Kidney stones are common urinary tract disorders. They can form in kidneys when normal substances in urine become too concentrated. Kidney stones range in size from just a speck to as large as a ping pong ball. About 5% of people develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. Kidney diseases are often referred to as “The silent killers”. Kidney stones, a known disease came into the picture due to its increasing number of patients. Our daily routine, habits, diet, and intakes play a very important role in order to keep us away from falling sick. This article is all about dos and doesn’t to avoid developing kidney stones in your body.
Weird Risk Factors For Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorder.
- Having a family or personal history.
- Obesity.
- Gastric bypass surgery.
- Other medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, UTI, hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis.
Salad:
If your salad has spinach and beets, you are definitely at risk for kidney stones.
Stress:
When you are stressed, the formation of kidney stones is highly likely.
Climate:
Those who live in warmer climates are at greater risk for kidney stones. Warm weather is related to sweating, which can lead to dehydration, a significant risk factor for kidney stones.
Immobility:
If you have a sedentary lifestyle or are bedridden, your risk for kidney stones is high.
Surprising Habits That Can Cause Kidney Stone Formation:
Do you know the fact that there are certain habits that can cause kidney stone formation? It is very important to ensure that your kidneys are being taken care of on a daily basis. Apart from what you eat, and what you drink, you must also watch several other habits of yours if you want your kidneys to remain healthy and effective in the long run.
Read Also: 5 Best Nephrologists in Lahore
Not Drinking Enough Water:
Your plain water intake habits are important. Without enough water to drink is one of the worst things that people can do to their kidneys. It causes dehydration and can lead to stone formation. Drink plenty of water about 8-10 glasses a day.
Medications:
Sometimes medications you take may make you more likely to have a kidney stone. Examples include NSAIDS, Diuretics, and antacids.
Note: These lines are for learning purpose only. We, at MARHAM, strictly discourage self-medication and recommend you to consult a verified practitioner for a complete physical checkup.
Frequently delaying the call of nature:
Do you have a habit of postponing your nature’s call? That’s dangerous. It can lead to kidney failure, incontinence, and kidney stones. So listen to your body when nature calls.
Smoking cigarettes:
One of the habits that damage the kidney is smoking. Smoking influences blood vessels and in turn, the functions of the kidney tend to suffer.
Sleep deprivation:
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to kidney diseases. During the night your body repairs damaged kidney tissue, so give your body the time to heal and repair itself.
Eating too much processed /Refined foods:
It increases the chances of kidney stone formation.
Excess salt consumption:
High consumption of salt comes with the risk of kidney stone formation. No more than 5 grams of salt should be eaten on a daily basis.
Overconsumption of black tea:
Black tea contains oxalate which supports the formation of the kidney stones.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency:
Vitamin B6 deficiency increases kidney stone risk. It is recommended to consume at least 1.3 mg of vitamin B6 daily. It is easily available in fish, chickpeas and beef liver.
Magnesium deficiency:
If you don’t get enough magnesium, it can result in calcium overload and kidney stone formation.
Animal proteins:
Animal proteins especially red meat cause calcium to be leaked from the bones, which then is excreted in the urine where it can form stones.
Nuts:
Nuts especially, peanuts, cashews, and almonds are one of the top foods that may increase the amount of oxalate in the urine.
Soda:
If you have the habit of drinking more than 2 sodas a day, you are increasing your risk for kidney stone formation.
Warning Symptoms of Kidney Stones:
- Pain so severe in the back, belly or groin that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position.
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills.
- Kidney and abdominal swelling.
- Pungent smelling urine.
- Frequent and painful urination.
- Blood in urine.
When to see a doctor:
Make an appointment with your doctor and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms that worry you. You can find and consult a doctor.
Prevent kidney Stones From Daily Habits:
Awareness should motivate habit changes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Drink healthy beverages like coconut water and fresh lemonade.
- Eat less red meat.
- Reduce the intake of salt.
- Do not eat more sugar.
- Consume calcium enriched food.
- Citrate juice.
- Eat more dairy food every day.
- Limit the intake of seafood.
- Limit consumption of processed food.
- Add a physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat dinner early.
- Don’t hold pee for too long.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
- Treat hypertension.
Natural Remedies For Kidney Stones:
Pomegranate Juice:
Seeds and juice of pomegranates are considered as a natural remedy for kidney stones.
Magnesium:
A diet that includes magnesium can improve the reduction rate of kidney stones. Food containing dietary fiber, cereals, and water are common sources of magnesium.
Lemon juice and olive oil:
One of the most effective natural remedies for kidney stones is the mixture of lemon juice, olive oil.
The Food You Need to Avoid When You Have Kidney Stones:
Sodium Foods:
Watch out for fast food, canned soups, packaged vegetables, pickled foods and processed meals.
High Oxalate Foods:
Avoid high oxalate food like spinach, nuts, wheat bran and chocolate.
Vitamin C Foods:
Avoid eating peppers, green leafy veggies, guava, broccoli and other vitamin C foods in excess.
Foods High in Potassium:
Kidney patients are advised to limit foods that are high in potassium. Tomato, potato, spinach, banana, orange, and dried fruits should be limited.
Phosphorus Foods:
Avoid high phosphorous foods such as chocolate, nuts, carbonated drinks, and milk products.
Sodas:
Sodas should be avoided to help reduce the recurrence of stones.
Caffeine and alcohol:
You need to limit caffeine and alcohol.
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones:
These may include:
- Urinalysis.
- X-RAY KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder) view.
- CT scan KUB.
- Ultrasound.
Treatment of Kidney Stones:
Home care for kidney stones:
If a kidney stone seems small, your doctor may recommend you to take pain medicines and wait for the stone to pass out on its own. During this time, drink plenty of water and fluids about 8-10 glasses a day.
Hospital management of kidney stones:
- Lithotripsy.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
- Ureteroscope.
You can find a doctor for the treatment of kidney stone in Lahore.
Stay healthy and stay happy:
Life has value beyond measure and as we have it, we are totally responsible for taking its care. It won’t take much but just 30 minutes of regular exercise, plenty of water intake and a balanced diet for healthy and happy you. Keep following simple things to remain away from ailments and stay fit, and your body will thank you for that.
Now kidney stone can easily be removed through latest Holmium Laser Technique in Hameedah Memorial Hospital Lahore, Pakistan.
