Diet to Prevent Kidney Stones

Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs and also the main part of one’s excretory system. The function of the kidney is to extract waste from blood and form urine which is flushed out of the body. But when some elements increase in amount in one's urine, they crystallize. They form pebbles in kidneys which can be a painful condition. Having a healthy lifestyle and following a certain diet to prevent kidney stones can make sure that nobody faces this ailment ever.

What are kidney stones?

Renal calculi or nephrolith as it is called in the medical world are solid masses of crystals. Kidney stones are formed due to the accumulation of certain elements in the kidneys. But it is not always necessary for the stone to be formed in the kidney only.

Stones can be formed in kidneys, ureters, urethra and urinary bladder. Size of the kidney stones differ from person to person, but whatever is the size it is a painful condition.

Kidneys are like pebbles which are hard due to deposition. Stones can be formed in any one kidney or in both. The shape and size are varied from the size of a sand grain to the size of a pea. Only in rare cases, it can grow to become the size of golf balls.

Kidney stones can pass through one's urinary tract. And sometimes it can cause pain depending upon the size of the stone. Larger stones get stuck in the track which causes pain. They also can block the flow of one's urine causing bleeding.

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Some of the symptoms of the kidney stones are:

• Severe pain
• Blooding
• Fever
• Nausea

Types of kidney stones

There are four types of kidney stones that are formed:

Calcium stones: these stones include calcium phosphate and oxalate stones. And these are the most common type of stones. When the concentration of calcium and oxalate increase in the kidney then instead of getting flushed out, they form stones.

Uric acid stones: when the uric acid concentration increases in one's urine, then these types of stones are formed. Eating too much animal protein can lead to these stones.

Cystine stones: this is seen in the patients who suffer from cystinuria which is hereditary in nature. In this, amino acid leaks from one's kidneys and accumulates in the urine. This eventually forms cystine stones.

Struvite stones: this is seen in patients who suffer from urinary tract infection.

Some of the causes of kidney stones

• Not enough water intake
• Lack of calcium intake
• High salt and sugar content
• Lack of citrate intake
• Eating junk foods
• Obesity
• Urinary tract infection
• Family history or hereditary
• High Protein Diet

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How to prevent kidney stones?

There are several tips to prevent kidney stones. But, for preventing any kind of ailment the most important factor is food intake. A proper and balanced diet is the core of one's good health. So when it comes to preventing kidney stones again diet plays a major role in it. Making small but substantial changes into one's daily diet today can be of greater significance tomorrow.

Some of the dietary adjustments to keep in mind are:

Make water a staple

People usually tend to forget about drinking enough water, but it is the best way to prevent stone formation. One should have around eight glasses of water to form two litre of urine. Formation of a lesser amount of urine means the urine is concentrated with different salts which can cause kidney stones. Water in the form of fruit juice is also a good idea especially citrus juices which help in preventing stone formation.

Lesser sodium is better

Having saltier food can be dangerous in many ways. But, the biggest risk is of getting kidney stones. Higher concentration of sodium in urine prohibits there absorption of calcium back into the bloodstream. And this higher concentration of calcium leads to calcium kidney stones. Choose the food carefully and read labels carefully before buying packed foods.

Have more calcium

Having more calcium in the food will prevent calcium kidney stone formation. Many people think that having more calcium in food will cause calcium stones, but it is not true. Instead of, less calcium will lead to both stones and osteoporosis. Having calcium-rich food like milk, yogurt, and the cheese will make sure that there is no lack of calcium. Though calcium supplements should be avoided as it can cause stones, thus dietary calcium is always the best option to choose.

Take more plant protein

Too much of animal protein can be harmful to health. As it produces uric acid and increases the chances of kidney stone formation. But plant-based protein is not harmful as it produces citrate in urine. It helps in preventing stone formation and reduces the chances of kidney stones. Some of the sources of protein are lentils, beans, sprouts, peas etc.

Avoid cola and added sugars

Added sugars like sucrose and fructose can be harmful to one's health and can elevate the chances of kidney stone. Cola drinks have high amounts of phosphate which is another promoting factor for kidney stones. Avoid processed food and sugary drinks like aerated drinks, cakes, packed juices, ice creams etc.

Add fruits and vegetables to the diet

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrients that are needed for a healthy body. Also, in particular, having more fruits and vegetables is also very helpful in preventing kidney stones. Fruits with higher citric acid concentration are believed to be beneficial in preventing kidney stones. Also, choose fruits with higher calcium concentration and low oxalate concentrations.

Proper hydration is the key factor in preventing kidney stones, as increasing the amount of urine helps in flushing out all the factors that may be responsible for stone formation. There is no such ailment which cannot be prevented by proper diet and exercises.

Following the diet to prevent kidney stones along with healthy lifestyle choices can lead to a healthier and stone free kidney.

For more information related to kidney stones treatment click on this link: https://www.carewellmedicalcentre.com/surgery/kidney-stones-treatment/