Diet to fight kidney stones

Kidney stones or kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis, is a disease characterized by the formation of calculi in the kidneys, or small masses consisting of crystals of calcium salts, magnesium or ammonium or uric acid.

These are formed in the kidneys (but also in the bladder) because the mineral salts are not adequately eliminated through the urine.

Does diet affect calculations?

The role of diet in stone formation is not very clear. Certainly a correct diet contributes to an improvement in the state of health of the kidneys and the body in general.

There is also to say, however, that in addition to the introduction or elimination of certain foods, other factors come into play, such as individual predisposition or absorption of oxalates that is different from person to person; however, the content of these in foods also depends on how they were cultivated, the variety, the processing.

So renal colics, symptoms and what to do "> what to do? While on the one hand many doctors push for a reduction in calcium intake, others disagree.

Even the role of vitamin C is not very clear, although many agree that citrus fruits, especially lemon, should be included in the list of natural remedies against kidney stones.

The lemon would in fact be able to contrast the process of nephrolithiasis, so it is often advised to drink at least half a glass of juice a day.

I no: everyone agrees instead on the opportunity of a reduction of table salt, which would increase the concentration of calcium in the urine. As sportsmen should avoid the consumption of too many salt supplements . Also the consumption of cured meats, preserved meats, certain types of fish, such as anchovies, herring and sardines and crustaceans, would do harm for those suffering from calculations, so they would have to be avoided.

Among the various foods and beverages to avoid there are also: cocoa and chocolate, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks in general; among the vegetables, particularly rich in oxalates, are asparagus, beetroot, chard, thistles, cabbage, beans, broad beans, lentils, peas, spinach, rhubarb, celery, endive, endive, leek ; among the fruits strawberries, raspberries, currants and other berries and dried fruit. Obviously we must not abuse alcohol.

I yes: we must instead increase the consumption of fibers and mineral water or minimally mineralized water, even more than two liters per day. Among the "friendly" foods there are also the onion, which has a powerful diuretic effect and promotes the elimination of uric acid; parsley, which stimulates appetite, digestion and promotes diuresis, as does celery. Even artichoke, apple, cabbage and nettle increase urine excretion.

Herbal tea with "stone breaker" herbs

There are herbs against stones, there is indeed a stone breaker ! This plant is commonly called this way because it grows on the cracks of the walls and also by virtue of its properties of disintegrating the calculations of the urinary tract.

Its name is cedracca, Ceterach officinarum; other names with which it is known are: grass rust or rustin, rust fern, glass herbaceous, fillanto or Phyllanthus niruri . Ask your trusted herbalist!