The kidneys remove extra water and wastes from the blood, converting it to urine. They also keep a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Men tend to be affected more frequently than women.

What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the crystals from forming stones. These inhibitors do not seem to work for everyone, however, so some kidneys are likely to form stones. If the crystals are tiny in size, they will travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without being noticed.
Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals. The most common type of stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. These chemicals are part of a person's normal diet and make up important parts of the body, such as bones and muscles. A less common type of stone is caused by infection in the urinary tract. This type of stone is called a struvite or infection stone. A bit less common is the uric acid stone. Cystine stones are rare.

Causes and Symptoms:
Doctors do not always know what causes a stone to form. While certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible. A person with a family history of kidney stones may be more likely to develop stones. Urinary tract infections, kidney disorders such as cystic kidney diseases are also linked to stone formation. If there are more than one kidney stone, it is likely to form another; so prevention is very important.
Kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms. Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which occurs when a stone acutely blocks the urine flow. When a stone moves in the urinary tract, the pain begins causing irritation or blockage. Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin.
If the stone is too large, pain continues as the muscles in the wall of the tiny ureter try to squeeze the stone along into the bladder. As a stone grows or moves, blood may appear in the urine. As the stone moves down the ureter closer to the bladder, you may feel the need to urinate more often or feel a burning sensation during urination.

Alternate treatment for kidney stones:
Surgery is not usually necessary. Most kidney stones can pass through the urinary system with plenty of water (2 to 3 litres a day) to help move the stone along. There are numerous naturapathic medicines available to remove the kidney stones without pain. Often, you can stay home during this process, drinking fluids and taking naturopathic medication. A few types of stones may be dissolved by medications. Medication is most helpful in preventing further stones from forming.

Points to Remember

• If you have a hereditary family history of stones or have had more than one stone, you are likely to develop more stones.
• A good first step to prevent the formation of any type of stone is to drink plenty of liquids—water is best.
• If you are at risk for developing stones, you should consult a doctor to determine which factors can be altered to reduce that risk.
• Some people will need medicines to prevent from forming stones . Naturopathic medicine are the best which has no side effects at all.
• People with chronic urinary tract infections and stones will often need the stone removed if the doctor determines that the infection results from the stone's presence. Patients must receive careful follow up to be sure that the infection has cleared.

How Can I Prevent Kidney Stones

• Drink 10 glasses of water each day.
• Limit dehydrating liquids, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol.
• Follow the diet prescribed by your doctor. You may need to limit the following:
  • Dairy products
  • Colas, chocolates, and nuts
  • Organ meats
  • Fish
• Take all medications prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.