Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How fast do Uric Acid Kidney stones form?
   It seems like the night after I eat meat (1/2 lb of beef or chicken) a I get a stone. I'm primarily vegetarian now, but this has happened the last two times I've eaten meat and I'm wondering if this is normal and can be expected every time I break my no-meat diet?

   The first time it happened I'd been meatless for 2 weeks, second time was 2 weeks after that.

   • ANSWER:
     Uric acid stones form over time, so it is unlikely that one meal of meat can instantly form a stone. If you are getting stones so frequently and you have it properly confirmed that they are uric acid, you need to see a suitably qualified professional about a low uric acid diet.

2. QUESTION:
   Uric Acid Kidney Stones (Are they unusual)?
   My husband recently passed a kidney stone that was sent to labs for testing. He talked with his doctor yesterday and got the results back. The results show that the stone was made of of uric acid and no calcium in it whatsoever.

   The doctor used the word unusual three times when telling him about it being a uric acid stone. He said the more common ones are calcium stones. His had no calcium at all.

   Anyway, he wanted to do a 24 hour urine analysis and have it sent off. He had forgotten that we no insurance and said that it could be costly. He's checking on prices today.

   While we wait we was wondering why so unusual to have a uric acid stone. My husband only take two medications, which I am not sure if would contribute, He takes carbamazapine and celexa. He also advised him that he's a big MEAT eater. I read that uric acid stones can form from to much animal fat.

   So, why so unusual? He's passed it and feels great. Of course he don't want another one, but his using the word unusual three times has me worried and my husband.
   What can he do to make his urine less acidic?

   • ANSWER:
     Uric acid stones represent about 5 - 10% of all kidney stones. Developing a uric acid stone means his urine is excessively acidic. Some people have a high level of acid naturally. For others, things like high levels of fructose or alcohol can do it. Another more common reason is people trying to lose weight and starve themselves. The rapid breakdown of fat will acidify the blood which will in turn acidify the urine.

3. QUESTION:
   increase body's acidity to dissolve uric acid kidney stones?
   Can anyone recommend vitamins or herbs that assist the body in creating a high pH environment in the kidney's to dissolve uric acid kidney stones and keep them from recurring. I know there are medications for this and I'm already on those medications. I was looking for a more natural solution to prevent recurring uric acid kidney stones from forming. Any ideas would be appreciated.

   • ANSWER:
     I would like to relate my experience. After two operations (the first one unsuccessful, both painful) I asked my urologist how to avoid getting more stones. He is reputed to be the best in the city. He said "drink plenty of water and call when when you get the next one". Note: not if, but when. Thanks, mate!!

     So I decided to find out why they happened. I researched all the reasons that can cause them, short-listed them, and did the blood, urine, etc. tests to determine which one caused it. It was an imbalance in the para-thyroid glands causing DHEA and PTH imbalances, along with a couple of lesser problems - dehydration and diet. I found out how to correct that (diet and supplements) and have now been free of kidney since that time, 5 years ago. I will not go into exactly how I did this, because that was specific to me and my problem.

     Can I suggest that you do what-ever you can to find out what the original problem is. Drinking water and diet changes are good to do, but there is usually a root cause. Doctors will only treat the symptoms which is too late, by then you already have more stones. Do the research, the work will give you a good outcome.

     By the way, just because a food is alkaline, it does not mean it produces an alkaline response in the body. Any protein foods (such as milk) actually produce an acid result. Likewise, lemon and orange juice, although acids, produce an alkaline response. Too much red beets and very green leafy vege's like spinach can actually help cause stones (they produce oxalate in the body) so best to avoid these.

     Also, contrary though it may sound, a good quality calcium supplement will help prevent kidney stones in the future. This is because one reason for stones is that when the body is short of calcium (used for almost every system in the body as well as bones) the body will suck it out of the bones to use elsewhere because it is so essential. This ends up accumulating in the kidneys as calcium carbonate or oxalate compounds, which forms into stones. Good quality supplements are made from calcium silicate, which cannot be formed into stones and since it builds up the calcium levels in the body, will help prevent stones in future. Also, calcium in the is form actually binds with oxalates in such a way that they are unable to bind into a stone. Silicates also inhibit oxalate formation. Make sure it also contains magnesium and vitamins D and K, which are needed by the body to absorb calcium. Omega-3 supplements will also help, as does selenium.

     One more point. The body is naturally slightly alkaline. Artificially pushing it into an acid balance can cause damage on a cellular level all up to tissue level and have severe long term effects on your health. One of the precursors to people forming kidney stones is an acid body balance. Limit dairy foods and meat of all kinds, limit processed foods and anything coming from sugar, white flour, white rice, potatoes, and other starchy foods. Avoid chocolate (sorry) and especially all carbonated drinks, colas in particular. Brown rice is positively good for you, as it sweet potato, whole-grain breads, fruits, etc.

     But please note: there are different types of stones, each with a different mechanism for forming kidney stones. You ideally need to know which type before make a decision on how to deal with it.

     One big thing I learned is that if the body is in proper balance and has the nutrition it needs, it knows how to take care of itself and will do so if you give it the right working materials. Good luck, I hope you can get free of this, I know how debilitatingly painful it is.

4. QUESTION:
   Is there any ways to get rid of uric acid kidney stones?

   • ANSWER:
     Having suffered kidney stones (although what mine were made of was inconclusive) I have found that the easiest way to prevent (or ease) kidney stones is to drink PLENTY of water--like 12 eight ounce glasses a day.
     My urologist told me a person should be drinking enough that their urine runs nearly clear.

5. QUESTION:
   I need a natural cure for uric acid kidney stones, natural cure for uric acid stones.?

   • ANSWER:
     There's a product called UltraInflamX that many of my clients have used to eliminate the occurance of gout due to elevated uric acid levels, but I'm not sure it will work as well for stones.

     The best natural stone remedy I've heard of is the freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil treatment. Take two tablespoons of each twice a day before meals. This therapy also cleanses the gall bladder and liver.

     I'd also suggest you visit a naturopath. If you don't know one, you can find one at www.trinityschool.org. They have them listed by state on their web site. I work with one in Michigan who graduated from their program, and she has my utmost respect. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

6. QUESTION:
   I have uric acid stone in kidney So please advise that which is best from alopathic or homeopathic?
   Stone is now passed from kidney and 3CM away fro kidney in uritrac

   • ANSWER:
     drink lots of water every day to help it pass (8 glasses a day or so).

     Uric acid is a by product of protein, so maybe try going on a vegan (no meat or dairy) diet for awhile....or at least cut back a bit on meat and dairy...

     Sometimes a urologist can put you into a sonic machine to use sound waves to break up the kidney stone.

     If you don't have insurance, call the public health department in your area and ask about free or low cost clinics.

7. QUESTION:
   What are the foods i can eat? i have a Uric Acid Kidney stone.?
   please help.

   • ANSWER:
     peas
     beans
     mushrooms
     cauliflower
     spinach is safe according to Dr. Choi

     Avoid seafood
     check the following site out
     http://arthritis.about.com/cs/gout/a/foodstoavoid.htm

8. QUESTION:
   Nervous about kidney stone surgery. I have a uric acid stone and have to have surgery to remove it.?
   The stone is not causing pain, but it needs to come out. I have had surgeries before but for some reason I am really nervous about having a tube put into my kidney through my back. I think it is the part where they put the tube in that is making me nervous because they don't knock me out until after that. Anyone have a similar happy ending story to share?

   • ANSWER:
     no lol sry i dont but all i can say is it might feel wierd but it will all turn out ok in the end dont be nervous it will be fine. hope i was of some help

9. QUESTION:
   What would you suggest to get rid of Kidney Stones ? Chronic stones that are calcium/uric acid.?
   My husband has kidney stones chronically ( atleast 2-5 amonth ) for the last year or so. He is on Morphine for the pain so I worry about addiction and damage he will have to his body for taking it for so long. What non medical options do we have ? What worked for you ?

   • ANSWER:
     There is an Amazonian herb called Chanca Piedra that will break up stones in the gallbladder and the kidneys.

10. QUESTION:
    does eating fruits & veges with seeds like strawberries, tomatoes cause kidney stones and uric acid?

    • ANSWER:
      No. Some doctors profess to dietary habits as the cause, but many studies show that some people have kidney stone with no link to diet.

11. QUESTION:
    Excess serum accumulation of uric acid can lead to a type of arthritis known as gout?
    Excess serum accumulation of uric acid can lead to a type of arthritis known as gout. This painful condition is the result of needle-like crystals of uric acid precipitating in joints and capillaries.

    Elevated serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) can result from high intake of purine-rich foods, and/or impaired excretion by the kidneys. Saturation levels of uric acid in blood may result in one form of kidney stones when the urate crystallizes in the kidney. These uric acid stones are radiolucent and so do not appear on an abdominal plain x-ray or CT scan. Their presence must be diagnosed by ultrasound for this reason. Very large stones may be detected on x-ray by their displacement of the surrounding kidney tissues. Some patients with gout eventually get uric kidney stones.[citation needed]
    ================================================

    What is serum or purine-rich foods?How can uric acid make crystals ?

    • ANSWER:
      Serum means in the blood, it is not a food. Liquids like blood can hold a certain amount of a dissolved solid like uric acid. If there is more uric acid in the blood than it can hold, crystals of excess uric acid will form.
      from wikipedia food sources of purine
      Purines are found in high concentration in meat and meat products, especially internal organs such as liver and kidney. Plant based diets are generally low in purines [1].

      Examples of high-purine sources include: sweetbreads, anchovies, sardines, liver, beef kidneys, brains, meat extracts (e.g., Oxo, Bovril), herring, mackerel, scallops, game meats, and gravy.

      A moderate amount of purine is also contained in beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, green peas, lentils, dried peas, beans, oatmeal, wheat bran, wheat germ, and hawthorn.

12. QUESTION:
    What can cause elevated serum uric acid?
    Elevated serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) can result from high intake of purine-rich foods, and/or impaired excretion by the kidneys. Saturation levels of uric acid in blood may result in one form of kidney stones when the urate crystallizes in the kidney. These uric acid stones are radiolucent and so do not appear on an abdominal plain x-ray or CT scan. Their presence must be diagnosed by ultrasound for this reason. Very large stones may be detected on x-ray by their displacement of the surrounding kidney tissues. Some patients with gout eventually get uric kidney stones
    ===========================================

    What do you mean by uric acid stones are radiolucent and so do not appear on an abdominal plain x-ray or CT ? Where doo these stones take place in the human body.

    • ANSWER:
      That means that these crystallized kidney stone (which is caused by elevated serum uric acid) is not likely to be seen on a general abdominal x-ray where other kind of kidney stone will.

      Kidney stones are usually found in kidneys.

13. QUESTION:
    Can you dissolve kidney stones (at home)? If yes, how?
    I know that there are different types of kidney stones (calcium, uric acid, etc.) but if they are able to dissolved, can they be dissolved the same way or do you need different treatments for different stones?

    • ANSWER:
      Actually it can work but that depends on the size of the stone. But it is worth trying. I prefer you see this:
      http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/kidney_stones3.html#RF_41209

      Post your questions in:
      http://med50.blogspot.com/2010/04/patient-education-program.html

14. QUESTION:
    what can i do about kidney stones?
    hey i have kidney stones. the doctor thinks they are made up of uric acid. I was wondering if there is any alternative treatment to uric acid stones because these ones are too large to pass. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Homeopathic treatment for Kidney Stones :-
      1. SILICEA 6X
      2. KALI PHOS 6X
      3. MAG PHOS 6X
      4. CAL FLOUR 6X
      Four tablets each of the above Cell Salts together with BERBERIS VULGARIS "Q" (Mother Tincture) 20 drops in a half a cup of hot water thrice a day half hour before or after meals will dissolve and cure Kidney Stones. Keep me posted about your progress after taking them for a week.
      Take care and God Bless you !

15. QUESTION:
    i have kidney stones and in tons of pain?
    what can i do about my uric acid stones? they are too big to pass. is there some way they can be dissolved or something. as far as i know they can't be blasted with lithotripsy because they are radiolucent on normal xrays. im in pain right now. my kidney hurts like hell and im pissing blood.

    • ANSWER:
      i had kidney stones. please go to the hospital immediately. what happened to me was a stone got stuck and the urine got backed up. i could have became septic. the had to do surgey. i also damaged 20% of one of my kidneys. i had another surgery after that. they cannot blast big stones and especially when they are stuck. please go. i feel your pain, god be with you.

16. QUESTION:
    Can you dissolve kidney stones? If yes, how?
    I know that there are different types of kidney stones (calcium, uric acid, etc.) but if they are able to dissolved, can they be dissolved the same way or do you need different treatments for different stones?

    • ANSWER:
      I know you can break them using laser removal. But that's all I know

17. QUESTION:
    Need help with figuring out kidney stones?
    Ok so I have kidney stones, MANY kidney stones, last exam they lost count of how many I had in each kidney. We have done blood test, and the analyzed a stone and it is an oxalate stone (calcium). My blood says I have high uric acid , normal is 2.5 to 6 for woman and I am at a 6.5 and it also shows up in my urine. My calcium levels are normal. So..... Uric acid would cause uric acid stones and would never have calcium stones. Why is my uric acid somewhat high and where are the calcium stones coming from if my calcium levels are fine??? sooooo confused!

    • ANSWER:
      There are things that you may be eating or drinking that depletes the body of calcium. When too much calcium is pulled out of the body it goes into the kidneys and this can form stones - calcium oxalate.

      For instance, soda can deplete the body of calcium, meaning if you are taking supplements or getting calcium in your food, it will pull it out of the body. THere are different foods that do this.

18. QUESTION:
    What can I eat to prevent kidney stones?
    I had 2 procedures done to remove my kidney stones. Now I am scared to get them again, although I was told I had another one but to wait three months to see if I could pass it. If not, I would got through one of the procedures again. I was given a pamphlet that said to limit my intake of chicken, pork, fish, eggs, pork, and beef which produce uric acid stones. And limit coffee, tea, and the list goes on for the prevention of calcium stones. So what can I eat? I feel so discouraged. I was previously in a diet before I got ill with these kidney stones where I lost 35 pounds and eating fish and chicken was what I would eat, now I can't. I also limited my carbs intake because that is all is what I ate due to almost being diabetic. So now what? Will I have to become a vegetarian? Can someone please help me. I am so discouraged!

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    which is not a reason for kidney stones?
    - diabetes
    - infection stones or struvites from UTI
    - cystine stones
    - uric acid stones

    • ANSWER:
      This is a strange question - the way it is phrased, it cannot be answered correctly. Three of the choices are not reasons for kidney stones, but it is asking for a single choice. The choices include three types of stones, but kidney stones are not the cause of kidney stones. Diabetes doesn't directly cause kidney stones, but it can cause kidney damage that makes a person more susceptible to kidney stones.

20. QUESTION:
    chronic kidney stone problems?
    for the past year ive had a few small kidney stones made up of uric acid in my kidneys and they cause pain quite frequently and there is always microscopic blood in my urine. like i think there is a stone permanently stuck in one of those tubes (whatever they are called) or in a bad place in a kidney. im really worried this will cause cancer eventually or something. ive had so many tests but tests and treatments arent good for uric acid stones. any advice please? will this cause cancer? thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I hope that you are seeing a urologist! If you have a painful stone stuck your doc might try an ultra sound method to break down the stone.

      Those kidney stones are one of the most painful things on the plante to experience. Both myself and my boys have had them. One thing we have in common is not drinking water or enough water. My oldest son has water with him all of the time he never wants another kidney stone in his life.

      Try drinking purified water. Purified is important. You might have well water where you live that contributes to your stones.
      Don't just buy any bottle water. Some are straight out of a pipe or a tap somewhere not so desirable. Make sure it is purified.

      I have never heard of stones causing cancer. Too many stones can really compermise the health and effectivness of your urinary system.

      http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/kidneystones/KS_prevention.html check out this site. It will give you information. Important to learn how to eat to prevent the buildup of the stones. And bottom line.........water water water water.

21. QUESTION:
    I had a kidney that was 100% uric acid???
    My doctor sent a kidney stone away and the results were it is 100% Uric Acid. Exactly what does this mean for me? Are there certain types of food or drinks I should avoid?

    • ANSWER:
      Don't quite know what this means but my advice is to drink lots and lots of spring (purified) water. Also eat lot's of fruit and veges. Your body needs detoxing so eat a lot of raw foods.

      Good luck.

22. QUESTION:
    Can taking Creatine Monohydrate cause me to get kidney stones later in life?
    I took about 25 grams of creatine monohydrate per day (four times a day in 5 gram doses) for 5 days as a loading period, then cut down to about 2.5 grams a day to maintain healthy levels, but I was following directions of my personal trainer and have no personal knowledge of this substance.

    I recently read online that the unused creatine in your system turns to creatinine, which is supposedly similar to uric acid, which causes kidney stones if high amounts run through your system.

    I'm wondering if this is true, or if it's unverified nonsense.

    • ANSWER:

23. QUESTION:
    how to avoid Kidney stones?
    I had kidney stones because of uric acid and i passed it. Now i get pain more on my left, than my right. But they are just settling on the top of my kidneys(Around Ribcage). Once a while I get tiny pain sensation for 10 seconds.so I'll just keep drinking water, so it will not get worse. Is there any way to avoid this pain other than drinking water

    • ANSWER:
      hello friend,

      so sorry for you friend,be careful,there are a lot of implications for kidney stones,so be careful friend.now see,you have the best suggestion,that is to drink water,then the others are as follows,see it.

      Doctors do not always know what causes a stone to form. While certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible.

      A person with a family history of kidney stones may be more likely to develop stones. Urinary tract infections, kidney disorders such as cystic kidney diseases, and certain metabolic disorders such as hyperparathyroidism are also linked to stone formation.

      In addition, more than 70 percent of people with a rare hereditary disease called renal tubular acidosis develop kidney stones.

      Cystinuria and hyperoxaluria are two other rare, inherited metabolic disorders that often cause kidney stones. In cystinuria, too much of the amino acid cystine, which does not dissolve in urine, is voided, leading to the formation of stones made of cystine. In patients with hyperoxaluria, the body produces too much oxalate, a salt. When the urine contains more oxalate than can be dissolved, the crystals settle out and form stones.

      Hypercalciuria is inherited, and it may be the cause of stones in more than half of patients. Calcium is absorbed from food in excess and is lost into the urine. This high level of calcium in the urine causes crystals of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate to form in the kidneys or elsewhere in the urinary tract.

      Other causes of kidney stones are hyperuricosuria, which is a disorder of uric acid metabolism; gout; excess intake of vitamin D; urinary tract infections; and blockage of the urinary tract. Certain diuretics, commonly called water pills, and calcium-based antacids may increase the risk of forming kidney stones by increasing the amount of calcium in the urine.

      Calcium oxalate stones may also form in people who have chronic inflammation of the bowel or who have had an intestinal bypass operation, or ostomy surgery. As mentioned earlier, struvite stones can form in people who have had a urinary tract infection. People who take the protease inhibitor indinavir, a medicine used to treat HIV infection, may also be at increased risk of developing kidney stones.

      PREVENTION:

      A person who has had more than one kidney stone may be likely to form another; so, if possible, prevention is important. To help determine their cause, the doctor will order laboratory tests, including urine and blood tests. The doctor will also ask about the patient’s medical history, occupation, and eating habits. If a stone has been removed, or if the patient has passed a stone and saved it, a stone analysis by the laboratory may help the doctor in planning treatment.

      The doctor may ask the patient to collect urine for 24 hours after a stone has passed or been removed. For a 24-hour urine collection, the patient is given a large container, which is to be refrigerated between trips to the bathroom. The collection is used to measure urine volume and levels of acidity, calcium, sodium, uric acid, oxalate, citrate, and creatinine—a product of muscle metabolism. The doctor will use this information to determine the cause of the stone. A second 24-hour urine collection may be needed to determine whether the prescribed treatment is working.for more information about kidney stones,please visit this website: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/

      i hope this helps you..!

      have a happy living and good health..!!

      all the best friend..!!

24. QUESTION:
    What foods will help to decrease Uric Acid?
    I can seem to find a lot of foods to avoid, but relatively few to eat to help reduce the Uric Acid in my blood. I don't have gout, what they are more concerned about is my developing kidney stones. Only thing I could find was cherries. Are there any other foods that help?

    • ANSWER:
      Raised uric acid,above normal levels, is known as hyperuricemia. While uric acid is actually a waste product left over from metabolism of chemical compounds called purines, it can also be found in some foods and alcohol.

      There are no foods that can actually lead to lowering of uric acid,the trick lies in avoiding the foods that actually lead to a rise in its level.

      Normally, uric acid is eliminated from the body by the kidneys and a bit of hyperuricemia usually does very little harm. In fact, most people with high levels of uric acid in the blood never develop gout. However, some people are more sensitive to high levels of uric acid, and their bodies will form crystals that accumulate in the joints and cause painful gout symptoms.

      Foods containing uric acid and the compounds that metabolize into uric acid include most animal meats, such as beef, pork and seafood. Poultry and ham, the "white meats," can have some degree of purine content and should be eaten very sparingly, but they are not as detrimental as the "red meats." Bacon, however, is very high in purines due to the processing used to make it ready for human consumption and should be avoided. Alcohol and breads which contain yeast are also foods high in uric acid that should be kept out of the diet.
      Dietry restrictions, are extremely helpful in lowering levels of uric acid in the body, and will usually involve reducing or cutting out foods that have high levels of purines.
      Black cherry juice, also known as sour cherry or bitter cherry, is also being used in great quantities to help relieve the symptoms of gout in conjunction with diets to reduce uric acid. Celery seed extract and bromelain are some popular alternative medicine remedies that have been used as natural anti-inflammatories and have been well received by those who suffer chronic inflammation. Adding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and folic acid to the diet can also assist in reducing inflammation in gout episodes.
      Also reducing weight helps in the loweing the uric acid levels, but the crash dietry programmes or sudden weight loss can actually lead to increased levels of uric acid due to increased catabolism.
      Many other substances if consumed in moderation, will lead to decreased levels like yucca, turmeric and silymarin, although their effect may be due to the antiinflammatory properties.
      Ther best thing is to consult a doctor and follow his treatment and the dietry regieme that is prescribed for the particular patient.

25. QUESTION:
    I am a male of 58 yrs. I am having high uric acid level and on medication.?
    Somebody told me regular intake of lemon juice with water helps to bring down uric acid level and also inhibits formation of uric stone in kidney. Is it correct? If so, how many lemons should I consume?
    I seek educated answers only.

    • ANSWER:
      Lemon juice is full of citric acid. You are already having high acid level in urine, how can it be ? Lemon juice is off course good for health, as it contain Vitamin -C, but not for you. Drink lot of water, 3-4 ltr per day. More you urinate more healthy. Hence drink water plenty. Continue the medication as prescribed by the Doctor. Take care.

26. QUESTION:
    My husband has high levels of uric acid in his body. He also has loose poos. Are these connected?
    He has just recovered from passing a kidney stone - second in 5 years and suffers from gout. His poos have always smelt acidic or sour. Is there a connection between excess uric acid and odd poos?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes they are connected, and I will explain it to you backwards.

      People with gout are at an increase risk for developing kidney stones. Gout occurs when large aggregates of urate crystals collect in joints, bones and in renal tubules.

      What causes uric acid crystallization and stone formation? It is when urine pH is low.

      What causes low urine pH? Chronic diarrhea and also dehydration.

      Hope this helps.

27. QUESTION:
    Can lemonade and olive oil dissolve kidney stones?
    And I'm referring to the stones caused by uric acid. I knew that there are differnet kind of stones and some people find some remedy, depending on what kind of kidney stones so I asked. I know there is that shockwave treatment to break up the stones but I was wondering if those two products are known to work. Lemonade has a lot of citrit acid in it, right?
    actually yes it can, I just found this out and this does have testimonials.
    http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/kidney_stones.html

    By the way, I meant lemon juice, not lemonade. Sorry.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes! Uric acid stones are the only stones that can be dissolved. Lemonade is excellent for preventing stones, but I am honeslty not sure if it will desolve them. You can get a prescription from your doctor for "Potassium Citrate" and that will even out the acid in your urine and then dissolve the stones by making your urine basic, or "normal". The procedure you are speaking of is ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy). It breaks up the stone and turns it into gravel (smaller peices that are easier to pass). Hope this helps you out! Good luck and take care!

28. QUESTION:
    Is there anything i can eat or drink that helps prevent kidney stones?
    they are a mixture of uric acid and calcium something.
    helpppp!
    i dont drink pop at all! water is my main drink. and i also drink plenty of cranberry juice. im a pretty healthy eater. but ive had 3 stones in 2 years. well 6 stones, on 3 different occasions

    • ANSWER:
      It isn't so much what you can drink to help it is what you shouldn't drink. If they are made of calcium you should limit your calcium intake. Also, don't drink lots of tea or milk and decrease amount of sodas. You should also increase the amount of fluids you drink and cranberry juice helps keep the kidneys flushed out.

29. QUESTION:
    My friend is addicted to Soda (Pepsi). What are some really good ways to get her off the stuff?
    She has Kidney stones and Uric Acid conditions. we just read that soda is the main contributor and then she goes to the fridge and grabs the two liter; finished it off. Then she said "I drink a whole one of these a day!" She wont listen to me, and I think another addition to something way better and healthier would curb the soda diet. She also believes that the soda is helping her lose wieght.

    • ANSWER:
      ok soda makes u gain weight even the light one due to gasses

30. QUESTION:
    Kidney stones and pain?
    Hey guys about 5 months ago I had an ultrasound and they supposedly found kidney stones although they aren't 100% sure that's what it is. Anyways about 3 months ago I started to develop a bad pain in my bladder as well, it used to come and go but now its constant and it hurts the most when I urinate. My stones are supposedly made up of uric acid and I've never passed one. Has anyone experienced these symptoms? Can this happen with stones? thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Hi,
      Yep, the pain your describing can be kidney stones, hopefully it will pass, and believe me, you"ll know when it does. Best home remedy, start flooding yourself with water, as much as you can stand. If the pain doesn't stop, or you have trouble urinating, head to the E.R.

31. QUESTION:
    Recently had 24 hr urine test. Results were as followed creatine clearance is high 231 and uric acid is high?
    960. Recently had kidney stone. Could the abnormal results be from stone or likely from something else?

    • ANSWER:
      A high clearance is good.

      The elevation in uric acid could indicate the cause of the stone. Uric acid stones are common, but aren't that rare.

32. QUESTION:
    do you think I have bladder cancer?
    Hey I'm 26 years old and have had a fair amount of urinary problems over the years.. prostatitis that I know of. Anyways one day I woke up with bad kidney pain and blood in my urine and they did an ultrasound and found what they believe to be kidney stones..uric acid ones they think. That pain has gotten better, but now I'm having pretty bad colicky pain in my bladder that comes and goes and I'm urinating like every 20 minutes with microscopic blood in my urine as well. I'm really worried this might be bladder cancer. The pain used to come on every few days, but now it's here every day..any ideas on what it is? im really worried.. thanks
    had blood and urine tests as well and no sign of infection present.

    • ANSWER:
      What does your doctor say? He is the expert not us.

33. QUESTION:
    Is it bad if your kidney bleeds everyday for over a year?
    I have small kidney stones in my right kidney and for over the past year every time ive urinated there have been miscroscopic amounts of blood in it. My kidney is in pain quite often as well. I'd like to know if this can cause kidney cancer? My kidney stones are made up of uric acid and there is no hope of treatment for them. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      yes, it is.

34. QUESTION:
    does this sound like bladder cancer?
    Hey I'm 26 years old and have had a fair amount of urinary problems over the years.. prostatitis that I know of. Anyways one day I woke up with bad kidney pain and blood in my urine and they did an ultrasound and found what they believe to be kidney stones..uric acid ones they think. That pain has gotten better, but now I'm having pretty bad colicky pain in my bladder that comes and goes and I'm urinating like every 20 minutes with microscopic blood in my urine as well. I'm really worried this might be bladder cancer. The pain used to come on every few days, but now it's here every day..any ideas on what it is? im really worried.. thanks
    had blood and urine tests and no sign of infection. just wondering if this sounds like cancer.

    • ANSWER:
      Cancer
      http://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/body/cancer.html

35. QUESTION:
    I have BP,Thyroid,Uric acid-now being done Ultra sound found that there are stones in right Kidney4.9 &4.2?
    I have a BP,Thyroid,uric acid & having knee pain & Psoriasis on my both ankles . But now I have done Ultra sound where it shows that there r 2 Calculi in right Kidney(4.9 & 4.20). I am having Zyloric-100(one),D3(one) and for BP I am taking Tenormin 100(one).Can I take Homoeopathic medicine name-Berberis vulg(made in Germany)is it harm for Psoriasis/ pl. advice me

    • ANSWER:
      homeopathic drugs tend to have little side effects

36. QUESTION:
    Poll: Please vote for a Word Of the Day for Monday from these "leftover" nominations...?
    and nominate a WOD for Tuesday, please.

    The word for Sunday is perspicacity, meaning acuteness of perception or understanding. Please try to incorporate this word into your conversations today, or else, don't. It's up to you.

    the nominees for WOD on Monday are.

    • quadrant
    • dichotomy
    • Gout: Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, that are part of many foods we eat. The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited and can be promoted by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and drugs. The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids and tissues.
    • Duck head...the male equivalent of a chicken head....or duck butter....you will have to look that one up....
    • uranomancy, an archaic term for astrology.
    • Zodiac, from Greek meaning "circle of animals."
    •And the editor nominates the word “embolism” meaning blood clot

    • ANSWER:
      Zodiac

37. QUESTION:
    Poll: Whish of these shall be Word of the Day for saturday and for sunday. Please vote!?
    •quadrant
    •Cynosure for Saturday.
    •dichotomy
    •perspicacity
    •Gout: Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, that are part of many foods we eat. The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited and can be promoted by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and drugs. The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids and tissues.
    •Duck head...the male equivalent of a chicken head....or duck butter....you will have to look that one up....
    •Saturday: uranomancy, an archaic term for astrology.
    •Sunday: Zodiac, from Greek meaning "circle of animals."

    •And the editor nominates the word “embolism” meaning blood clot.
    I am awaiting more results but am inclined to duck butter (and let someone else look it up) and Zodiac on Sunday. Will post tonight. It is around 4:20 in CA and I will post an answer by 9pm.

    • ANSWER:
      I vote for Cynosure and perspicacity.

38. QUESTION:
    how can one control uric acid level in blood?
    uric acid in blood leads to formation of uretic stones which has the potential of kidney failure and high uric acid leads to joint pains. at later stage in life high uric acid will also result in arthritis

    • ANSWER:
      Alfalfa Complex should be helpful. Reaching as deep as 20 feet into the soil, the roots of the alfalfa plant brings forth minerals in their most natural form. Recognized for centuries for its healing properties, alfalfa offers a wide range of nutrients: calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, trace minerals, and vitamins.

      The use of alfalfa increases one's alkaline reserves and helps to offset the enervating effect of fatigue acids. The use of Alfalfa Complex is helpful in treating meaning conditions including, but not limited to: Arthritis, Asthma, Ulcers, Allergies, Kidney Stones, and Gout.

      Hope this is useful and for questions or the website, feel free to contact me.

39. QUESTION:
    My Uric Acid is on the higher side and have taken zyloric. Is there any side effect for taking long time.?
    I have got checked and found my Uric Acid is at 6.5. My age is 64 years. I have taken zyloric for two months and now stopped. If I take more will it give any side-effect. Besides this I am also taking Homoe. medicinem Ledum Palustre 30, two drops in water early in the morning. Will it help. Besides this my prostrate gland is also little enlarged and I am taking Dutage, Lycoprost SP after breakfast and Contiflo OD 0.4mg in the night. This medicine is also being taken by me for the last two months. I also have kidney stone 4 mm and 5 mm. Besides this I am also taking Homoe medicineBerb. Vul. Q-10 drops in the morning and 10 drops in the evening, One tablet Calc. Renalis 3X - one in the morning, one afternoon and one night. Will this treatment help me. How long should I take these medicine. Any side effect of these medicines. Recently I noticed that semen (ejaculation) does not come outside, but remains inside though other functions are normal. Is it the effect of the medicine.

    • ANSWER:
      There are very good effective remedy in ayurveda. For uric acid, take Rasna Ghana 1-0-1 for six months. for kidney stones, take Stonvil capsules 1-0-1 for six months. It would be better if you consult an ayurveda doctor. Where are you located?

40. QUESTION:
    how could i avoid getting kidney stones?
    high on uric acid

    • ANSWER:
      An alkaline diet might perhaps help as a lot of kidney stones are caused by too much acidity from uric acid in red meat, prawns and other animal protein. Prawns are probably the worst.

      If you want further information on an alkaline diet you can find it in a web search for "alkaline diet".

41. QUESTION:
    My URIC acid level is anywhere from 9-11 over the past 7 years. I just had the worst gout attack of all time?
    Now I feel lower back pain and testicular pain with a touch of abdominal. I am wondering if it is kidney stones. I often have to force my urine, sometimes I go so much more than I have drank water in that recent time frame, all I drink is water and I have a very limited diet that strays to cheap potato chips twice a month maybe. What is causing this pain? I only take (0.6) mg of colchicine the past few days and only taking one pill a day doesnt normally cause me this much discomfort. I have the "dull tooth ache" feeling in my back with throbbing teste.

    Kidney stone or what?
    God Alan, ACAI berry is on the avoids for gout.

    • ANSWER:
      Sure sounds like it. You may well have uric acid stones. Most stones are calcium oxylate, but with your history, uric acid stones are a real possibility.

      Ask your doctor about a CT scan to look for stones.

42. QUESTION:
    What kind of foods do I need to eat to raise the Ph?
    By raising the Ph I am seeking to avoid kidney stones forming through too much uric acid in my body
    some information I am getting from my doctor is confusing

    • ANSWER:
      Ask your doctor, not people on the internet. What if they tell you the wrong thing? This is your health, and kidney stones hurt like crazy!

43. QUESTION:
    Sharp pains in bladder just before and while I urinate!! 5 days now! ?
    Ok, so I played basketball for like 3 hrs in 95 degree heat on Saturday. Was pretty dehydrated after, but was okay and recovered. The next day I went to pee and the right side of my bladder had these sharp stabbing pains! It's not up near the kidneys.. it's below the belly button to the right close to the groin. It feels a somewhat better after I'm done, but still has a sharp lingering pain all the time. Then when I have to pee again (i guess as the bladder is full) the intense pain comes back! It hasn't gotten any better and is now Wednesday. Went to the doctor today and they found no blood or infection in the urine. Gave me flexoril and said it's probably a pulled muscle. By the way, I don't have any history with kidney stones but my dad has had gout and uric acid stones sometimes. Anyway, the only diet changes lately have been drinking coffee and taking Pepcid. Thanks for you help!!

    • ANSWER:
      The might be a formation of urate crystals or some other mineral crystals in your bladder. When you were dehydrated, the kidney reabsorbed more water back into the bloodstream from tubules in the kidneys. That will result in the increase of the concentration of the urine that enter the bladder. When this concentration reaches the saturation point where the minerals cannot be dissolved anymore, crystallization happens and a tiny stone might have formed and stuck somewhere in the wall lining of the bladder. When there is more urine enter into the bladder, the pressure pushes the crystal against the wall and cause the pain you were suffering.

      If you want to confirm it, you might need to go for a X-Ray. But I have to tell you if that crystal is a pure uric acid crystal, it is not visible under X-ray because it is transparent.

      Here is the dilemma, if you don't drink water, more or bigger crystal might form. If you drink more water, you might feel the pain more often. Personally, I will go for drinking more water and urinate frequently, at least the chance of dissolving (melting) and flush out the crystal is higher. Otherwise, you might need to go for surgery to remove the stones.

44. QUESTION:
    Are there any side effects for taking colchicine long term? Should I change to taking allopurinol ?
    I am a 50 years old male good health. Since my first gout attack, I have been taking colchicine 500 gm daily for the last 10 months, and have not had a second gout attack, except for some minor pains in the knee caps. which usually happens after a night of alcohol drinking. I drink up to half a bottle of whisky and red wine each week. My uric acid is high. I was treated for kidney stones several years back.

    • ANSWER:
      The most common side effects of colchicine involve the stomach and bowel and are dose related. These include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. One of the most worrisome side effects of colchicine is that it can damage the bone marrow causing severe anemia and seriously low white blood counts, thereby increasing the risk of infections. All patients taking colchicine long-term require blood count monitoring. Colchicine can also cause hair loss, weakness, and nerve irritation.... gout is at least twice as effective at lowering uric acid levels as the standard drug allopurinol. .. . Febuxostat has a different chemical structure than colchicine.

45. QUESTION:
    Help! I have been in hospital 2 times with "kidney stone pains", nausea, and now heartburn! Need to know cause
    I have been in the hospital before, due to kidney stones. But the past two weeks have been very strange for me. I have been in the ER twice for "kidney stone pain", I was incredibly nauseated, and puked in the hospital parking lot, I was prescribed "Ciprofloxacin" because I also had a Urinary track infection, & it's been over a week since I was in the hospital. I keep having themost intense heartburn/chest pains, but I want to wait it out at home. I have also been more anxious this week, more than any other week in my life, & I have no idea why. I am not sure if the medicine causes this? I have also switched my diet, as i am now a vegan, & do not eat meat, though I used to eat Pizza Hut chicken wings like there was no tomorrow, so maybe the uric acid has something to do with this. I have a yeast infection now because of taking the "cipro" but my heartburn lasts for about 12 hours, non stop, and hurts & makes me short of breath. I take tums, senna laxitive, and advil pm, nothing helps!!

    • ANSWER:
      Have you read the pamphlet that comes with the pills? My experience has been that anti-b's cause a lot of side effects. If the side effect is something to worry about, it'll tell you.

      In either case, I would mention it to the doctor.

      I took Levaquin and it made me very jumpy, I had trouble getting to sleep, and my sleep was restless.

      It's good that you've gone veg - animal proteins are believed to contribute to stones.

46. QUESTION:
    E. Coli bacteria in Renal stones?
    Hello,

    I have been detected with two stones in the kidney 0.38 and 0.57 cm by ultrasound KUB. The stones aren't seen on x-ray so they are suspected to be of uric acid.

    So the stones themselves doesn't bother me that much, they are small and probably can be dissolved using medicines or they will pass spontaniously.

    What bothers me is how I can make the antibiotic to penetrate or what kind of antibiotic can penetrate renal stones? Because I have persistant urethral inflammation due to E. Coli. The bacteria seems to be hidden in the renal stones to where no antibiotic could penetrate.
    I have seen reports on analyzed uric stones to contain culturable E. Coli bacteria inside.

    About the bacteria being hidden inside and thus being not able to infect - it's speculation, just pure logic which probably not true in this case since uric stone is not that solid formation.

    • ANSWER:
      If the bacteria is so encased in the stone then it couldnt cause the inflamation. Do you have anal sex? E. coli in normal flora for the intestines and can infect you. If not, Does your girlfriend wipe correctly? If she intruduces the bacteria to her area while wiping and you have sex you could get it that way. Just my thoughts.

47. QUESTION:
    Is this true? My husband's 2mm kidney stone isn't what's bothering him?
    My husband has had 2 CT scans in the past 3 months both of which show a 2mm kidney stone. He he's been to the ER for the usual symptoms (lower back and flank pain, blood in urine, fever, chills) and the urologist we took him to a few days ago scoffs at him. His blood work was normal and the CT showed that there was nothing else going on. When we gave the urologist the CD of the CT scan he told us he didn't see anything that would be bothering him and he's acting like my husband is just trying to get pain meds (he never asked for them either, I asked them to give him something for the pain). When I told him that I saw the stone on the CT myself, he said, "well yes there's a tiny stone but that wouldn't be causing his symptoms". I'm so frustrated. My husband is not a big baby and what's going on with him looks exactly like what people feel with stones. One of the ER docs said sometimes a stone can move then go back into the kidney over and over and I think that's what is happening. But the urologist is acting like a 2mm isn't big enough to bother him. I'd like to hear about other people's experiences. What can I do for him? He has Lortabs for pain, which don't seem to help much. Does the lemon juice/olive oil mixture really work? Don't know what the stone is made of though, probably calcium or uric acid. He is Japanese and has a family history of stones and gout if that makes a difference. Is a 2mm stone really too small for him to feel? Please help.

    • ANSWER:
      The ureter would differ in its diameter down its length and a 2mm stone may become stuck or slowly scrape down causing alot of pain.
      Mine was fairly small, yet I passed out several times from the pain(and I was fine with natural, drug-free childbirth).
      The stone ended up becoming stuck half way down so I tried the olive oil/lemon juice concoction which was fairly foul and drank lots of water afterwards. All that happened was that I became very bloated and didn't pass much urine. I then tried Coke(as it has caffeine-diuretic) and after drinking a few litres, I ended up passing the stone which by then had broken up into tiny sand-like pieces.

48. QUESTION:
    How to get enough calcium and protein in my diet?
    Hello to everyone reading.

    My husband and I are both healthy eaters. We both enjoy a healthy, balanced diet and exercise. However, I have an issue. While I love most fruits and vegetables, and get my daily intake, I absolutely hate milk, and most dairy products. Also, meat turns my stomach a lot of the times, because I am have the Mirena, and I take an estrogen supplement, because of my Endmitriosis.

    The estrogen seems to give me a bit of nausea sometimes, mostly concerning meat and eggs. The smell of them cooking causes my stomach to turn. I know that beans, and peas, and other vegetables contain protein, and iron. However, because of the Endomitriosis, I tend to be a bit anemic, so meat is a necessity for me. I cannot take iron pills, because I also have an issue with my kidneys, I make uric acid stones, and iron pills can make them worse, as can soy.

    Also, I despise milk. I do not like the taste of it at all, so I bought some chai syrup, which I love. I add a tablespoon of it to my milk, and I can drink it. Though, it is quite sugary. Is that completely ruining the benefits of drinking milk? I force myself to eat yogurt, but I am not a huge fan of it. I do take a calcium supplement, but with my hormonal issues, I need my bones to be in the best shape they can be, for my old age, lol.

    So, my questions are...

    1) How can I make sure I get enough protein and iron?
    2) Does the sugar in the chai syrup completely cancel out the benefit of drinking the milk?
    3) What other ways can I make sure I get enough calcium?

    BQ: Any women out there who have insane hormonal issues, who might be reading this. Have you ever had your hormonal supplements make you sick, and unable to eat certain things? If so, how did you get past it?

    Thank you to everyone who reads. Please, do not tell me to talk to a doctor, I have already obviously done that, I am just looking for new/other ideas.

    Please and Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      try a Whey protein supplement. The bioavailabilty of it is approximately 98% as where a chicken egg is approximately 90 when cooked. Soy tends to upset the stomach any way. But soy does have its benefits for menopausal women such as helping with hormone levels. Daily recommended intake for calcium is 700 to upwards of 3000mg a day. I would recommend no more than 1500-2000 really cause you can develop kidney stones. As for the syrup in your milk its a great alternative to Chocolate syrup. And its probably sucrose based which is better than fructose. besides milk there are supplemental pills that range from 100-250 mg. A daily mumultivitamin specifically for women is also available. I recommend the GNC women's one to all my female personal ttraining clients because of the slow disintegration rate so it gives you a constant influx of vitamins and minerals.
      You can try supplementing with soy isoflavone too to help with hot flashes and what not.

49. QUESTION:
    does the shock wave lithotripsy devise has side efficts?if yes, what are they?
    I'm a sigle female of 36 years old, have stones in my kidneys (uric acid).

    • ANSWER:
      The procedure can cause some discomfort and afterwards there may be some bruising and resultant soreness but other than that, no adverse effects.

50. QUESTION:
    Can you answer any of these?
    any answers would help. thanks

    2. The body gains solutes from all of the following processes except ________.

    a.secretion by cells

    b. metabolism

    c. respiration

    d. sweating

    3. All of the following metabolic waste products are removed primarily by the urinary system except ________.

    a. carbon dioxide

    b. uric acid

    c. ammonia

    d. creatine

    4. The structure that carries filtrate from the kidney to the bladder is the ________.

    a. ureter

    b. urethra

    c. nephron

    d. distal tubule

    5. The kidney's central cavity is called the ________.

    a. kidney medulla

    b. renal pelvis

    c. renal capsule

    d. kidney cortex

    6. The structure of the nephron which receives the substances filtered from blood is the ________.

    a. glomerulus

    b. Bowman's capsule

    c. loop of Henle

    d. collecting duct

    7. In a nephron, the glomerulus is located between the ________ and the ________.

    a. Bowman's capsule, loop of Henle

    b. afferent arteriole, efferent arteriole

    c. efferent arteriole, peritubular capillaries

    d. proximal tubule and distal tubule

    8.Which nephron structure is not correctly paired with its function?

    a. glomerular capillaries, filtration

    b. loop of Henle, urine concentration

    c. proximal tubule, secretion

    d. Bowman's capsule, reabsorption

    9.Reabsorption returns all or most of the ________ in nephron tubules to the blood.

    a. water

    b. glucose

    c. amino acids

    d. all of the choices

    10.Urinary secretion maintains the body's acid-base balance through secretion of excess ________.

    a.
    water

    b.
    hydrogen ions

    c.
    potassium ions

    d.
    urea

    11.In the nephron, cells of the ________ prevent water from escaping.

    a.
    peritubular capillaries

    b.
    proximal tubules

    c.
    descending loop of Henle

    d.
    distal tubules

    12. Which hormone produced in the brain increases water reabsorption in the distal tubules of the nephron?

    a.
    renin

    b.
    aldosterone

    c.
    ADH

    d.
    diuretic

    13. The "thirst center" in the brain monitors ________.

    a.
    the amount of saliva produced by salivary glands

    b.
    the juxtaglomerular apparatus

    c.
    blood pH levels

    d.
    blood volume

    14. The kidneys control the body's acid-base balance by ________.

    a.
    excreting bicarbonate buffer

    b.
    forming new bicarbonate buffer and adding it to the blood

    c.
    excreting excess H+ ions

    d.
    all of the choices

    15. Kidneys excrete excess H+ ions by combining them with ________.

    a.
    phosphate ions

    b.
    ammonia (NH3)

    c.
    bicarbonate

    d.
    all of the choices

    16. Glucose in urine may be a sign of ________.

    a.
    hepatitis

    b.
    urinary tract infection

    c.
    diabetes

    d.
    hypertension

    17. Which disease affecting the urinary system is more frequent in women than in men?

    a.
    kidney stones

    b.
    polycystic kidney disease

    c.
    bladder infection

    d.
    glomerulonephritis

    18.Symptoms of kidney-function impairment include ________.

    a.
    nausea

    b.
    fatigue

    c.
    memory loss

    d.
    all of the choices

    19. A hemodialysis machine ________.

    a.
    selectively exchanges solutes across a membrane between the patient's blood and a chemical solution

    b.
    replaces the patient's blood with a balanced chemical solution

    c.
    adds a balanced chemical solution to the patient's blood

    d.
    transfuses cross-matched blood to the patient

    • ANSWER:
      d
      a
      a
      a
      d
      b
      d
      a
      b
      no idea
      c
      either B or D
      not sure about 14
      or 15
      C
      C, bladder infections
      don't know 18
      A

      P.S. You don't learn anything from letting other people do your homework for you, but I like the challenge and did it anyway.