I live with a kidney disease known as medullary sponge kidney.  I know there is a possibility that you may have not heard of this birth defect as it only effects and estimated one in every ten thousand people.  It is a defect in which the kidneys form microscopic cysts that prevent uric flow from the medulla of the kidney into to tubules and to the ureters, and causes an elevated hemoglobin count in urine.  A huge “thank you” goes out to my paternal grandfather for passing along that gene ( as I have found out in my adult life ). 
Sponge kidneys have also been linked to chronic kidney stones, which, as I know from decades of experience, are extremely painful and make you want to beat your head into a wall and talk to “God”.
I have dealt with these symptoms since my late teenage years, and did not learn of preventative treatments until my mid-twenties.  I found that nettle tea has been used to treat the symptoms.  I drink nettle tea about once a week now, as I have been for many years, and it staves off the sudden twinges of pain caused by stone deposits from forming on my kidneys.  As well, it prevents urinary tract infections…overall, leading to expensive emergency room visits.
Just thought you might find this tid-bit of information interesting in your reasearch.

http://www.rosegoddessbliss.co...

As for what Tim asked, this book: http://humanurehandbook.com/ would be an interesting read. He talks about studies where theromophilic composting (with poop) can actually reduce radiation in the compost materials… so cool.