Dealing with the problem kidney stones

Kidney stone problems

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Kidney stones are solid accumulations that tend to form in the kidneys but can occur throughout the urinary system. Obstruction, pain and secondary infection are the most common symptoms with kidney stones. About 6% of the general population are affected by them. They are responsible for thousand of hospital admissions and are twice as common in men as they are in women. Kidney stones tend to occur in adults over the age of 30.

They may be present without producing any symptoms and may pass through the urinary tract without any complications. Back pain that occurs where the kidneys are located and flank pain that radiates across the abdomen, down the ureters and down the inner thigh and genital areas, are common symptoms.

Nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain and distention can occur. Excruciating intermittent pain usually indicates an acute obstruction of a stone within the kidney or along the ureters. Fever, chills, increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine and presence of white blood cells usually indicates inflammation and infection. A stone obstruction can disrupt normal kidney function.

The exact cause of kidney stone formation is not entirely known. The identification of the type of kidney stone is important in determining the cause of stone formation and appropriate treatment.

The four main types of kidney stones are:

• Calcium stones, mainly made up of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate

• Uric acid stones

• Struvite

• Cystine stones.

Calcium stones are by far the most common and account for 60% to 90% of all kidney stones. A diet high in oxalate or phosphate contributes to the development of kidney stones. Approximately 5% of calcium stones are associated with hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D excess, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, kidney tubular acidosis, multiple myeloma, Cushing’s disease and cancer.

The diagnosis of kidney stones is based on history, presenting symptoms and medical tests, including urinalysis, x-rays, CT (computed tomography) CAT scan and IVP (intravenous pyelogram).

Conventional medical treatment of kidney stones includes the use of analgesics or pain killers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. No specific treatment is recommended for small, solitary kidney stones that do not cause obstruction or produce infection. Painkillers and muscle relaxants are prescribed to alleviate the pain associated with kidney pain. Surgery is recommended for multiple stones that can cause obstruction of produce infections. Shock wave lithotripsy uses ultrasound waves to help break up and disintegrate stones.

Chronic use and over-consumption of aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid and a lack of exercise promote kidney stone formation. Daily exercise is a great way to stay in shape and improve kidney function. Long-term use of calcium containing antacids, or excess calcium supplementation, also contributes to kidney stone formation.

Lead, aluminum, mercury, uranium and cadmium toxicity can damage the kidneys and promote stone formation sources of those toxic metals should be identified and eliminated.

Also, avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. Limit excess milk, cheese and other dairy products. Decrease consumption of salt, soft drinks and red meat as well as consumption of foods high in oxalic acids such as beans, cocoa, coffee, tea, beet tops, rhubarb, spinach, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Decrease consumption of foods high in phosphates such a red meat and other animal products. Beans and legumes, grains and cereals and pop are also high in phosphates.

Increase consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, high fibre foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. A vegetarian diet may be beneficial. Avoid excess phosphates from red meat, soft drinks and refined foods. Excess phosphates upset the calcium balance and promote stone formation.

Increase consumption of water. Six to eight 250-millilitre glasses of water or more is recommended. Increase consumption of dark berry juice, including blueberries, cranberries and watermelon. Adding citric acid—lemon juice or vinegar—to water can increase the solubility of calcium in solution and prevent kidney stone formation.

The role of calcium in the development of kidney stones remains controversial. The recommended dietary allowance of calcium is about 800 to 1200 milligrams per day. Low oxalate and low phosphate sources of calcium are preferred to higher dietary sources of oxalates and phosphates. Excessive intake of calcium beyond the RDA in foods or as supplements may contribute to calcium stone development in the kidneys.

Salt intake beyond the RDA of 2,300 milligrams of sodium contributes to the development of kidney stones. Excessive doses of sodium contribute to calcium losses through the kidneys. The increased solubility of salt and calcium leads to increased stone formation.

A low salt diet is recommended to help decrease calcium loss and kidney stone formation.

Herbs that may help prevent and treat kidney stones include basil, celery, chanca piedra, cornsilk, couchgrass, dandelion, goldenrod, hibiscus, marshmallow, nettles, parsley, pomegranate and sage.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Getting to know your thyroid gland

Thyroid issues

Photo: NIDDKD

Thyroid testing

Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of thyroid gland function marked by underproduction of the hormone, thyroxine.

Low functioning thyroid occurs in approximately 10% to15% of the adult population. Mild to severe hypothyroidism occurs in 10% to 12%, while moderate to severe hypothyroidism occurs in 1% to 4% . Hypothyroidism occurs slightly more in females than males.

Hypothyroidism that occurs in children results in delayed physical growth and decreased mental function.

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human body and is located in the front and sides of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. It serves as a storehouse of iodine. Thyroxine is the chief hormone produced in the thyroid gland.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to maintain proper growth and metabolism in the human body. Metabolism is a general term used to describe the sum of all physical and chemical processes that occur in the human body. It includes the digestion and absorption of food particles into amino acids, carbohydrates and fats that are used to build and maintain body structure and function.
Body temperature is a reliable indicator of thyroid gland function. The normal oral human temperature is 36.4 C to 37.5 C. Low body temperature below 36.4 C suggests hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include physical and mental sluggishness, fatigue, malaise, depression, muscle weakness, forgetfulness, memory impairment, inability to lose weight, weight gain, cold hands and feet, constipation and slow digestion. Other symptoms include swelling and edema, tongue enlargement, brittle and cracked fingernails, dry thin hair.

With females symptoms include menstrual cycle irregularities, prolonged menstrual bleeding, infertility, premature birth and miscarriages. For men, they include, decreased muscle strength, impotence and baldness. High cholesterol and triglycerides, feeling cold, decreased heart rate, an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, anemia and delayed tendon reflexes can also occur.

The exact cause of hypothyroidism is not known. Underactive thyroid function, to some degree, may be a process of aging. Heredity can play an important role in its development. Autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks thyroid gland tissue, is probably the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Other causes include pituitary gland disorders, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroid surgery, congenital deficiency, nerve damage and nutritional deficiencies including iodine, vitamin A, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, zinc and tyrosine.

Excess use of stimulants and dietary supplements can decrease thyroid gland function.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on history, symptoms and blood tests to determine thyroxine or T4 hormone levels. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is an indirect test that measures pituitary gland function in response to thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, T3 and TPO or thyroperoxidase antibody levels can give useful insight into thyroid gland function.

Conventional medical of treatment of hypothyroidism focuses on drug therapy to replace T4 thyroid hormone levels. Synthetic T4 is the most commonly prescribed and effective medicine. Even though it is synthetic is bio-identical in the sense it has the same chemical structure as naturally produced T4 in the thyroid gland. This hormone must be taken everyday by itself to be effective.

A whole gland thyroid extract derived from beef or pork thyroid glands is often recommended by nutritionally oriented doctors as an alternative to L-thyroxine replacement. The desiccated whole gland extracts contain specific amounts of T3, T4 and other allied residual hormones and nutrients that may be beneficial for thyroid function. It can be used as alternative to T4 replacement in some individuals who want an alternative to L-thyroxine. It is available as a prescription in B.C.

Excessive stress can decrease thyroid gland function. Exercise is a good way to help stimulate metabolism.

A high consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale and cauliflower can decrease thyroid function. Consuming to many soy products can interfere with thyroid gland function. Foods high in iodine, including fish, kelp, seaweed and iodized salt can help improve thyroid function. Consuming excessive amounts of stimulants found in coffee, tea, colas and other caffeine-containing foods, allergy medicine and decongestants can negatively impact thyroid gland function.

Iodine is necessary to make the thyroid hormone. The recommended dietary allowance of iodine is 150 to 200 micrograms per day for most adults. Iodine has been added to refined salt because iodine deficiency was fairy common and contributed to low thyroid function and the development of goitre or an unusual enlargement of the thyroid gland.

The consumption of too much iodine, more than 1,000 mcg per day, can confuse the thyroid gland and can lead to both hypo and hyperthyroid responses.

Nutrients can help support thyroid function. Vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, selenium and zinc are required in small amounts for proper thyroid function.

The amino acid tyrosine is also required to make the backbone of thyroid hormones that are then attached with several iodine molecules.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Dealing with the painful effects of gout

Treatment of gout

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Gout often causes severe pain in the big toe but can also affect other joins in the body.

Gout is a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of arthritis, in which uric acid appears in excessive amounts in the blood and may be deposited in joints, tendons and other tissues.

Excessive levels of uric acid occur in the blood of between 10% to 20% of the adult population, however, gout occurs in about three out of every 1,000 people.

Ninety-five percent of individuals with gout are males over the age of 30. Gout occurs infrequently in females. The exact cause of gout is not entirely known. It is a disorder of the metabolism of purines. Purines are nitrogen-containing substances found mainly in high protein foods. The net product of purine breakdown is uric acid.

Uric acid is normally expelled from the kidneys in urine. With gout, however, the uric acid is retained in the blood in excessive amounts. The high amount of this acid is then deposited in joints and tendons throughout the body. In some cases, crystals can precipitate forming swollen lumps called “tophi.” The uric acid crystals can also predispose to the development of kidney stones and can cause kidney damage.

Other factors associated with the development of gout include obesity, hereditary diseases such as Down’s syndrome, glycogen storage disease, decreased kidney function, hyper and hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, high triglycerides and excessive exercise.

In the Middle Ages, gout was considered a disease of the wealthy caused by overindulgence of rich foods like meat and pastries, as well as alcohol.

Gout is a Latin word meaning to drop, as it was believed to be caused by a drop in the body’s humours. Besides diet it was is believed to be precipitated by fatigue, emotional stress, minor trauma, surgery, infection and the administration of penicillin, insulin or diuretic drugs. The acute form of gout usually begins suddenly without warning. Seventy percent of attacks involve the big toe, although other joints, including in the ankle, foot, foot, knee, wrist and elbow can be involved.

Throbbing, crushing and excruciating pain of the affected joints can occur. Individuals suffering from gout may be bedridden or have difficulty walking due to the pain. Swelling, tenderness and inflammation of the overlying skin can result. The skin may be a hot, a shiny dusky red or purple colour. A slight fever, rapid heartbeat, headache, chills and malaise can also be associated with gout.

The first attack of gout lasts a few days to several weeks. The symptoms usually disappear until the next attack. As the disease progresses, attacks tend to last longer and the interval between attacks become shorter.

If left untreated, a chronic form of gout can develop and persist for many years and a decreased range of motion and joint deformation can result. In 10% to 20% of individuals with chronic gout, damage to the kidneys occurs as a result of kidney stone formation.

Conventional medical treatment of gout focuses on drugs or surgery to alleviate symptoms associated with this disease. Drugs used include colchicine, allopurinol, indomethacin, prednisone and other corticosteroids. Surgery on the affected joints is occasionally performed when conservative therapy fails.

Stress can also aggravate attacks of gout. Stressors should be identified and reduced. Exercise, meditation, yoga and biofeedback can help to reduce stress. Aspirin and salicylate pain drugs should be avoiding as they antagonize the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys.

A diet low in purines is strongly recommended for this with gout. Avoid foods high in purines, such as meats, especially processed meats, organ meats and seafood, beans, legumes and peas. Decrease consumption of alcohol, especially beer. Decrease all refined carbohydrates with added sugar, including fructose or fruit sugar. Avoid pop and other sugary beverages. Reduce coffee and tea. Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and unprocessed, whole foods. Also, increase consumption of water to at least six to eight glasses per day, unless you are on a medical fluid restriction. Alkalizing the blood and urine with baking soda or sodium bicarbonate can be beneficial and adding apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can also be beneficial.

Increasing consumption of dark berries as a juice or as a whole food is helpful. Blackberries, blueberries and cherries can be useful in eliminating uric acid. Increase consumption of natural diuretic foods will aid in the elimination of uric acid through the kidneys. Foods to emphasize include celery, parsley and watermelon.

The drug colchicine was first isolated from a plant called Meadow saffron. Colchicine is a drug of choice in treating gout attacks. The content of colchicine in Meadow saffron is not standardized and consumption of the plant is strongly discouraged. Other herbal anti-inflammatories, including Boswellia, bromelain, ginger, turmeric, pancreatic enzymes can be taken. Herbal diuretics, including bearberry, birch and cornsilk, can also be helpful.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Probiotics can be helpful in treating yeast infections

Dealing with yeast infection

Photo: Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

Probiotics, such as those found in some plain yogurts, can be helpful in treating some symptoms of a yeast overgrowth in the body.

“Yeast infection” is the term used to describe chronic and persistent fungal infections of the skin, mouth, digestive system and, in more rare cases, the lungs, heart or blood.

The exact prevalence of yeast infection is not known. Yeast can be cultured in the skin, mouth, digestive system and reproductive region of virtually every individual, making the diagnosis difficult. Five to 10% of the general population are believed to have had an active yeast infection at one time or another.

Yeast is a group of single-celled organisms that belong to the fungus kingdom and Saccharomyces family. This kingdom includes mushrooms and molds. Yeast are not viruses and are not bacteria. Unlike plants, yeast does not possess chlorophyll to create energy from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. It also reproduces through highly resistant spores.

It gets its energy from breaking down sugar in food. To create wine, for instance, you need a substrate which is typically a sugar-sweetened fruit. Then you need yeast, which begins the fermentation process. The longer chain sugar molecules are converted by yeast to shorter chain alcohol molecules. The yeast gains cellular energy from this process.

Candida albicans is a species of yeast that is a normal part of the human microflora. It naturally occurs in small amounts on the skin, the digestive system—from the mouth to the large intestine—and the reproductive organs, especially in females. Overgrowth of yeast in any region of the human body can lead to aggravating persistent symptoms.

The list of symptoms of yeast overgrowth is lengthy and specific to the area of the body involved. General symptoms can include fatigue, lethargy, feeling of being drained, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, feeling of spaciness, depression, mood swings, headaches, dizzines and loss of balance.

They can also be pressure above the ears, a feeling of head swelling and tingling, recurrent infections, ear pain or deafness, blurred vision, burning or tearing eyes, itchy eyes, nasal congestion or discharge, post-nasal drip, dry mouth, rash or blisters around the mouth, sore throat, cough, bad breath, pain or tightness in the chest, wheezing or shortness of breath, heartburn ,or indigestion, excessive belching, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excessive flatulence, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, painful or burning or frequent urination.

In women they can be frequent bladder infections, persistent vaginal itch, persistent vaginal burning and menstrual irregularities

Impotence, loss of desire, premenstrual tension, muscle weakness and tightness, joint swelling, persistent skin itch and rash and increased sensitivities to environmental and food allergens can also be signs of possible yeast overgrowth.

Risk factors for chronic yeast infection include the use of anti-ulcer drugs, broad spectrum antibiotics, cortisone and related steroids, oral contraceptives, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, immune deficiency, diabetes, indwelling intravascular catheters, intravenous drug use, lack of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, nutrient deficiency and prolonged white blood cell deficiency.

Frequent antibiotic use and the excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates are the two most common causes of chronic yeast infection.

Diagnosis of yeast infection involves a tissue sample that clearly identifies as yeast filaments and spores. This is not possible in all cases, especially in cases where internal yeast is suggested. Blood antibody tests and stool cultures are also possible but tend to be expensive and are not mainstream tests. An online candida or yeast questionnaire seems to be a fairly reliable indicator of yeast infection.

Conventional medical treatment of yeast infection focuses on drug therapy, both oral and topical to help eradicate the persistent fungi. Commonly prescribed medicines include Diflucan (fluconazole) Lotrimin (clotrimazole) Monistat (miconazole) Nilstat (nystatin) and Nizoral (ketoconazole). Potential side effects of the medicine include nausea, vomiting, digestive disturbance, muscle aches, hives, skin rash, decreased white blood cell counts and elevated liver enzymes.

Reducing sugar consumption is the single best dietary advice for persistent yeast infection. This would include all simple sugars and refined carbohydrates high in sugar including dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, honey, coconut sugar and all organic sugars to name a few.

A strict anti-candida diet is often prescribed by nutritional-oriented health practitioners who emphasize decreased consumption of yeast and yeast containing foods and beverages, including breads, pastries, alcoholic beverages, malt products, sugar containing condiments and sauces smoked and processed meats, dried and candied fruits, edible fungi, cheeses and packaged and processed foods. Avoid white sugar and refined carbohydrates high in sugar because it is believed to feed yeast and depress immune function. Emphasize consumption of whole and unprocessed foods, high quality protein, nuts and seeds and vegetables.

Probiotic foods such as plain yogurt and supplements may be helpful in treating candida and yeast overgrowth both topically and orally. Essential oils including oregano oil, tea tree oil and thyme oil have topically anti-fungal activity. Topical boric acid and hydrogen peroxide have anti-fungal activity, Supplemental iodine has anti-fungal activity. Supplements can also be beneficial in helping to eradicate yeast overgrowth. These would include berberine, caprylic acid, colloidal silver, echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, grapefruit seed extract have also demonstrated anti-fungal activity.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.