Kidney Stones

The kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. The kidneys help to detox and filter impurities from the blood, discarding waste products out and regulating fluid balance.

Kidney stones form when the kidneys are not able to process and excrete waste products, excess minerals, and toxins. The crystals of unprocessed minerals, especially calcium, begin to accumulate. Kidney stones, if they’re large enough, may cause tearing and pain, some even block urine flow.

Diet-wise, limit your intake of sodium, non-veg protein, foods rich in oxalates like palak, beetroots, buckwheat or kuttu, wheat bran, nuts, and chocolate. Excess supplemental Vit C, above 2000 mg, can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

The following tips should help improve kidney health:-

1. Water- Staying well hydrated is key to good kidney health. Up your water intake if you have high uric acid levels and are prone to kidney stone formation. Drink water at regular intervals through the day.

2. Lemon juice- Lemons contain citrate, which is a chemical that prevents calcium stones from forming in your kidneys. Citrate can also break up smaller kidney stones, allowing them to pass out more easily. Adding half a deseeded lemon to your bottle of water will help flush your system.

3. Basil juice- Basil contains acetic acid, which helps to break down the kidney stones and helps to reduce pain. It also lowers uric acid levels, which reduces your risk for future kidney stones. Simply add a few mulled basil leaves to your bottle of water or have 1 tsp basil juice thrice a day.

4. Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid. Citric acid helps to dissolve kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar can help alkalize blood and urine and increase stomach acids to prevent the formation of new kidney stones. Start with 1 tsp organic ACV (with the cloudy substance called mother) thrice a day.

5. Celery juice- Celery juice clears away toxins that contribute to kidney stone formation. It also helps flush out toxins from the body so you can pass the stone. Add 2 stalks of celery to your bottle of water. Celery acts as a diuretic and will decrease edema. It also helps lower BP, so it is a good option for those with hypertension. Do avoid if your BP is generally on the lower side.

6. SaCha’s TheraSpice- Using a heating pad or a warm compress like SaCha’s TheraSpice will help ease the pain associated with the passing out of kidney stones. Place the warm compress near your ribs or stomach or apply it on the area of maximum discomfort.

Stay blessed with good health…always!!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza.

 SIBO Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth 

Good gut health starts with supporting greater diversity and numbers of 'good' gut bacteria in the large intestine.

In the small intestine, however, an overgrowth known as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a sign of a digestive disorder. In this part of our gastrointestinal tract, we want less, not more bacteria.

Due to the fact that it is often a secondary disease, SIBO is difficult to manage and can take years to eradicate, if ever.

The primary cause is suspected to be a combination of decreased small intestine motility (muscular movement), bile acids and pancreatic enzymes. 

There are disease states that we know can lead to SIBO (secondary disease) and can be treated: 

• Active small bowel inflammation (e.g. Coeliac, Crohn's)
• Adhesive disease
• Collagen vascular disease
• Diabetic enteropathy
• Gut dysmotility
• Small bowel diverticular disease
• Small bowel structuring disease (e.g. Crohn's, NSAIDs)

Common symptoms overlap with those of IBS and include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Malnutrition
• Nausea & vomiting
• Vitamin (esp. A, D, E, K & B12) & mineral (esp. calcium, iron, magnesium) deficiency
• Weight loss 

In addition, because of brush border inflammation, fructose and lactase (enzymes that break down fructose and lactose respectively) deficiency may develop as a result of SIBO.

Diagnosis is usually via the non-invasive Hydrogen Breath Tests where patients drink a lactulose or glucose solution. The resulting hydrogen or methane, which can only be produced by bacteria present in the small intestine, is measured. Your GP or gastroenterologist will interpret the results.

We know the following increase your risk of developing SIBO:

• Aging
• Alcoholism
• Chronic antacid/PPI use (leads to gastric achlorhydria)
• Coeliac Disease
• Gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach)
• GI infections 

Treatment is with antibiotic therapy for 14 days, followed by a repeat breath test and some dietary changes to address possible nutritional deficiencies and minimize symptoms.
The low-FODMAP diet is clinically proven to help manage IBS in around 70% of sufferers. Carbohydrate intolerance is common among patients with SIBO, and the Low-FODMAP diet may, therefore, be very helpful. Other possible treatment diets are based on anecdotal evidence and include GAPS (Gut & Psychology Syndrome diet) and SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet).

As with all diets, the choice of which is best suited depends on the patient and should be personalized by your nutritionist.

Stay blessed with good health…always!!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza.