Sedentary lifestyle choices of the urban rich, combined with environmental changes linked to industrialisation, are leading to an increased incidence of the extremely painful condition called ‘Stones’. Kidney Stone incidence has doubled in recent years and affects nearly 13 percent men and 7 percent women. Chances of recurrence are as high as 50%. This painful condition can be debilitating, leading to a decreased quality of life, hospitalisation and even kidney damage. It is often linked to a number of comorbidities - including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular problems. Although determining the exact nature of the Stone is important, to ascertain specific underlying causes, in general the risk factors can be summarised as: inadequate fluid intake, which results in the production of too little urine; non-optimal pH balance – i.e. overly acidic body environment; family history, high blood pressure, gout and after effects of certain types of bowel surgery. In dietary terms, excessive consumption of animal proteins, high-sodium foods, starchy foods, refined sugars, and high fructose syrups generally found in overly processed foods, should be avoided. As should all foods that produce too much oxalic acid – some examples are collards, cabbages and grapes. Consumption of alcohol, black tea and coffee must be watched. The increasing trend towards fast foods does not help either - in the US, one in every 3 meals is now coming from fast-food eateries, having nearly tripled in the latter part of the twentieth century. Several important traditional medicine systems have relied on natural herbs to prevent this painful condition. Foremost amongst these is the ‘Stonebreaker’ herb, also called Bhiuamla or Phyllanthus.
Tip of the Week
Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid a day. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Cut back on salt and build the exercise regimen to achieve an active lifestyle. Calcium plays an interesting role. Having too much in the form of supplements can be detrimental and raises the risk of Kidney Stones. People with a family history should avoid excessive supplementation. Interestingly when calcium is had as part of food, it continues to be an important preventative for osteoporosis, and furthermore it does not lead to Stones (as it binds with oxalate and leaves the body through the stools). At least two servings per day of calcium-rich foods should be aimed for. When taking a supplement, it is always best to balance it with magnesium.
Nature’s Wonder Food of the Week: Bhuiamla/Phyllanthus or Stonebreaker
Phyllanthus is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. It has a wide number of traditional uses: for the treatment of hepatitis, kidney, spleen, stomach and bladder problems, intestinal parasites, jaundice, gonorrhea, frequent menstruation and diabetes. There are three important sub-families (genus) of Phyllanthus – P. Niruri, P. Urinaria and P. Amarus. The specific plant species used may have a significant impact on the benefits expected. Benefits of Phyllanthus may be attributed to the presence of many valuable phytochemicals - such as lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins (ellagitannins), polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids. In addition to having diuretic properties and being hepato-protective/nephro-protective agents (for the liver and kidney), these herbs also seem to show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. These include their benefits as: an antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic. In addition to its use internally as an herbal tonic, the whole plant is also found to be useful for topical applications in gonorrhea, menorrhagia and other genital affections.
For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions
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