View source for Kidney Stone Prevention

== What Does it Mean? ==
Kidney stones are formed when waste products in the urine become too concentrated and crystallize. Poor kidney function may result from various factors, including dehydration, metabolic imbalances, and deficiencies in key nutrients that help regulate calcium, oxalate, and uric acid levels. Functional medicine approaches aim to prevent stone formation by addressing these underlying imbalances.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Chronic dehydration leading to concentrated urine
* High dietary intake of oxalates, sodium, or animal proteins
* Magnesium and vitamin B deficiencies affecting calcium and oxalate metabolism
* pH imbalances in urine, promoting crystallization
* Impaired kidney filtration or metabolic disorders

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin
* Frequent and painful urination
* Blood in the urine (hematuria)
* Nausea or vomiting
* Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

=== Lab Test Findings ===
Kidney stone formation is often associated with specific biochemical imbalances. 

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Functional medicine interventions focus on hydration, mineral balance, and pH regulation to prevent stone formation.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Magnesium
|Enhances calcium metabolism and prevents oxalate crystal formation
|3 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Supports methylation and detoxification pathways
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita-D
|Regulates calcium absorption and bone mineral balance
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Zinc
|Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney tissues
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Endura
|Supports hydration and electrolyte balance
|1 packet with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Hydration: Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily to dilute urine and prevent stone formation.
* Dietary Adjustments: Reduce oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts) and sodium intake while maintaining moderate calcium consumption.
* Urinary pH Management: Adjust dietary intake of acidic or alkaline foods based on stone type.