Rocks Gemstones

It?s interesting to note that kidney stones compositions vary, each leading to a specific distinction on how each main composition amass to form into a kidney stone. Basically, all kidney stones start with a nucleus of crystal substances. This nucleus if dissolved in a soluble form of urine can easily be excreted or washed out of the kidney. If not, that is where the problem begins.

The crystalline nucleus will combine with other insoluble or oxalates coming from the dietary intake of a person. The more oxalate produced or strained by the kidney from the bloodstream the more the nucleus will likely snowball into a bigger form, which will now be called a kidney stone. The kidney stone composition will depend on the type of oxalate concentration it contains, namely calcium, uric acid, amino acid, and magnesium 

Types of Kidney Stones and their Composition

Calcium Kidney Stones

It is estimated that about 75 to 85% of all kidney stones are calcium stones. The concentration of calcium oxalates in the body is found in the urine, which will meet minute crystalline substances that attach themselves on the side of the kidney tubule. As the calcium oxalates float in the urine, they will combine with the crystals until they eventually form into a kidney stone.

Calcium ingested as a dietary substance may decrease the risks of calcium stones, because the oxalates can be dissolved or discharged by the intestine. It will no longer be carried by the bloodstream to the kidney to meet with crystal nucleus, thus, preventing the occurrence of calcium kidney stones. Intakes of caffeine have been proven to increase the risk of urinary calcium. Caffeine drinkers should therefore increase water intakes.

Uric Acid Kidney Stones

Quite surprisingly it is said that uric acid kidney stones are uncommon, representing only 5 to 8% of all kidney stones. It stems from high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, which will meet with other insoluble acids in the urine, thus forming into uric acid kidney stones. What makes the kidney stones distinct is that the stones will find a way to lodge themselves in between the joints of the individual causing the disorder called gout. Hence, the association of kidney stones with gout pains.

The increase in levels of uric acid is attributed to excessive purine intake, which produces uric acid. Hence, persons with high uric levels are required to reduce meat intakes and increase alkaline rich fruits and vegetable consumption.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones account for only less than one percent of all kidney stones because it stems from the body?s genetic disability to transport amino acid. The insoluble amino acids will combine with the crystal nucleus and form into cystine kidney stones and develop into a disease called cystinuria.

Taking in plenty of water to keep the urine soluble to prevent the amino acid oxalates from combining with the crystals is the best prevention. Special diets of food containing amino acids should be observed since it is not recommended to eliminate amino acid totally from the system. Amino acid plays an important role in tissue growth to keep our hair and skin healthy.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are commonly found in animals, particularly dogs. The formation of the stones usually originates from a urinary tract infection, which creates an imbalance of acid in the animal?s urine. The main composition of struvite stones are magnesium and ammonium phospate. Treatment may include a special dog food diet and increased water intake. 

Knowing all these kidney stone compositions can provide us with a better understanding on the type of diet we should choose, to prevent kidney stones from forming in our body.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and kidney stone removal. Discover how you can get rid of your kidney stones for good using proven home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.nomorekidneystone.com

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Kidney Stone disease is a disorder involving hardened accumulations of mineral crystals that are deposited in the kidneys and ureters. The stones are usually small, but can vary in size from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Kidney stones are quite common, affecting over 5% of Americans and more often in men than women. Recurrence of the disease is widespread and reaches as high as 50%, especially during the summer months. There are five major categories of kidney stones but calcium stones appear to be the most prevalent.

Clinical symptoms of kidney stones range from no pain if the stone is not moving to agonizing pain that has been compared to childbirth. The first sign of a kidney stone is often bloody urine or intense shooting pain in the flank region or the lower abdomen. As the stone moves down the ureter (the tiny tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder), the pain may progress to sharp cramping or become unbearable renal colic. An urge to urinate or burning on urination occurs as the tiny muscles of the ureter attempt to move the kidney stone along. Associated nausea and vomiting or a state of mild shock may be present. Steady, severe pain may be a sign that the stone has lodged. If this is accompanied by fever or chills, it may be an indication of infection and medical attention should be sought immediately.

The cause of kidney stone formation is not always obvious and usually involves a number of factors. Dehydration and a warm climate, as well as a diet high in proteins or oxalate can lead to concentrated urine and the beginning of a kidney stone. Kidney stones are also known to run in families and may be linked to a sedentary lifestyle or immobility. Active stone formers may also be suffering from an abnormality that prevents them from metabolizing calcium and oxalates.

The diagnosis of kidney stones is usually made on the basis of the location and severity of the pain, then confirmed by an x-ray or CT scan. Ultrasounds are also useful and a urinalysis or urine culture may be done to evaluate mineral levels. Blood may be drawn and a white cell count done to ensure that there is no infection present. If any stones are passed in the urine, it is important to collect them for the physician to evaluate and determine their causes.

Treatment of kidney stones is relatively uncomplicated as most stones will pass spontaneously on their own. The focus is preventing infection and minimizing the pain associated with passing the stone. Surgery may be necessary if the kidney stone is larger than 5mm, if it is blocking the flow of urine or causing an infection or if it will not pass on its own and is causing constant pain. A procedure that involves shattering the stone with shock waves is the most common intervention. For large stones, the surgeon may make a small incision in the back and remove the stone directly with a nephroscope. Open surgical procedures to remove kidney stones are reserved as a last resort because of the risk of hemorrhage.

For those who suffer from recurring kidney stones, the key focus should be prevention. Prevention of kidney stones is the best cure and may involve dietary or lifestyle changes. An adequate fluid intake of at least 6-8 glasses of water daily is imperative to wash out minerals and prevent kidney stones from forming. Other preventative strategies include adopting a diet low in protein and sodium, as well as avoiding oxalate-rich foods. It is also important to maintain a diet adequate in dairy foods and calcium. Contrary to what was once thought, recent research has proven that a diet high in calcium may actually help prevent kidney stone formation. Last, thiazide diuretics may be prescribed to increase urine formation and flush the body of any accumulating mineral salts.

Although they can still be painful, kidney stones are no longer the dreaded disease they once were. Most patients have very good prognoses and excellent outcomes. The advance of technology and the focus on prevention has greatly reduced the cost and pain of having kidney stones.

Disclaimer: This information presented should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Talk to your doctor for more information about kidney stones.

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Product Description
The World of Gemstones is a unique book that introduces the layperson to this complex world in simple and easily understandable terms. Describing what constitutes a gemstone, their history and some myths and legends surrounding them begin the introduction.This is followed by a section covering seventy or so gems with an emphasis on diamond, particularly its identification. A section on organic gems i.e. ivory, shell, coral etc. follows. Both these sections are fully illustrated with color photographs of the stones.

A trip around the world follows, covering many countries visited by those on holiday or business and describing what, and in some cases where, to buy. Words of warning are also given as to what one should avoid. The influence of the Internet is recognized, with relevant websites helpfully listed. Appendices cover translation in four European languages, physical properties of the gems and colours.A glossary of terms and a comprehensive index is included.

Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying

Gemstone News Buying, Color Photographs, Coral, Diamond, European Languages, Gemstone, Gemstones, Glossary Of Terms, Identifying, Ivory, Layperson, Myths And Legends, Organic Gems, Product Description, Relevant Websites, Remainder Mark, Shell, Shipping Prices, Translation, Trip Around The World, Understandable Terms, Understanding