I would like to know if there is any research to support the use of either olive oil or lemon juice to help pass kidney stones.

DEAR READER:
Kidney stones are ordinarily the result of a buildup of uric acid crystals (which are also the cause of gout when they migrate to the joints). As the crystals accumulate, they stick together to create something that looks very much like a stone.

There are several reasons for individuals to create stones. The most common is failure to drink adequate amounts of fluid throughout the day. Others may have abnormalities of their kidneys or even a genetic predisposition.

The best way to prevent stones is to be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. I typically recommend people only drink when thirsty, but for those with known kidney stones or risk factors for developing stones, it is important to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day.

As for treatment, most stones will pass on their own. Small or moderate-sized stones may cause discomfort and pain. Large stones may need to be broken using lithotripsy or medication before being passed. This is to ensure they don’t block the flow of urine and cause serious damage.

There are many home remedies for this common but painful condition. I must admit that I have heard of the oil and lemon juice remedy but only from one person, and quite personally, thought it was so bizarre that it was only he who thought it worked. I, therefore, never thought to mention it before now.

The gentleman in question was frequently plagued by kidney stones, often having several a year. He swore to me that since starting the “treatment” stones passed much more quickly and were accompanied by less pain and discomfort. He also told me that drinking a glass of fresh lemonade daily helped to prevent the stones. At the time of my retirement, he had only had one or two stones in the last three years, which , of course, were treated with olive oil and lemon juice.

I cannot imagine the taste is pleasant but I don’t see any harm in at least giving it a try. Readers, let me know your results. If favorable, I will be sure to include it in my soon-to-be-completed “Compelling Home Remedies 2” Health Report.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure mention the title.

When I returned home I saw my physician who was concerned about my kidney at first. I asked for a referral to a specialist who ordered another CT scan. Again, it showed I had a mass on my kidney. I was told that it was under 4 cm so it was caught quite early.

My urologist doesn’t want to do anything about the kidney right now despite the fact he feels it is cancer. He says it may have been there a long time and that these things are usually slow growing. He appears to be more concerned with the blood clots in my lungs.

I am scheduled for a follow up CT scan in 90 days and am looking at surgery sometime this fall.

My concern is that if this is cancer, waiting is just giving it a chance to spread. I would like to have the cancer dealt with right now. My daughter is an RN and agrees with my urologist so I am not sure what to think. Can you help? Does the urologist’s approach seem right to you?

DEAR READER:
I am not a urologist but agree with him.

The blood clots in your lungs are the most serious problem you have. They are more likely to cause immediate problems or even death should they move.

Your kidney tumor on the other hand, was found incidentally; therefore, I assume it was not causing any symptoms. Without the blood clot testing you probably would not have even known you had a kidney tumor until it grew or spread causing symptoms. You are lucky that it was caught early.

Follow your urologist’s advice. Stay on the Coumadin.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome several years ago and I frequently have to urinate.

I didn’t realize the use of Excedrin was so bad until recently. I have completely stopped using it but now wonder if the damage is reversible. Is there anything I can do to make my kidneys healthier?

DEAR READER:
Let me start by saying, a normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level ranges between 8 and 20. In my opinion, your level of 21, while technically abnormal, is insignificant. It is not abnormal enough to be diagnostic of kidney damage. This does not mean you do not have some degree of damage.

Over use of any medications can potentially lead to kidney damage because they are all processed within the kidney before being excreted in the urine. That is why most physicians urge patients to use medication only when and if needed, especially over-the-counters.

If you are still concerned, I recommend you make an appointment to speak with your primary physician who can explain the results and what they may mean. He or she may choose to order other tests, such as a kidney ultrasound, to determine if there is any damage and if so, the severity.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I offer the following information in case it has any bearing (but we believe not).

He has been diagnosed with colitis but it is under fair control with diet. (He has been fairly closely following your no flour, no sugar diet.) He does not smoke anymore, having quit four years ago. He is a mild/moderate social drinker. His lymph nodes swell up on occasion but I assume that is from fighting off infection. It does not seem to have any correlation with the smell. He also has heartburn and uses antacids a few times a week. He takes vitamin C regularly but no other multi-vitamin. We cannot think of any major dietary or lifestyle changes in the last month that might cause this bizarre occurrence.

We wonder if ammonia-smelling sneezes have an obvious cause and should they be something to be concerned about? Is this something you have ever heard of before?

DEAR READER:
Ammonia-smelling breath is a well-recognized consequence of diabetes, kidney disease and liver disorders. Don’t ignore your husband’s symptom. He needs to be checked. Although the ammonia odor may simply reflect inefficient digestion that is characteristic of colitis and other intestinal disorders, I worry that a more serious situation is developing. Get him to your family physician for testing and let me know the outcome.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Living with Diabetes Mellitus” and “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 FOR EACH report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

I am still unsure about what happened. Could taking three Lasix a day have caused this?

DEAR READER:
I do not believe that the Lasix was the cause of your unpleasant experience. More likely, you had bladder dysfunction due to urinary tract muscle contraction.

I assume that your “kidney doctor” is a nephrologist. You should review your problem with him or her. I would hope that the specialist can suggest ways of over coming the spasm if it occurs again.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections” and “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 FOR EACH report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).