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Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis or kidney stone disease) are small deposits that build up in the kidneys. The disease could be found accidentally (when there is no pain or crisis) by X-ray of the abdominal area or by ultrasound of the abdominal organs. Kidney stones vary in shape, size and number, ranging in size from a few millimeters to 5-6 cm.

The clinical picture in patients with kidney stones is different and depends on the size and location of the stone itself. Some patients have complaints of dull, slight pain in the lower back, which is not connected with physical activity or body position. In others, kidney stones are presented by changes in the color of urine or frequent urinary tract infections.

Nephrolithiasis may be asymptomatic (without discomfort to the patient). Renal colic is the most common clinical appearance of kidney stone disease, and it occurs most often when a stone begins to move down through the narrowest part of the urinary system.

Types of kidney stones

Very often kidney stones have a mixed chemical composition and are varied in shape and color. Some of them are:

• Calcium oxalate – the most common kidney stones. The main reasons for their formation are: increased absorption of calcium in the small intestine from food, increased excretion of calcium from bones, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, dehydration, taking certain medications, increased intake of oxalates with food
• Calcium phosphate stones
• Struvite stones – they are formed in frequent bacterial infections of the urinary tract
• Urate stones (uric acid stones) – formed by increased urinary acid excretion in the urine and in people who do not drink enough fluids

The nephron, the functional unit of the kidneys, is responsible for removing waste from the body. Each kidney is made up of over one million nephrons, which intersperse the renal cortex, giving it a granular appearance.

It is a microscopic tubular formation that consists of a renal (Malpighian) body and a curved tubule. The Malpighian body itself consists of a capillary ball called a glomerulus and the enveloping capsule, also called a Baumann capsule.

There are three main processes in the nephron: filtration, back-suction, and secretion. These processes are extremely important for maintaining the internal fluid environment and the alkaline-acid balance in the body. During glomerular filtration, water and particles dissolved in it and leave the vascular system. After that they enter the space between the two leaves of the Bauman capsule and from there into the lumen of the renal tubules, while filtration takes place only in the glomeruli.

There are two types of nephrons:

• cortical (their glomeruli are located in the outer 2/3 of the cortex, their loops are short and reach the outer medulla) and
• juxtamedullary (their glomeruli are located in the inner 1/3 of the cortex, their loops are long and reach the inner medulla – to the renal papillae).

Within a day, a large amount of blood passes through the kidneys, from which 170 liters of primary urine are excreted. This filtrate, passing successively through the other structures of the nephron than undergoes resorption of water and ions, as the amount of final urine is reaching an average of 1200 ml. per day.

There are two blood vessels leading from the abdominal aorta to the kidneys. The renal artery is one of these two blood vessels. The renal artery enters through the hilus, which is situated where the kidney curves inward into the concave shape. The renal artery and the renal vein pass through this hilus. The flow of oxygen-enriched blood passes through the renal artery, which the heart pumps to the kidneys in order to be filtered. After that process is finished already filtered blood is delivered back to the heart by the kidneys.

Under normal circumstances, once the renal artery enters through the hilus, it divides into two main branches, which then divide into a number of smaller arteries that supply blood to different areas of the kidney known as nephrons. The main structural and functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The total number of nephrons in both kidneys is about 1-2 million. A normal person’s kidneys receive approximately a quarter of the heart’s blood, or 1.2 liters of blood, every minute. The body has self-regulating mechanisms that increase or decrease blood flow to adapt to stress. Receptors located in the smooth muscle wall of the renal artery allow the arteries to dilate or contract in order to compensate for the high or low blood pressure.

Due to its vital function, which includes constant contact with toxins, the kidneys are prone to a variety of problems.

As one of the most important water-soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants, vitamin C consists of ascorbic acid and its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid. Vitamin C has a wide range of metabolic functions and significantly enhances cellular immunity. One of its best benefits is its ability to increase iron absorption, thus preventing problems such as iron deficiency anemia.

Compared to the general population, plasma vitamin C levels range from 30 to 60 μmol / L. Plasma levels of vitamin C in patients on hemodialysis are usually lower than in the general population, which is mainly associated with increased inflammation, anemia, oxidative stress and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Because it is excreted by the kidneys, intake above 100-200 mg / day should be restricted in patients with CKD in order to avoid oxalosis, which is an accumulation of a metabolic by-product of ascorbic acid. Many organs and tissues of the body can be affected by oxalate deposits, including the kidneys.

The supplement of vitamin C is provided by potassium-rich foods such as citrus fruits, orange juice, strawberries and broccoli, commonly limited to hemodialysis patients for whom it is important to follow a potassium-restricted diet. Loss of this vitamin is also possible during dialysis, as about a few hundred mg of it can be removed in one dialysis treatment.

Sleep disorders are extremely common among dialysis patients. The most commonly reported complaints are excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, snoring and intermittent limb movement disorders. Clinical studies have found that sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), restless legs syndrome (RLS) and recurrent limb movement disorder (RLMD) are much more common in dialysis patients than among the general population.

Undoubtedly, these sleep problems have a significant negative impact on quality of life, as they are often mentioned as the main sources of stress.

Sleep apnea is a chronic disease that is a repeated respiratory arrest during sleep, the consequences of which is low level of oxygen in the blood. Conducted researches show that sleep apnea may lead to increased levels of cardiovascular events and to the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.
In Bulgaria, no specific studies have been conducted based on the problem of sleep disorders in patients with CKD. However, global research has shown that problems with these disorders occupy a significant part in systemic history of patients with CKD.

Uremia is a clinical syndrome characterized by elevated blood urea levels. It is based on metabolic abnormalities, fluid imbalance, electrolytes and hormones associated with the deterioration of renal function.
Uremia is more common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in the later stages of CKD or in acute kidney damage if the loss of kidney function is rapid. Urea itself has both direct and indirect toxic effects on a number of tissues.

Urea is synthesized in the liver and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is transmitted from the liver through the blood to the kidneys, where it is excreted in the urine. However, when kidney function is impaired, waste products and toxins such as creatinine and urea accumulate in the blood and cannot be effectively filtered and removed. If uremia is left untreated, this condition is life-threatening.

Symptoms:

Tingling and numbness of the hands and feet – neuropathy

General fatigue and low energy

Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite

High blood pressure

Swelling of the ankles

Dry skin and itching

More frequent urination

Chronic kidney disease and factors leading to kidney failure and uremia are:

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys

Polycystic kidneys

Diabetic nephropathy

Congestive heart failure and arrhythmias

Chronic pyelonephritis

Kidney stones, enlarged prostate

Taking certain medications and corticosteroids

The presence of too much water in the blood and the overload of the body with fluids is called hypervolemia.

One of the main functions of our kidneys is to balance fluids in the body. However, for dialysis patients, it is unable to regulate the required ratio of salts and fluids in the body. Hypervolemia is usually the result of a health problem. However, its mild form can occur after consuming foods with too much sodium or during hormonal changes. That is why it is so important to follow a diet plan that limits the amount of sodium (salt) and fluid intake for patients with kidney problems.

The most common symptoms include:

• unexplained and rapid weight gain
• swelling of the arms and legs
• abdominal bloating
• shortness of breath

Treatment

The condition of hypervolemia is managed in several ways. The most commonly used is with diuretics (drugs that increase the amount of urine that the body produces).
It is important to note that the basis of prescribed treatment is according to the specific health problem. For example, for patients with heart failure, beside taking diuretics, additional therapy will be given.

Clinical studies have shown that in patients with severe kidney problems, diuretics do not lead to the desired result so the necessary therapy is renal replacement, such as dialysis. If you are already on dialysis, longer or more frequent dialysis procedures might be needed to remove excess fluid from your body.
People with heart, kidney or liver disease may also need a diet low in salt. This will help keeping the sodium levels within normal limits, which in turn will avoid the condition of hypervolemia.

We have already paid attention to fruits and vegetables in the summer, suitable for people with kidney disease, so with the onset of September, it is the right time to discuss the autumn ones as well.

Undoubtedly, fruits and vegetables are always a healthy choice, as the best option is to consume seasonal products. For dialysis patients it is important to be cautious with the potassium content in the nutrition plan if a diet restricting this mineral is followed. Potassium is found in almost all kind of foods. Our body needs small amounts of it to make muscles work, but its increased values ​​can cause weakness, muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat.

Balance is the key to a diverse nutrition plan. Consuming a great amount of any food can be dangerous, but the careful selection of the appropriate products can give us the necessary freedom for a varied diet.

According to studies, the most suitable autumn fruits and vegetables are:
Apples, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, leeks, onions, pears, radishes, peppers, raw spinach, turnips.
In the list of vegetables that are good for patients with CKD is cabbage. It is a great source of vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium and protein, all well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces the swelling commonly found in dialysis patients. Cabbage can be served raw in salads, cooked in soups and stews, boiled or as a side dish.
Cauliflower can provide patients with CKD with vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. It is a vegetable with a lower potassium content and can be consumed often by people with kidney problems.

All fruits contain small amounts of potassium. It is good to limit the consumption of oranges and bananas but to increase that of apples.
Apples provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. They are a great source of fiber, low in calories and suitable for regulating weight and blood sugar.
A good nutrition plan makes us feel better and keeps us healthy. A well-balanced diet with the right amounts of protein, calories, vitamins and minerals is vital for leading a healthy and fulfilling life.

Creatinine is a natural waste product that is formed in the processes of muscle metabolism. Creatinine is derived from creatine, which plays an important role in producing the energy needed for muscles.
Every day, 2% of creatine (an amino acid) in the body is converted to creatinine. The kidneys remove it from the body, as a result of which it is presented in the blood and urine.
Creatinine can build up in the blood if a person has a kidney problem, but it can also due to high protein intake, intense exercise or the usage of certain medications or supplements.
Monitoring of creatinine levels is often used as a guide for kidney function. High levels of creatinine in the blood or urine could mean that the kidneys are not filtering the blood effectively or for a serious health problem, such as chronic kidney disease.

Causes of high creatinine levels

A routine blood test can measure creatinine levels, as factors that might affect its levels are:

• certain medicines, including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creatine supplements
• dietary factors, such as high protein intake
• intensive exercises
• impaired renal function
• low blood flow
• dehydration

Other factors such as shock, different infections and diseases(for example cancer)can also cause elevated creatinine levels due to kidney damage.

High levels of creatinine in the body might be a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. Glomerulus – the part of the kidneys that filters waste products – does not function properly, may cause high levels of creatinine in the blood but low in the urine. This indicates that the kidneys are not functioning optimally.

Diseases that can affect kidney function and increase creatinine levels include:

• diabetes
• tumors
• some infections, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis
• systemic lupus erythematosus, called SLE

Blood and urine tests are done to assess the current function of the kidneys. Тo check if an existing disease is progressing, and to monitor kidney function in people who are taking strong medications.

Keeping our kidneys healthy and functioning properly is essential for detoxification and the removal of waste products from our body. Unfortunately, there are some food products that can damage our kidneys and prevent them from functioning at optimal levels. We have already paid attention to the fruits, vegetables and food products appropriate for our kidney diet, so it is time to list some of those which are desirable to avoid.

We definitely give the first place to SALT.
Sodium overload leads to high blood pressure, which increases the pressure on your kidneys. The large amount of sodium chloride makes the kidneys to retain water in order to dilute the salt accumulated in the blood, which in turn impairs and burdens their function.

MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS

According to studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic, a high-protein diet can cause or exacerbate existing kidney problems, as protein metabolism puts a heavy strain on the kidneys, making it difficult to eliminate waste products.
Consumption of dairy products increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which is associated with a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Studies show that reducing dairy products can have a beneficial effect on people with kidney failure and kidney disease, making it easier to filter their blood when going on dialysis.

CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause increased blood flow and high blood pressure. Excessive caffeine intake is also associated with kidney stones. It also has a diuretic effect that reduces the ability of the kidneys to absorb water. In addition to caffeine, energy and carbonated beverages have a negative effect on kidney function.

GMO products

A large percentage of the processed foods we consume contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Although there is no solid evidence for the effects of GMO foods on the human body, animal experiments have shown serious adverse health effects, which include changes in major organs such as the kidneys.