Kidney Stones
What Is It?
The kidneys are one of the body’s five main eliminating organs and their function is to filter the blood of toxic waste and excess water. Kidney stones are mineral deposits, with around 80 per cent comprised of calcium and oxalates. The stones have rough surfaces with spiky edges which can cause the pain associated with kidney stones. Kidney stones cannot be ‘dissolved’ by any medical therapy.
Cause and Effect
Sometimes stones can be composed of pure uric acid and can be dissolved by changing the acidity of the urine. If, however, they have become layered with calcium and oxalate, this will not work.
There are other rarer types of kidney stones called struvite which are associated with chronic urinary infections also known as ‘infection stones’ or cystine stones that result from a genetic abnormality.
Stones often cause severe pain, most commonly felt in the flank, lower abdomen and groin, sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, chills, fever and blood in the urine.
Oxalates are naturally occurring chemicals that are found in the human body. We know that most kidney stones are formed by calcium oxalate and uric acid, so it’s important to consider whether a sufferer is having too much. Conversely, consider which chemicals benefit a healthy kidney - citrate, magnesium and water are essential, so there is the possibility we are not getting enough of these.
Another possible cause is related to gastrointestinal problems, so gastric bypass, Crohn’s disease and malabsorption can all cause stones. Dehydration is another common factor in most people who have kidney stones.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
Reduce your intake of meats and dairy products. Clinical studies carried out have found dietary fat intake to be high among those suffering from urinary stones. It is also suggested that restricting alcohol, sugar and caffeine is also beneficial for those suffering this condition.
Oxalates - If you know you are prone to kidney stones, reduce the amount of foods that you eat which are high in oxalates - you do not have to omit them altogether, just eat/juice them in moderation.
What to Include
If you have kidney stones, you may be deficient in vitamins A or B6, magnesium and lysine. Be aware that mega doses of vitamin C supplements may increase urinary oxalate levels. Beneficial fruits and vegetables include carrot, watermelon, avocado, banana, apples and cucumber. Add 1/4 part parsnip with spinach, or any other juice rich in chlorophyll.
Cranberry - Cranberry juice has been shown to reduce the amount of ionised calcium in the urine by over 50 per cent per cent in patients with recurrent kidney stones. Drink cranberry juice to help flush your kidneys.
Fibre - Keep the gastrointestinal tract working efficiently by eating high fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables. In third world countries where fibre intake is still high, renal stones are rare.
Lemons - A rich source of citrates, which are known to inhibit the formation of kidney stones.
Orange - One of the natural remedies for kidney stones is orange juice, which causes the tubes from the kidney to enlarge, thus passing the stone.
Water - The best natural remedy for kidney stones is water, so drink at least eight glasses of fresh water daily, adding freshly squeezed lemon. Keep drinking water, even if you are not thirsty or physically active, to flush the kidneys. This precious liquid decreases or dilutes the concentration of substances that can contribute to the formation of new kidney stones or to the enlargement of existing kidney stones, so drink enough water to make you urinate every hour or two.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Beetroot Shot
1 Small Beetroot
½ Lemon
Juice and knock back in one juicy go!
Juice: Minty Sunshine - taken from Jason Vale's 5-Day Juice Challenge
2 Oranges (peeled with the pith on)
3 Carrots
1 Inch Ginger Root
4 Sprigs Mint
Peel the orange, remembering to leave the white pith on as this is where the majority of the nutrients are to be found. Juice the all the ingredients. Pour the juice over ice and enjoy!
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.