Kidney Stone
What Does It Mean?
Kidney stones are crystalline deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. These stones can lead to obstruction of the urinary tract, pain, and renal dysfunction. Common causes include:
- Dehydration
- High intake of oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts, tea)
- Excessive dietary sodium and protein
- Metabolic imbalances (e.g., hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, cystinuria)
- Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
How Did We Get There?
Diagnosis & Assessment
Patients with kidney stones may present with:
- Severe flank pain (radiating to the groin)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Frequent urinary urgency
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Lab Test Findings
The following lab markers help diagnose kidney stones and assess underlying metabolic imbalances:
| Lab Test | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Amorphous Crystal | Presence indicates crystallization risk | None |
| Bacteria | May be elevated in cases of infection | None |
| Blood (Urine) | Positive | Negative |
| Calcium Oxalate Crystals | Presence suggests oxalate stone formation | None |
| Cystine Crystals | Elevated in cystinuria-related stones | None |
| Erythrocyte Clumps | Present | None |
| Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) | Increased | 0.00-260.00nmol/L |
| pH | Altered | 7 |
| RBC’s (Urine) | Present | None |
| Transparency (Clarity) | Cloudy urine may suggest crystallization or infection | CLEAR |
| Triple Phosphate Crystals | Presence suggests struvite stone formation | None |
| Vitamin D25-OH, Total | Decreased | 45-65ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause by reducing stone formation risk through hydration, dietary modifications, and targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Magnesium | Reduces oxalate absorption and supports muscle function | 3 capsules with or without, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation and metabolic detoxification | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-D | Enhances calcium balance to prevent oxalate stones | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Zinc | Supports immune function and reduces inflammation | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Provides electrolyte balance and hydration support | 1 packet with or without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Hydration: Increase fluid intake to at least 2.5-3 liters per day
- Dietary Adjustments: Reduce oxalate-rich foods and high-sodium intake
- Citrate Intake: Increase consumption of lemon and citrus-based foods to help prevent stone formation
- pH Balance: Maintain a balanced urinary pH to discourage crystallization