Are kidney stone sufferers aware of lemonade therapy?
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Answers:
Hi Stony. I am a chronic stone sufferer. There is a lot of research on the role of citrate in the prevention of the most common types of stones - calcium oxalate stones. I did a search of the medical literature on Pubmed and found a 1996 study in the Journal of Urology that looked at the use of lemon juice as a source of daily citrate. This study found significant benefits to the use of 4 ounces of reconstituted lemon juice diluted in 2 liters of water and consumed each day.
A more recent 2002 Italian study found that grapefruit juice also increased citrate levels in the urine. However, it also found an increase in calcium and magnesium in the urine. The researchers concluded that fruit juices may be helpful, but not if they contain sugar which can increase urinary calcium levels.
Potassium Citrate supplements (I use these) are a well recognized therapy for reducing the risk of stone formation. Additionally, calcium supplements (contrary to what seems 'logical'), especially calcium citrate, are also a good idea. The increase in dietary calcium is thought to reduce the absorption of oxalates from the gut. It is actually the oxalates in the urine (not calcium) that drive the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Magnesium supplements (again as magnesium citrate) are helpful too.
Lastly, vitamin B6 supplementation has be shown to also be beneficial.
One last thought. After more than 25 years of recurring stones, last year (with the help of a great Naturpathic Physician) I was able to identify the underlying cause. I have a condition called Celiac Disease. This is a common autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and causes excessive absorption of oxalates (and thus the chronic stones). It is caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in wheat, rye and barley called glutens/gliadins. One person in every 100 is estimated to have Celiac Disease. Sadly, it is only diagnosed in 1 in 3500 people in the U.S. (so 97% of the people with it go undiagnosed). Medical doctors are very unaware of this common condition - partly because the 'common presenting symptoms' they are taught in medical school are actually NOT the most common symptoms of Celiac Disease. It may be a good idea for you to get tested. You may need to educate yourself about it, again because the M.D.s are not educated about it. You can find a large series of review papers on it at the medical journal "Gastroenterology" in their April 2005 supplement. These are available on the net.
Hope this is helpful to you. Best wishes and good luck.
Other Answers:
I have had kidney stones in the past that sent me to the hospital. I was told that flushing the kidneys with lots of fluids will pass the stones. It did but the pain was terrible during my ordeal. I found that the silk from corn works excellent. You take the silk and boil it. then remove the silk and drink the water. Believe me when I say it took away the pain. I did not have to use pain medicine anymore. This was told to me by a physician and it worked.
I find that oxycodone, water, and patience is the cure for me.
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