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Beating Kidney Stones Again and Again: How to Stop the Cycle?

In recent years, there’s been a growing concern about the incidence of kidney stones among the Indian population.

These crystallized deposits in the kidneys can lead to severe pain and long-term renal problems if not addressed timely. Here’s a comprehensive guide on kidney stones, their prevention, dietary recommendations, and necessary tests.

According to statistics, about 15% of Indians suffer from kidney stones. These figures, alarming as they are, also reveal an even more concerning trend: once you’ve had a kidney stone, the probability of getting other increases by 50%. This makes prevention all the more crucial.

Kidney stones are painful, and their recurrence can be distressing. One of the primary preventive measures lies in ensuring adequate hydration.

Experts advise drinking a minimum of three to four liters of water daily. But, it’s not just about the quantity; the distribution matters too.

Instead of gulping down a liter at once, it’s more beneficial to spread this intake evenly across the day.

Making a habit of sipping water at regular intervals, perhaps every hour or two, can go a long way in stone prevention.

However, while hydration is crucial, the quality of the water you drink cannot be ignored. Enter the concept of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

TDS indicates the concentration of dissolved substances in water, and for stone prevention, the ideal TDS should be below 150.

Sources like borewells or wells often have a high TDS, which can escalate the risk of stone development.

Thankfully, modern solutions like the RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems can be employed to bring down the TDS to recommended levels, making water safer for consumption.

Water quality plays a significant role in stone prevention. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water should ideally be below 150.

High TDS, often found in borewell or well water, can increase the risk of stone formation. Using an RO (Reverse Osmosis) system can help reduce TDS to safer levels.

Know More: Kidney Stone Symptoms? 

Diet is closely linked with kidney stone formation. Oxalate-rich foods, such as spinach, coffee, tea, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, beetroot, sweet potatoes, should be limited or avoided to reduce stone risk.

Kidney stones, crystalline structures that form in the kidneys, are influenced heavily by our dietary choices. When discussing prevention, certain food components stand out due to their substantial impact.

Salt, a daily dietary component, plays a pivotal role in both kidney stone formation and high blood pressure regulation.

Excessive salt in the diet can increase the amount of calcium the kidneys must filter, which potentially leads to stone formation. Concurrently, high salt consumption can exacerbate hypertension.

Health experts generally recommend limiting daily salt consumption to just one teaspoon. This becomes especially significant considering the high salt content in most packed foods, suggesting a cautious approach towards them.

Animal-derived proteins, especially red meat, chicken, fish, and even the yolks of eggs, have been linked to kidney stone formation.

They can increase uric acid production and calcium excretion, both of which can contribute to stones.

People at risk or those with a history of kidney stones should consider reducing their intake or seeking alternative protein sources.

Calcium is essential for bone health and various bodily functions. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance.

Overconsumption can result in excess calcium being filtered by the kidneys, risking stone formation.

An ideal intake would be around 300-400 ml of dairy products daily, ensuring you get the required nutrients without going overboard.

On the surface, calcium and vitamin-rich supplements seem like a straightforward way to meet our daily nutrient requirements.

However, in the context of kidney stones, they might do more harm than good. Increasing intake through supplements has been linked to an elevated risk of stone formation.

As always, the natural route, obtaining these nutrients directly from our diet, remains the safest and most recommended.

Certain foods and beverages can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Here’s the list of food that can help:

• Lemon Water: A refreshing drink that aids in preventing stone formation.
• Coconut Water: Hydrates and provides essential nutrients.
• Orange Juice & Oranges: Rich in vitamin C and helpful in stone prevention.
• Sweet Lime (Mosambi): A citrus fruit beneficial for kidney health.
• Apples: A fibrous fruit that supports overall health.

Bananas: High in potassium, beneficial for kidney function.

If you suspect you have kidney stones, a Metabolic Workup can help diagnose them. This test provides a comprehensive analysis, enabling timely intervention and management.

The rise of kidney stones in India underscores the importance of a balanced diet, regular hydration, and prompt diagnosis. By being vigilant about our health choices and staying informed, we can significantly reduce the risk of kidney stones and lead healthier lives.

If you need more information on kidney stones, feel free to reach out for more information.