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At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
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Learn about Kidney stones
Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They have become a common health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the factors increasing the risk of kidney stones.
Causes
Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilate. At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.
Signs and symptoms
- Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs - Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin - Painful urination - Pink, red, or brown urine - Cloudy or foul-smelling urine - Nausea and vomiting - Persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or in small amounts
Diagnosing Kidney stones
Diagnosing kidney stones usually involves a combination of a physical exam, review of your medical history, and diagnostic tests, including blood tests to check for substances that might promote stone formation, urine testing to identify stone-forming minerals, and imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays to visualize the stones.
Prevention and natural treatment
Preventing kidney stones is primarily about lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps to dilute the substances in the urine that lead to stones. Adopting a diet low in salt and animal proteins, while maintaining adequate levels of calcium, can also reduce the risk. In terms of natural treatments, there are several approaches to both prevent and aid the body in passing kidney stones: - Increase your intake of citric acid found in fruits like lemons and oranges. Citric acid helps prevent stone formation and break down smaller stones. - Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps to dissolve kidney stones. - Avoiding foods high in oxalate like spinach, beets, and almonds can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type. - For those prone to forming stones, taking magnesium supplements can reduce the risk as magnesium helps prevent the binding of calcium and oxalate, two common components of kidney stones. Functional medicine also emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause of kidney stones, such as hormonal imbalances or metabolic issues, and addressing those through a personalized health plan. This approach can include nutritional counseling, supplements, stress management techniques, and regular monitoring of kidney health. By combining a thorough understanding of one's body and health history with natural, preventive strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney stones and improve their overall kidney health.
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