Therapeutics 2 - Kidney stones:

Question 1

Q1: What are kidney stones, and where do they form?

Answer 1

A1: Kidney stones are crystalline salts and organic matter that form in the kidney and bladder, and they can cause pain (renal colic) if lodged in the ureter.

Question 2

Q2: What are the main types of kidney stones?

Answer 2

A2: The main types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate (the most common), calcium phosphate, uric acid, and struvite stones (caused by chronic bacterial infections).

Question 3

Q3: What is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation?

Answer 3

A3: Dehydration is a major risk factor because it concentrates urine, allowing minerals to precipitate and form crystals.

Question 4

Q5: How can high table salt intake contribute to kidney stone formation?

Answer 4

A5: High table salt intake increases urinary calcium, which can lead to the formation of calcium-based stones.

Question 5

Q4: How does urinary pH influence the type of stones that form?

Answer 5

A4: Acidic urine tends to form calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, while alkaline urine promotes the formation of struvite and calcium phosphate stones.

Question 6

Q6: What are some foods that should be avoided to reduce the risk of kidney stones?

Answer 6

A6: Oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, rhubarb, strawberries, beetroot, almonds, and cashews should be avoided to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Question 7

Q7: What general dietary recommendations are made for preventing kidney stones?

Answer 7

A7: Increase fluid intake, eat a plant-based diet rich in potassium, reduce salt, animal proteins, and purine-rich foods, and avoid oxalate-rich foods.

Question 8

Q8: How can herbal medicine be used to prevent kidney stones?

Answer 8

A8: Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum) is an antilithic herb that reduces stone formation, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) acts as a diuretic to help remove products and stones.

Question 9

Q9: What is a natural remedy to help soften kidney stones?

Answer 9

A9: Lemon juice, taken as 1 teaspoon every ½ hour for two days, can help soften kidney stones.

Question 10

Q10: What lifestyle changes can help keep calcium in bones and prevent stone formation?

Answer 10

A10: Ensuring a good intake of vitamin K, magnesium, and engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise can help keep calcium in bones and prevent its excess excretion into urine.