Powerful Technology DESTROYS Kidney Stones (Painlessly!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 15, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
There is nothing more painful than passing a kidney stone.
Even women who have been through childbirth claim passing a kidney stone was MUCH worse!
Trying to pass a kidney stone, especially one that gets stuck in the urinary tract, can bring people to their knees and send them straight to the emergency room.
But now, a new technology could change all of that.
Researchers have discovered a powerful technology that can painlessly destroy kidney stones.
A kidney stone is a hard mineral pellet that forms in the bladder. Kidney stones are usually made of calcium (calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate).
While mainstream docs will swear up and down that taking calcium doesn’t cause stones, there are good studies that show there is a relationship… so think twice about how much calcium you want to take!
Stones also tend to form when urine becomes concentrated, at times when people don’t drink enough water or are taking a diuretic. So, ALWAYS, make sure you are getting enough water.
Thankfully, now there’s a less painful way to pass a stone if it happens to you.
A group of researchers from the University of Washington have found a way to make the experience much more bearable. The study team used a machine called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) which replaces shock wave lithotripsy (SWL).
SWL uses loud noises to break apart the stones. It’s the treatment that’s been used for the past 20 years. The downside of it is that people undergoing it have to be sedated, which carries with it a lot of risk. Even worse, this procedure only works about 50 percent of the time.
But BWL uses ultrasound and only takes about 10 minutes… AND the patient doesn’t need to be sedated.
But best of all, the researchers in this study found that BWL breaks up 90 percent of stones.
BWL is a new therapy, so it may not be available everywhere.
In the meantime, make sure you’re getting enough water… and stay away from those calcium supplements!
P.S. Click here to check out my guide to kidney health. Some of the tips might surprise you!
SOURCES:
Melore, Chris. “Sound waves destroy painful kidney stones before patients need to pee them out.” 3/23/2022. https://www.studyfinds.org/sound-waves-kidney-stones/
Norton, Amy. “Calcium Supplements Tied to the Risk of Kidney Stones.” 10/13/2015. https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/news/20151013/calcium-supplements-tied-to-kidney-stone-risk-in-study
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...