Avoid and Protect Yourself From Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are deposits of hard minerals and salts that occur in the kidneys. They are a frequent urological issue that can cause severe pain and suffering. Kidney stones can range in size from small crystals to massive stones several centimetres in diameter. It's important to consult with a Kidney Stone Doctor in Coimbatore for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for Kidney Stones.   

What Causes Kidney Stones?

• When there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming chemicals in the urine, kidney stones occur.

• Dehydration is a key risk factor for the production of kidney stones.

Some Major Signs Include

• Very severe pain in the side, back, or stomach. Some kidney stone patients compare the pain to childbirth or being stabbed with a knife.

• A kidney stone's symptoms include flank pain, which can be quite painful, and blood in the urine.

• People with kidney stones frequently experience nausea and vomiting.

• There may be pain or burning during urinating.

• Fever and chills are symptoms of kidney or other urinary tract infections, respectively.

Avoid kidney stones by making these minor diet adjustments:

• The most crucial thing you can do to avoid kidney stones is to drink enough liquid, primarily water.

• Maintain your weight in check. According to research, obesity is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

• Limit your sodium consumption. Many canned, packaged, and quick foods include it.

• Avoid Colas at all costs. These drinks have high sugar and phosphate content, which increases the risk of kidney stones.

• Limit your consumption of oxalates, which are organic substances that can be found in a variety of foods, such as spinach and sweet potatoes. As oxalates readily bind to specific minerals, such as calcium, which subsequently aids in the formation of kidney stones.

• Eating animal protein may make renal stones more likely to occur.

• Consume adequate calcium through meals. Calcium in the proper amounts helps prevent other chemicals from entering the digestive tract and causing stones. However, taking too much of it may increase your risk of developing calcium oxalate stones.

Recognize the risk factors and minimize them:

• Your chance of developing kidney stones is increased by genetics; 40% of persons who get kidney stones also have relatives who do.

• Your risk may increase if you have an excessive amount of some minerals in your body.

• Kidney stones are more common in those who are obese. If you have diabetes, the same applies.

• Kidney stones are more likely to form if you have gout, a painful disorder where uric acid levels in the blood rise.

• Your risk may increase if you've undergone some types of gastric bypass surgery or other intestinal surgery. 

• You may be more prone to developing kidney stones if you have certain renal conditions. An illustration of this is polycystic kidney disease, which causes clusters of cysts to develop in the kidneys. Another is the congenital abnormality known as medullary sponge kidney, which results in cysts developing in the organ's tubes.

How to Deal with kidney stones:

• Use control of your nutrition and use any prescribed drugs as directed.

• Get plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated, especially when exercising.

• Look at the nutrition facts on the food. Look over the ingredients. Foods rich in sodium chloride, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and sodium nitrate should be avoided or consumed in moderation.

• Pick foods carefully. In general, it's advisable to increase your intake of almonds and spinach. However, if you have calcium oxalate stones—the most common kind—your doctor could advise you to reduce foods high in oxalates. 

• Avoid consuming too much dairy and animal protein as these foods can increase your risk of developing less common types of kidney stones.

• Consume citrate-rich citrus fruits like lemons and limes to help prevent kidney stones.

Options for treatments:

• An ultrasound, intravenous pyleography (IVP), or a CT scan are the best ways to diagnose kidney stones. Most kidney stones move naturally via the ureter to the bladder over time.

• Pain relievers and, in certain situations, drugs to help with urine transit are part of the treatment.

• For stones that do not move through the ureter and into the bladder on their own, lithotripsy or surgical methods may be employed.

• Follow the guidelines above to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid kidney stones. However, if you have kidney stones, please visit our Kidney Stone Specialist in Coimbatore for further advice. Please see the link below for more information: