By Dr. Latha V Chandu, Senior Consultant, UWAY Health
Disclaimer: This article is meant as a guideline and should not be taken as a prescription. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment, whether allopathic or Ayurvedic.
Kidney stones are a painful and recurring issue for many people. Recurrence is common unless specific preventive measures are taken. In this article, we’ll explore why kidney stones reoccur, how both Allopathic and Ayurvedic methods can help in preventing kidney stones from developing in the future, and why Ayurveda offers unique advantages.
Why Do Kidney Stones Reoccur?
The study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sheds light on why kidney stone recurrence is common in India, highlighting several critical factors:
1. Dehydration:
Due to India’s hot climate and rising urbanization, many individuals struggle with maintaining adequate hydration. Water scarcity, particularly in urban areas, exacerbates this issue, leading to more concentrated urine, which in turn promotes stone formation and recurrence.
2. Dietary Habits:
High intake of foods rich in oxalates, sodium, and animal protein—common in the Indian diet—contributes significantly to the recurrence of kidney stones. Consumption of processed foods, along with a low intake of fluids, increases the risk of stone formation.
3. Inadequate Preventive Measures:
Many individuals, after passing a kidney stone, do not adopt the necessary preventive steps such as increasing fluid intake, adjusting their diet, or taking prescribed medications. This neglect contributes to higher recurrence rates.
The study further emphasizes the importance of combining lifestyle changes, like increasing daily water intake (to at least 2.5-3 liters), and dietary adjustments to reduce sodium and oxalate-rich foods for effective prevention of kidney stones. The recurrence rate of kidney stones within three years of the first occurrence stands at around 30% in India.
This data underscores the growing public health concern around kidney stones and how environmental factors such as water scarcity and climate change are playing a role in the rising incidence of kidney stones in India.
Allopathic Approach to Preventing Kidney Stones
In allopathic medicine, the prevention of kidney stones generally involves:
1. Medications:
Thiazide diuretics:
- Used to reduce calcium levels in the urine, which can prevent calcium-based stones from forming.
Potassium citrate:
- Prescribed to alkalize the urine and prevent the formation of uric acid stones.
Allopurinol:
- Used to reduce uric acid levels, particularly in patients who suffer from gout or uric acid stones.
2. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:
Patients are advised to limit foods high in oxalates and sodium, reduce animal protein intake, and increase water consumption. These steps help prevent stone formation by balancing the levels of minerals in the urine.
3. Regular Monitoring:
- Regular check-ups, including urine and blood tests, are used to track risk factors for kidney stone formation. Imaging tests like ultrasounds are also employed to detect any new stone formations early.
How Ayurveda Helps Prevent Kidney Stone Recurrence
While allopathic treatments are effective, Ayurveda offers a more holistic approach, focusing not only on treating the symptoms but also on addressing the root causes of kidney stone formation. Here’s how Ayurveda can help in preventing kidney stones from reoccurring:
1. Balancing Doshas to Prevent Stones
- According to Ayurveda, kidney stones are often caused by an imbalance in the Pitta Dosha, which governs heat and metabolism in the body. By balancing Pitta through specific diet and lifestyle changes, the risk of stone formation can be reduced.
2. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) are widely used in Ayurveda to cleanse the urinary system. These herbs act as natural diuretics, helping flush out excess minerals and prevent stone formation.
- Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) and Varun (Crataeva nurvala) are also recommended for their stone-dissolving and preventative properties (source)
3. Preventive Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
- Ayurveda emphasizes the consumption of cooling foods such as cucumbers, coconut water, and coriander water to balance the Pitta Dosha and prevent the formation of stones.
- Hydration is critical, and Ayurveda encourages regular consumption of jeera (cumin) water and barley water, both known for their diuretic properties.
- Ayurveda also suggests incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices to reduce stress, which can impact metabolic functions and contribute to stone formation.
Advantages of Ayurveda in Preventing Kidney Stones
1. Holistic and Long-Term Focus
- Ayurveda focuses on long-term kidney health, addressing the root cause of stone formation. It doesn’t just treat symptoms but helps rejuvenate the urinary system to prevent future stones.
2. Natural Remedies
- Ayurvedic herbs are natural and safe for long-term use. These remedies work gently on the body, avoiding the potential side effects associated with prolonged use of synthetic medications.
3. Customization Based on Body Constitution
- Ayurveda tailors its approach to your individual Prakriti (body constitution), offering personalized treatments that work in harmony with your natural state of health.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Preventing Kidney Stones
Both allopathic and Ayurvedic methods can be effective in preventing the recurrence of kidney stones. While allopathy offers targeted medications and monitoring, Ayurveda provides a holistic, long-term approach by balancing the body’s internal systems, using natural remedies, and promoting lifestyle changes that support kidney health.
Takeaway: If you’ve had a kidney stone before, it’s important to take preventive measures now. At UWAY Health, our Ayurvedic doctors can assess your body constitution and disposition for recurrence and create a customized plan to help you take immediate steps toward preventing another kidney stone. Don’t wait—consult with our experts and start taking control of your health today.
About Author
Dr. Latha
With a stellar career starting at AVP Chiktisalayam, Coimbatore, Dr. Latha brings 23 years of global expertise.
Specializing in chronic health issues, she is a trusted practitioner for conditions like obesity, PCOS, migraines, allergic rhinitis, infertility, Sciatica, and osteoarthritis, particularly among women and children.
