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What Are the Symptoms of A Kidney Stone?

Do you see  blood when you urinate or do you have pain in your back or pelvis? If you answer yes to these two questions then you may have kidney stones. The only way to be really sure is to have yourself examined by a doctor.

The two symptoms mentioned are just some of the symptoms that tell you if you have kidney stones. Other symptoms of kidney stone may include fevers or chills, feeling or being sick, frequent urinating and a burning sensation when you urinate.

It’s hard to tell just by how you feel if you have kidney stones because these symptoms are also felt by those who have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

When you go to your doctor, they will have to do a series of checks to confirm a kidney stones diagnosis. This will include reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination and doing some tests.

To rule out UTI a sample of urine or blood is scanned using one or two machines that may be a computed tomography (CT) scan, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), retrograde pyelogram or X-ray.

To give you a better understanding of what these machines are;

The CT scan can be used for many purposes. In the case of kidney stones, the doctor will tell the technician to focus on your urinary system.

The problem with the CT scan is that it cannot detect small stones when these are located near the bladder. To be sure, an x-ray will be done to tell the doctor its orientation, shape and size.

The Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP is another option and for this test you will be injected with a contrasting agent. Once this is flowing through your kidney, it will be easy for the machine to see if you have a kidney stone blocking the ureter.

There are risks for conducting this test especially if you have a slight allergic reaction to the contrasting fluid that is used.

An ultrasound machine may be used to check if you have kidney stones located in your upper urinary tract or in your ureter. Unfortunately, it cannot be used to check for kidney stones in other areas.

Another test is called the retrograde pyelogram. This test is similar to the IVP in using a contrasting agent however instead of an intravenous agent the contrasting solution is introduced directly into the lower ureter. The contrast flow is opposite to the normal direction of urine, hence the “retrograde” part of the name. This test is normally done under general or local anasthesia.

In most cases, patients who have kidney stones do not need to undergo these more advanced tests because the others mentioned have already confirmed that.

Once the doctor is sure of the kidney stones diagnosis and determined the type of stone only then will they be able to treat it. The doctor may or may not have to give you medication. In extreme cases, surgery may be the best option.

Kidney stones happen more often to males than females. If you feel something wrong down there, don’t wait until it’s get worse before seeing your doctor.

Home Remedies - Kidney Stones

For people who are suffering from kidney stones, experts say the easiest way for them to deal with the condition is to flush the stones from their system. Although this can be helped by using medication or through simple medical procedures, it is often best to do it the natural way.

One of the natural methods to assist in dissolving kidney stones and flushing them out from the persons body is by drinking tea. Since time immemorial, tea has been giving people a lot of health benefits. One of which is helping the body’s system to flush out waste products that could bring health complications.

Some individuals who have suffered from kidney stones would agree that teas containing Chinese herbs such as plantain leaf, meadowsweet, Joe-pye weed and sarsaparilla, can help dissolve kidney stones because these contain natural properties which reduce excess uric acid in the body.

 Combined with other herbs such as corn silk, wild yam root, hydrangea root, yarrow leaf, and cramp bark, tea preparations can be effective in dissolving small kidney stones in no time. To make the tea more effective, longer preparation time is a must. This allows the ingredients to “draw” and ensures that all the natural properties will be intact.

Another kidney stones home remedy is to use a type of tea with diuretic properties. For this type of tea, you can choose either dandelion or corn silk. Many people say that these herbs are the two most popular choices of diuretic that can produce early results. When combined with other herbs such as nettle leaf, fennel seed, and oat straw, diuretic tea can be more effective in dissolving even medium-sized kidney stones.

If you are not the type to use herbal remedies as a natural means of fighting kidney stones, there are much simpler ways such as:

1. Taking in lots of fluid. People with kidney stones must drink at least 10 glasses of water per day to flush out body waste.

2. Opting for lemonade preparation. The citric acid present in lemons can delay the development of stones in the person’s body.

3. Eating foods that are rich in fiber but low in protein, calcium, and salt. By doing this, you will have reduce the risk for kidney stones because you are avoiding the major causes of kidney stones.
 
4. Engaging in a regular physical exercise. Experts say that one of the reasons why people become prone to kidney stones is due to inactivity. By becoming more active, you can delay and even avoid the formation kidney stones.

The most common problems of people involving their kidney is the presence of kidney stones which are clumps of waste products formed in this specific body organ. People may not know this but kidney stones can be literally compared to real stones because they are hard and can be painful especially when they are large or block the ureter. Unlike real stones, kidney stones can be dissolved once they are diagnosed early.

What Diet is the Ideal Diet For Kidney Stones?

There is no more effective means of fighting kidney stones than proper diet. Many experts agree that having the right diet is the key in treating and preventing common diseases such as kidney stones. With a controlled diet, people can choose not to consume foods that can lead to the faster formation and faster growth of have kidney stones.

Kidney stones refer to the salts and other minerals formed in the vital organs such as kidneys, ureters, and bladder. There is a large percentage of people who can be prone to problems because the stones tend to form naturally. Most do not cause problems however some kidney stones can cause extremely uncomfortable pangs of pain and can even result to more complicated related diseases.

How does a diet for kidney stones help?

Medical specialists agree that the easiest way to fight kidney stones is by having a diet that is balanced and appropriate for your age. A balanced diet ensures that you are getting all the key nutrients you need but also ensures that you will have lesser chances of developing diseases such as kidney stones.

For people who are prone to kidney stone problems, experts advise them to take specific preventive measures. This is because the earlier the causes are prevented the lesser the chances of having kidney stones. Here are some suggestions when it comes to diet to lessen the chances of having kidney stones:

- increased fluid intake. This is quite effective in fighting kidney stones because if you have enough liquid in your diet, it can wash away toxins and flush them out of the body. Increasing fluid intake, especially water, is the simplest yet most effective way of fighting kidney stones because it can help you keep hydrated while leaving your system clean. The ideal water intake should be 8 glasses but since people with kidney stones need more to flush out salts and other minerals in the body, 10 to 12 glasses is recommended daily.

- controlled sodium intake. Too much salt or sodium is one of the primary causes of kidney stones because it increases the calcium levels present in the person’s urine. Doctors advise people with calcium stones to cut down or totally eliminate sodium intake from the foods that they eat. This is because too much salt intake will only make the condition more complicated and may also cause other related diseases.

- increase the intake of fiber-rich foods. Fiber is considered beneficial to people with kidney stones because it contain several compounds—mostly are phytate—that guards the kidney against the formation of stones. Experts say that people who are suffering from kidney stones and those who would want to be spared from it should increase their intake of foods such as wheat, rice bran and soybeans.

More and more experts agree that along with an early kidney stones diagnosis, eating the right foods is very crucial in reducing the risk of kidney stones. For those who are already suffering from this condition, all the more reason to pay attention to their diet because this directly affects the degree or severity of kidney stones.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Knowing about your body can be very beneficial to your health as you age. Knowing about your blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart disease and kidney disease. In this article you will find everything you should know about your blood pressure.

Anyone can have high blood pressure. It doesn’t matter your age, race, ethnicity or gender. Many people suffer from high blood pressure and have a higher risk of strokes and heart diseases than those with regular blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Your blood pressure is always rising and falling throughout the day and if it rises and stays that way over time, you have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is usually referred to as hypertension. When you have high blood pressure it puts more pressure on the heart, making it work harder than usual. This is why you end up at risk for strokes or heart disease.

What is the normal blood pressure level?

The normal blood pressure level is less than 120 over 80 or less. The first number is your systolic pressure and the second number is your diastolic pressure. Your numbers are read 120 over 80, etc. If your pressure is 140 over 90 or higher you have high blood pressure.

What is systolic blood pressure? This is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is beating.

What is diastolic blood pressure? This is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is relaxing.

Causes of  blood pressure problems

The most common risks of high blood pressure are stroke and heart disease. There are a few other risk factors that can be modified and some that cannot be. The following are some risks:

• Tobacco
• Physical Inactivity
• Diabetes
• Abnormal Cholesterol
• Being overweight

Who can get high blood pressure?

Unfortunately anyone can get high blood pressure but it is more common among African Americans. Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. African Americans also have a much higher death rate from kidney disease and stroke than white Americans. Even so, with treatment you can help lower your blood pressure.

How to reduce blood pressure?

Fortunately there are many different ways of helping to lower your blood pressure. Exercise is a great way to lower it. Doing physical activity will make your heart stronger over time. If you have a stronger heart it can pump blood easier lessening your risks of stroke and kidney diseases. It is never too late to start exercising!

If you are concerned about your blood pressure consult your physician. Ask any and all questions you might have and find the best way for you to lower it. If all regular ways fail, consider high blood pressure treatments. Talk with your doctor about your health and lifestyle so he can choose the best medicine for you. If you want to live a healthy life, taking control of your blood pressure is very important.

Blood Pressure Guide

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of your blood against your artery walls. When you have your blood pressure checked the reading has two numbers; one on top and one on bottom.

The top number is your systolic pressure. This is the force of your blood in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. This is the force of your blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes in-between beats.

Normal blood pressure would be a reading of 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure numbers would be a reading of 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. If you have high blood pressure you are at a greater risk of a stroke or heart and kidney disease.

Many things can cause high blood pressure including physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, stress and your diet. These are only a few things. Certain medical conditions and medications can also lead to high blood pressure.

Hypertension can cause your body to have certain effects. For instance it can cause a stroke. The high pressure can cause a weakened blood vessel to break causing it to bleed into the brain; thus leaving you with a stroke.

High blood pressure can also sometimes cause your blood vessels in your eyes to bleed or burst. If this happens your vision will be blurred or impaired and might even result in blindness. Another reason it is best to keep control on your blood pressure.

Along with a stroke or kidney disease hypertension can also cause a heart attack. Your arteries are what bring blood carrying oxygen to your heart muscle. If your heart is not getting enough oxygen you will experience chest pain. If the blood flow is blocked as well you will experience a heart attack.

Congestive Heart Failure is very common among people with high blood pressure. This is a very serious condition where your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the needs of your body. It is never too late to start taking control of your health starting with your blood pressure.

Anyone can develop high blood pressure, even children. It is common for African Americans to develop it. Many Americans will develop high blood pressure as they age but that doesn’t mean it is healthy.

Obesity plays a role in high blood pressure. If you are over weight you are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure as well as a stroke or heart disease. Try to lose at least ten pounds and this will help lower your blood pressure significantly.

How to Reduce Blood Pressure

Eating a healthy diet is a great way to lower or control your blood pressure. Limit your intake of salt and sodium and introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Once you establish your healthy diet you will have less worry of developing high blood pressure. Daily exercise can also help to keep your heart and circulatory system healthy.

You should always have your blood pressure checked at your regular doctor visits. If you have hypertension and are concerned you can easily monitor from home with your own blood pressure tester. If you do this you want to have your doctor look at your home monitoring device to help ensure it is effective and you are operating it correctly.

Keep track of your blood pressure readings so you can see what is helping and what isn’t. Sometimes regular lifestyle changes alone won’t help as much as they would combined with medication for hypertension. Your doctor will be able to tell you what the best option for your needs would be.