Kidney Stones

Urinary calculi occurring in any part of the urinary tract are abnormal concretions usually composed of mineral salts such as mixtures of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium ammonium phosphate. They vary in size from microscopic to several centimeters in diameter. About 80% of all urinary stones contain calcium. The majority of these are composed of calcium oxalate. Contrary to previous notions, dietary calcium is seldom closely linked to the development of urinary oxalate stone formation. “Dietary Influences on Serum and Urinary Oxalate in Healthy Subjects and Oxalate Stone Formers,” Butz M, et al, Urol Int, 1980:35:309-315. 32760 In fact, calcium restriction may be contraindicated in calcium stone formers.

Naturopathic Approach

A naturopathic approach to treating someone with kidney stones first involves investigating which type of stone they have developed. A person with uric acid stone would follow a similar treatment as described in the gout section. A person with a calcium oxalate stone would follow a meal plan high in fruits and vegetables, a high alkalizing and low in inflammation meal plan. Clinical nutrition may be used to increase tissue calcium and magnesium levels. Botanical medicine may be used to support health kidney function.