Calculosis, also called lithiasis, is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract and is characterized by the presence of small pebbles, from the Latin calculus (pebble), along the course of the urinary tract.
The formation of stones occurs when a substance contained in the urine is more concentrated than normal, giving rise to the phenomenon of oversaturation, causing it to precipitate in the form of crystals which, fusing together, give rise to the formation of stones, generally formed by oxalates, urates and calcium phosphates.
This phenomenon is more common among people with certain types of disorders (for example, hyperparathyroidism, dehydration and renal tubular acidosis) and among subjects with a diet very rich in animal proteins or who do not consume sufficient quantities of water. It rarely occurs in healthy subjects, because there are substances in the urine, mainly citrates, that effectively counteract this process.
People with a family history of kidney stones are more likely to have stones and have them more frequently.
Small stones may be asymptomatic, while larger ones may cause severe pain in the back area, bleeding, infection, or obstruction of urine flow.
Generally, if calculosis does not resolve spontaneously, it is treated by removing the stones through a small surgical procedure or by crushing and reducing the size of the stones to facilitate their elimination (lithotripsy).
The specialist, with appropriate tests, will be able to determine the presence of stones and provide indications on how to eliminate them.
Several scientific studies have shown that an unbalanced diet can facilitate the formation of stones, so a healthy diet plays an important role in maintaining good urinary tract function.
Among the most important nutritional indications there is of course correct hydration (at least 2 liters of water a day) which allows the substances present in urine to be more diluted. In the most predisposed subjects it is recommended to limit excessive meat intake, preferring vegetable protein sources such as legumes, also limit the consumption of salt and drinks rich in oxalates such as coffee, tea and fruit juices and consume fresh dairy products.
It is also important to take alkalizing substances, such as magnesium and potassium citrates which, by increasing the pH of the urine, also increase the solubility of uric acid (binding to calcium and forming soluble complexes).
In addition, nature offers us particularly interesting and useful resources: there are medicinal plants containing substances indicated to promote the functionality of the urinary tract and the drainage of liquids, among which the best known are Cedracca and Fillanto, two species of ferns known for their ability to grow between rocks and slowly break them up, from which the name “stone breaker” derives, by which they are known in popular tradition.
In clinical studies, a significant reduction in urinary oxalate and uric acid has been confirmed with the use of Cedracca and Fillanto; even Nigella sativa, known as black cumin, has been shown to reduce the levels of calcium phosphate and oxalate in urine.
