Kidney stones are hard masses that are typically formed from one of two variants of solid crystalline mineral and salt deposits found in the kidneys and can cause intense pain when they pass through the urinary tract. It’s however very reassuring that many young and old people for that matter are prone to them, most of these kidney stones are preventable through hydration and other lifestyle adjustments. Scheduling surgical intervention for patients with renal stones is commonplace and is therefore not the main focus of this article; in addition to practical ways on how to reduce the likelihood of kidney stones in the first place, we will also consider what happens when surgery has to be the option.
Stay Hydrated: The Key To Preventing Kidney Stones
In addition to using medication, it is recommended to drink plenty of water during the course of the day, as it is one of the most effective Ways of Preventing Kidney Stones. This is due to the fact that stones usually occur as a result of dehydration. In most cases, users’ urine gets concentrated, hence encouraging the development of crystals. Normally at least 8 to 10 glasses of water are recommended per day, and even more if living in a hot climate or engaging in heavy physical activity.
Limit Salt Intake: How Sodium Affects Kidney Health
Consuming excess sodium in the diet may result in excess excretion of calcium in the urine and consequently, a higher risk of developing kidney stones. In this regard, it is advisable to limit salt intake where possible such as avoiding processed foods and canned soups or snacking on highly salted snacks. Instead, one should eat fresh food and incorporate herbs and spices into the dishes instead of salt. Health recommendations set 2300mg as the daily allowance of sodium, but for individuals who are prone to developing kidney stones, it is advisable to always keep this amount even lower.
Reduce Oxalate-Rich Foods: Understanding Their Role
Oxalates can be found in numerous edible items naturally and are known to contribute significantly to the renal calculus formation especially the calcium oxalate stones, in which excessive intake of certain substances like oxalate is an influencing factor. Certain types of food like spinach, rhubarb, and turnip greens and dried fruits and nuts are high in oxalates and therefore people who are prone to have these stones should avoid consuming them in excess. If you have had any stones, it may be wise to ask a dietitian for advice to consume high oxalate foods while avoiding those that do not dissolve in urine easily.
Incorporate Calcium-Rich Foods Into Your Diet
Refraining from allowing oxalates to pass through the kidney would mean that calcium in the diet helps prevent the development of renal calculi; a position that deviates from what is generally assumed. This is probably the reason why most of the calcium will be obtained from low-fat dairy products, calcium-fortified plant milks, and green leafy vegetables. It is better to obtain adequate dietary calcium from natural food sources than supplements as the latter at times may aggravate the risks of stone formation in the body.
Maintain A Healthy Weight: The Impact Of Obesity
One of the crucial factors for the formation of kidney stones is obesity. Having excess weight results in more calcium, oxalates, and uric acid in urine which favors the development of kidney stones. Maintaining healthy body weight being physically active and eating healthily can lower the chances of developing kidney stones. Try to include over five bouts of aerobic physical activity for thirty minutes every week.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary For Kidney Stones
In cases where the stones cannot be pushed out by the body naturally because of their great size, cause unbearable discomfort or lead to secondary complications like infection or destruction of the kidney, a surgical operation becomes a necessity. The treatment of kidney stones through surgery would mainly involve lithotripsy and ureteroscopy. Lithotripsy is the procedure done using ultrasound waves for fragmentation of the stones while ureteroscopy is the technique through which an endoscope is introduced in order to visualize, disintegrate or extract a stone. In more advanced cases, however, a procedure known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be performed. This is a mechanism where kidneys are accessed through the skin on the back to remove larger stones. In the event you face such a predicament, an explanation from your surgeon on the recommended surgical option will be offered depending on the size, type and position of the kidney stones.
Conclusion
There are dietary and lifestyle measures that can help in the prevention of kidney stones. The most important include drinking plenty of fluids, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and eating an appropriate calculated amount of calcium in the food, which is low in oxalates. Following these simple, yet effective measures, one can lower the risk of kidney stones considerably. If, however, you are already experiencing any symptoms or have suffered from kidney stones in the past, seek your doctor’s help and get prescription treatment tailored to you.
Why Choose Sahyadri Hospitals?
Sahyadri Hospitals has got the best health care services especially for kidney stones as they have some of the best urologists. This hospital is equipped with the most recent technology and modern facilities that enable the hospital to provide safe, efficacious and less invasive treatment methods. Even in procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy which is a non-invasive kidney stones removal technique as well as in complex surgical procedures there is individualized attention towards patients. Also post-operative treatment has been made such that it helps in healing with respect to guarding against and alleviating pain after some time, without causing disturbance to the patient. Sahyadri Hospitals has been satisfying their patients by providing a patient oriented treatment regime that encompasses the entire treatment process. It is also wide coverage hence friendlier to the patients. This boosts the confidence of patients suffering from kidney stones of positive outcomes and fast recovery since the institution has worked out positively before. The content is drawn from both clinical and non-clinical literature and complies with the guidelines established by Fact Care.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Kidney Stones Prevention
What causes kidney stones? Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and harden, often due to dehydration, high salt intake, or excessive calcium or oxalate levels.
How can I prevent kidney stones naturally? Drink plenty of water, reduce salt and oxalate-rich foods, increase calcium intake from food, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid excessive consumption of animal protein.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones? Symptoms include severe pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen, painful urination, blood in urine, and frequent urination.
How much water should I drink to prevent kidney stones? Aim for 8-10 glasses (2-2.5 liters) of water daily to keep urine diluted and reduce the risk of stone formation.
Are kidney stones hereditary? Yes, a family history of kidney stones increases your risk of developing them, but lifestyle and dietary habits also play a significant role.
Can calcium in food prevent kidney stones? Yes, getting calcium from food can help prevent stones by binding with oxalates and reducing the risk of stone formation.
What foods should I avoid to prevent kidney stones? Limit high-oxalate foods (like spinach and rhubarb), reduce salt intake, and cut down on foods rich in animal protein to lower the risk of stones.
When is surgery needed for kidney stones? Surgery is needed if the stone is too large to pass, causes severe pain, or leads to complications like infection or kidney damage.
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