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Home  Feature Articles Drink Tea and Help Prevent Kidney Stones
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Drink Tea and Help Prevent Kidney Stones |
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Wednesday, 01 March 2006 |
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Anyone who has ever suffered due to kidney stones can tell you the severe pain and suffering they can cause. Considered as one of the “great pains” of medicine, kidney stones are responsible for 10% of urological hospital admissions per year, accounting for approximately 400,000-plus patient hospitalizations. They also account for a significant number of visits to the hospital emergency departments and absenteeism from work each year. Ten percent of males will experience kidney stones during their lifetime—almost three times the occurrence than in females.
 Approximately 85% of stones are composed predominantly of calcium compounds. The most common cause of calcium stone production is excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria). Excess calcium is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. In hypercalciuria, excess calcium builds up in the kidneys and urine, where it combines with other waste products to form stones. Low levels of citrate, high levels of oxalate and uric acid, and inadequate urinary volume may also cause calcium stone formation.
What is the best way to prevent kidney stones from forming? The most important factors are regular exercise coupled with a proper diet. Stone formers are advised to drink enough fluids to put out at least 2 quarts of urine per day. This urine flow washes crystals from the system before they begin adhering to make a stone. Fluids high in citrate are emphasized as the citrate acts as an inhibitor to stone formation. Diets low in sodium and animal protein are effective in reducing stone formation by decreasing the excretion of calcium.
Fruits and vegetables can also help avoid stone formation. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are used by the body to convert oxalate into other substances, so these supplements reduce the risk of kidney stones. According to a recent study published in the March 2005 issue of Alternative Medicine Review, green tea decreased urinary oxalate excretion and calcium oxalate deposit formation in the kidneys thus preventing kidney stones from forming. The inhibitory effect of green tea on calcium stones is due to its antioxidative effects. It is recommended to consume loose green tea, rather than bagged, due to much higher concentrations of antioxidants.
A wide range of loose tea can be found at TeaFusions, a teahouse located in The Avenue Shopping center in Peachtree City. Visit www.teafusions.com for more information on the health benefits of green tea.
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