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Kidney stones are hardened stone-like structures that form in the kidneys when excess waste accumulates and crystallizes in the absence of enough fluids.
The major factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones include insufficient fluid intake, acidic urine, excess protein diet, intake of excess salt and processed foods, intake of oxalate-rich foods, etc.
When kidney stones form, they do not just stay in the kidney. These stones can move anywhere in the urinary tract. The human urinary tract is not designed to expel solid matter. This is the reason why kidney stones cause excruciating pain when they move around the urinary system. Some other troubles associated with kidney stones are pain during urination, nausea, frequent urge to urinate, etc.
You must be aware that our diet plays a significant role in the proper functioning of our body.
If you are suffering from kidney stones or if you want to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones, there are certain foods that you should avoid and increase the intake and certain others. There are a few fruits that work wonders in bringing relief from kidney stones.
Banana for kidney stones
Banana is one such food that is very beneficial for kidney stones. Bananas have a number of health benefits and are particularly helpful in maintaining healthy kidneys.
Bananas are a great source of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps in increasing the production of red blood cells. It also helps in metabolizing amino acids and removing unwanted chemical compounds from the liver and kidney. A medium-sized banana can provide you with one-fourth of your daily requirement of Vitamin B6.
Bananas are also enriched with potassium. Potassium is necessary for maintaining the proper functioning of the kidneys. One banana has about 320-400 mg of potassium which is about one-tenth of our daily requirement.
The potassium content in your diet has a major role to play in the amount of calcium you excrete. If you excrete large amounts of calcium, excess oxalate is left in the body which puts you at risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common types of kidney stones, found in 80 percent of the cases of kidney stones.
Potassium present in bananas helps in balancing the calcium and oxalate content thereby reducing the chances of kidney stones. Potassium also helps in keeping the urine acidity in check. Thus, eating one banana every day can bring about a major relief in your condition of kidney stones.
Fact: Studies have shown that people who eat bananas 4-5 times a week are 50 percent less likely to develop kidney problems. According to a 13-year study, women who ate bananas 2-3 times a week had a 33 percent reduced risk of kidney problems.
In addition to the banana fruit, in many parts of the world, people also consume banana stems and flowers.
Banana stem for kidney stones
Banana stems can be very effective in preventing the formation of kidney stones. If you already have kidney stones, banana stems can provide relief and can prevent further worsening of the condition.
Banana stems are rich in potassium and magnesium. Potassium and magnesium can prevent kidney stones to a great extent. The magnesium present in banana stem readily combines with the excess oxalates, thereby preventing the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys.
Banana stems are also enriched in fibers, iron, calcium, and other beneficial substances. Banana stem juice also wonderfully reduces and cures kidney stones. It cures calcium oxalate and uric acid kidney stones by dissolving them.
The banana stem also acts as an effective diuretic. It has antioxidant properties and helps in the detoxification of the kidneys. Even many Ayurvedic doctors recommend banana stem for the treatment of kidney ailments.
Note: Excess potassium and magnesium can put extra strain on the kidneys. Consult with your doctor about the amount of potassium and magnesium needed for your condition and vary the intake of bananas accordingly.
So, you must have now become well aware that bananas can be really effective in preventing kidney stones and can even aid the passage of small kidney stones.
However, if you do not get relief from kidney stones even after consuming bananas regularly, discuss the issue with your kidney stones doctor.
In the case of small or medium-sized stones, it is quite probable that your doctor will ask you to wait for the stone to pass out on its own through urine within 4-6 weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe some medicines to aid the passing out of the stones.
How to get rid of large kidney stones?
For larger stones, however, your urologist may suggest surgery. Surgical treatment for kidney stones is nothing to worry about as now modern and advanced techniques like Shock Wave Lithotripsy are available for the procedure.
Shock wave lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve any big incisions, wounds, or stitches. The procedure is minimally-invasive and the downtime after the treatment is very short.
So, if you too are frustrated with the pain and troubles of kidney stones, do not wait anymore. Get in touch with Pristyn Care and we will resolve any doubts that you have about the procedure.
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