Kidney stones are hard substances, pebble-like pieces of material that can form in one or both of your kidneys due to high levels of certain minerals in your urine. If kidney stones are treated by professionals on time, there is rarely a chance that they can cause any permanent damage to the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea; a small kidney stone may pass through the urinary tract, causing little or no pain. The large kidney stone gets stuck along the way and can block the flow of your urine, causing severe pain or bleeding. There is no exact way to prevent kidney stones; making small adjustments in your diet and nutrition plan may prevent kidney stones.
You Can Prevent Kidney Stones Naturally
Stay Hydrated
The best way to prevent kidney stones is to take a good amount of fluid daily. Drinking more water will help urine to be less concentrated, which will make it more likely to dissolve the salt and prevent stones from forming. Try to drink eight glasses of fluid daily or enough fluid to pass two liters of urine daily.
Eat More Calcium-Rich Foods
A low calcium diet can increase the risk of kidney stones; many people believe they should avoid calcium, as the most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate stone. Taking calcium supplements with a meal can help to reduce the risk of stones. For better results, you can add low-fat cheese and low-fat milk, which are good, calcium-rich food options.
Eat Less Sodium
Eating less salt helps keep urine calcium levels low, and a low level of calcium in urine will help to lower the risk of kidney stones. Foods that are high in sodium include:
- Processed food such as chips and crackers
- Canned vegetables
- Lunch meat
- Food that contains sodium nitrate
Eat Fewer Oxalate-Rich Foods
Some of the kidney stones are made of oxalate, a natural compound that is found in foods and binds with calcium in the urine to form kidney stones. Eating less oxalate-rich food may help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Spinach, chocolate, coffee and sweet potato are some oxalate-rich foods.
Eat Less Animal Protein
Foods that are high in animal protein are acidic and may increase urine acidity. High urine acidity may lead to both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Beef, poultry and fish are animal protein foods.
Conclusion
Due to more consumption of unhealthy food, kidney stones are common these days, and there is no guarantee that prevention methods will completely eliminate the risk of kidney stones. Drinking enough water and making some dietary changes can help reduce kidney stones, and the last option is surgery. If you are also struggling with kidney stones, then you can visit RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital, Ludhiana. Our well-known and experienced Dr. Charanbir Singh has more than 30 years of experience in this field, and can advise you according to your health conditions.
FAQs
- How much time does it take for a kidney stone to develop?
There is no exact timeline for the formation of kidney stones, and it may vary from person to person. It may take several months for even a small stone.
- How do professionals help in finding kidney stones?
Using imaging such as MRI, x-ray, and CT scan, kidney stones can be detected; the best method currently recommended by doctors is the CT scan.
