Two ailments that plague the kidney and bladder are kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections in women are the cause for six million office visits per year, and kidney stones cause intense pain. Kidney stones are hard masses that form when calcium and oxalic acid crystallizes, forming calcium oxalate. Symptoms of kidney stones are severe back pain, gastrointestinal problems, chills, fever, and bloody urine. Increasing fluid intake along with several natural and herbal supplements can help prevent kidney stones from forming. Helpful supplements include, IP-6, magnesium & vitamin B6, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin E, citrate, pumpkin seeds, golden rod, fish oil, GLA, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
Urinary tract infections are triggered by bacteria and occur in the kidney, bladder, and urethra. Symptoms include frequent urination with irritation and burning, consistent urge to urinate, cramping and pressure in the abdomen, and cloudy and strong smelling urine. Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but can also be aided by natural and herbal supplements. Some helpful supplements are vitamin C, vitamin A, multivitamin-mineral supplement, cranberry, blueberry, buchu leaf, horseradish oil, goldenseal, and uva ursi.
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