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Introduction
The kidney stones or nephrolithiasis are hard deposits of minerals and salts that are formed inside the kidneys. They are of varying size -from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Factors such as dietary habits, fluid intake and genetic predisposition affect the formation process. The primary types of kidney stones include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes, along with medications that dissolve stones (up to 8mm) are used in Ayurveda to remove stones without surgery. Ayurveda treatments are cost effective and safe with fewer side effects. The treatments are personalized to the patient’s constitution and stone characteristics, and are aimed at promoting overall wellbeing and improving kidney health.
In this blog we are going to learn about common causes of kidney stones, understanding kidney stones as per Ayurveda, Ayurvedic approach in treating the condition and important home remedies to cure kidney stones.
Understanding the Reasons for Kidney Stones
- Calcium Oxalate Stones: Over 80% of kidney stones are calcium oxalate, with oxalate metabolism playing a crucial role. Disorders in oxalate metabolism can increase stone risk.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Factors: Low fluid intake, dehydration, and specific dietary habits increase stone formation risk. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are linked to higher incidence rates.
- Anatomical Variations: Presence of Randall’s plaques- calcium deposition in kidneys, can predispose individuals to stone formation.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Recent studies suggest mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the retention and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals.
Common causes include:
- Dehydration
- High-sodium diet
- Excessive animal protein consumption
- Family history
- Obesity
- Certain medical conditions
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Mineral imbalances
Kidney Stones in Ayurveda Perspective
In Ayurveda, the kidney stones are known as Mutra Ashmari. Renal calculi are related to several factors, including dietary habit and lack of sufficient water intake, causing this condition. Both surgical and medicinal treatment of this condition have been covered by the Ayurvedic texts particularly the Sushruta Samhita that infers that holistic management approaches are important.
Causes of kidney stone as per Ayurveda
Kidney stones (Mutrashmari), according to Ayurveda, are caused by numerous causative factors, primarily due to dietary and lifestyle induced factors. Key causes include:
- Imbalanced Diet (Ahara): Intake of heavy, oily and processed foods, salt and sour can accumulate Kapha dosha contributing to stone formation.
- Inadequate Hydration: Improper hydration leads to concentrated urine, thus resulting in the formation of stones.
- Lifestyle Factors (Vihara): A sedentary life, irregular eating habits and inadequate physical activity increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Other Contributing Factors: Urolithiasis is also associated with conditions like sleeplessness, stress, and eating of fast foods.
Ayurveda approach for kidney stone treatment
In Ayurveda, we treat Kidney stones or Mutra Ashmari with a holistic approach. It includes dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle change. Key components of this approach include:
- Dietary Management: Avoid salty, sour and oily foods as they aggravate stone formation. Consequently, emphasis is made on eating alkaline foods and remaining significantly well hydrated in order to dilute urine.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Prevention of recurrence is recommended by regular physical activity, stress management and keeping a healthy weight.
- Integration with Modern Medicine: The management of kidney stones is encouraged by combining Ayurvedic principles and most modern medical practices.
- This is a multifaceted approach hoping to break up past stones without causing new formations and less potential for side effects commonly seen in conventional treatment.
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
According to Ayurveda, smaller kidney stones can be eliminated by sticking to a suitable sattvic diet, consuming more water, and taking preventive measures.
- Increase consumption of vegetables, cereals, and fruits like carrot, cabbage, potatoes, and radish.
- Reduce consumption of refined wheat flour, oatmeal, bran, amla, black grapes, kiwi, chikoo, and strawberries.
- Consume barley water, buttermilk, coconut water, lemon water, sweet lime juice, and pumpkin soup, pomegranate juice, cucumber juices, Banana stem juice, horse gram soup
in moderation.
- Consume these liquids daily to flush out kidney stones and provide pain relief.
- Consume sugarcane juice mixed with cardamom/ Tulsi seeds and milk/cumin seeds and honey / fennel seeds, coriander.
- Consume watermelon fruit at least once daily for its 92% water content.
- Consume Amla, Amla juice, or Amla powder to aid in detoxing the body and flushing out small kidney stones.
- Dietary modifications: increase fiber, reduce salt, limit animal protein, include citrus fruits, avoid processed foods.
Conclusion
Natural remedies, combined with proper diet and lifestyle changes, can effectively prevent and manage kidney stones. These Ayurvedic approaches offer safe, long-term solutions while promoting overall kidney health.
REFERENCES
- Keshwa, K et al. (2022). Aetiopathological and Analytical Evaluation of Mutrashmari and its Management through Ayurveda. AYUSHDHARA.
https://doi.org/10.
47070/ayushdhara.
v9isuppl1.1012 - Aamir, M et al. (2023). HYDROURETRONEPHROSIS: A COMPLICATION OF MUTRASHMARI: A CASE STUDY. August – September 2023. https://doi.org/10.46607/iamj17p7062023
- Baghel, D S et al. (2018). AMALGAMATION OF AYURVEDIC CONCEPT WITH MODERN MEDICAL PRACTICE TO MANAGE KIDNEY STONE DISEASE (UROLITHIASIS): AN ABBREVIATED REVIEW. INDIAN DRUGS. https://doi.org/10.53879/id.55.11.11267
- Tayal, S et al. (2012). Cytoprotective role of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on renal epithelial cells. International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology, 38(2), 204-13; discussion 213-4. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1677-55382012000200008
- Gatkule, M A S et al. (2024). Review on Kidney Stone. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology. https://doi.org/10.48175/ijarsct-17245
- Singh, P et al. (2024). An update on natural bioactive components of traditional preparations for the treatment of nephrolithiasis; a review. Journal of Nephropharmacology. https://doi.org/10.34172/npj.2024.10545
- Alok, S et al. (2013). Pathophysiology of kidney, gallbladder and urinary stones treatment with herbal and allopathic medicine: A review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 3, 496-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2222-1808(13)60107-3
2. Sodium-Rich Foods - Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks increase blood pressure and fluid retention.
3. High-Potassium foods like bananas and potatoes elevate potassium levels
4. High-Phosphorus foods include dairy products, nuts, and certain meats. 5. High sugar intake contributes to obesity and diabetes, risk factors for kidney disease.
