Kidney stones

Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses made of crystals. Kidney stones usually originate in your kidneys, but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Kidney stones are known to be one of the most painful medical conditions. The causes of kidney stones vary according to the type of stone.

Types of Kidney Stones
Not all kidney stones are made up of the same crystals. The different types of kidney stones include:

Calcium

Calcium stones are the most common. They can be made of calcium oxalate (most common), phosphate, or maleate. Eating fewer oxalate-rich foods can reduce your risk of developing this type of stone. High-oxalate foods include potato chips, peanuts, chocolate, beets, and spinach.

Uric Acid

This type of kidney stone is more common in men than in women. They can occur in people with gout or those going through chemotherapy. This type of stone develops when urine is too acidic. A diet rich in purines can increase urine’s acidic level. Purine is a colorless substance in animal proteins, such as fish, shellfish, and meats.

Struvite

This type of stone is found mostly in women with urinary tract infections. These stones can be large and cause urinary obstruction. These stones are caused by a kidney infection. Treating an underlying infection can prevent the development of struvite stones.

Cystine

Cystine stones are rare. They occur in both men and women who have the genetic disorder cystinuria. With this type of stone, cystine — an acid that occurs naturally in the body — leaks from the kidneys into the urine.

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery.

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARLIC

1. Garlic has been found to assist babies to gain weight while they are in the womb.
Next time you have a baby prepare to have garlic breath. Except if you have a history of large babies in which case maybe you want to skip the extra doses?

2. Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest infections, coughs and congestion.
In the winter months garlic is a great food to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu. An old folk remedy is to eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold.

3. Garlic contains high levels of iodine which makes it a very effective treatment for hyperthyroid conditions.
Treatment with garlic has been shown to greatly improve this condition.

4. Scurvy is treated by vitamin C and garlic contains good levels of vitamin C too.

5. Popular folklore says that garlic is good for more than scaring hungry vampires away!
Impotency has long been thought to benefit from doses of garlic, and treatment continues in many communities to this day.

6. Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by ingesting garlic.
LDL cholesterol is no friend of garlic and the aortic plaque deposits that gather on the walls of your body’s veins can be reduced with the use of garlic too. Studies have shown the amazing benefits of taking garlic in relation to heart disease.

7. Fungal and bacterial vaginal infections are toast when treated with garlic!
When crushed or bruised, garlic releases Allicin which is a sulphuric compound that is a natural antibiotic. WWI soldiers even apparently used crushed garlic on infected wounds suffered in battle. If you decide to take garlic in tablet form be sure to use powdered capsules. The processes used to create garlic tablets destroy the Allicin that is present.

8. Garlic is a great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells.
Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition!

9. Garlic can aid in the prevention of multiple types of cancer.
Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and stomach cancer have all been shown to have their tumors reduced when treated with garlic. Vitamin B6 is said to have cancer fighting abilities.

10. Garlic regulates blood sugar as it enhances the level of insulin in the blood.
This may assist in the control of diabetes. Seek medical advice if you believe the use of garlic could help your condition.