,
brown rice, avocados, cashews, coconut, lima beans, potatoes)
• Increasing foods high in vitamin K (green leafy vegetables, natto, onions,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli)
• Drinking at least 48 fl. oz of water
The following dietary supplementation especially the intake of Chanca Piedra
(Stone Breaker) could also add therapeutic value:
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D3
• Fish Oil (EPA + DHA)
• Cranberry extract
• Grape seed extract
• Pine bark extract
• Inositol hexaphosphate
• Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)
Renzo J. Bustamante-Wendorff, B.S., M.S.
Research & Development
Source: Michael T. Murray, N.D., The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicined
