Kidney calculi, often known as kidney stones, are solid crystallized masses. The kidneys are where kidney stones usually start to form. But they can appear anywhere along the urinary tract, which comprises various parts such as kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Kidney stones can cause severe medical concerns. Depending on the type of stone, many factors might induce kidney stones.

Even though kidney stones appear less hazardous, it is still essential to understand them well and their related aspects. This article by Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist in Delhi practicing at Delhi Urology Hospital, has provided important information regarding effective ways to treat it. For more information, keep reading.

There is no guaranteed technique to avoid kidney stones, especially if the problem runs in the family. Combining certain drugs with dietary and lifestyle modifications may help lower the risk.

Signs of Kidney Stone

A kidney stone that becomes lodged in the ureters can cause the flow of urine to be impeded, the kidney to swell up, and the ureter to spasm. These conditions can all be very uncomfortable. Afterward, one may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Excruciating and intense lower rib cage soreness in the back and side
• Pain that emanates from the groin and lower abdomen
• Intermittent discomfort that varies in severity
• While urinating, there could be discomfort or burning.

How to Naturally Avoid Kidney Stones

Making little changes to the existing food and nutrition strategy can help prevent kidney stones.

• Keep hydrated.

• Increasing your water intake is the best way to prevent kidney stones. One will only produce as much urine if one drinks enough. The urine is more concentrated and less likely to dissolve the pee salts that form kidney stones if one has a low urine flow.

• Orange juice and lemonade are other excellent choices. Each of them contains citrate, which may prevent stones from developing.

• Try to drink enough water each day to pass two liters of urine. One will require more fluids if one moves a lot, sweats profusely, or has a history of cystine stones.

• If one’s pee is clear or pale yellow in color, one can tell if one is adequately hydrated. In case of darkness, one must drink more water.

• Consume More Meals High in Calcium.

• Since calcium oxalate kidney stones are the most common type, many people believe they should avoid taking calcium. However, the opposite is true. Diets low in calcium may raise the risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.

• However, calcium supplements can make one more likely to develop stones. With meals, calcium supplements may assist in reducing that risk. 

• Buy supplements that contain calcium.

• Excellent calcium sources include yogurt, low-fat cheese, and low-fat milk. 

• Consume Less Salt.

One is more likely to get calcium kidney stones if one eats a lot of salt. According to studies, too much salt in the urine prevents calcium from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Kidney stones could form due to the elevated calcium levels in the urine.

Calcium levels in the urine are kept lower by consuming less salt. As urine calcium levels drop, kidney stone formation becomes less likely.

Make sure one carefully reads food labels to lower the salt intake.

Typical examples of foods with high salt content are:

• prepared meals like crackers and chips
• tins of soup
• lunch meat, canned veggies, and condiments
• foods containing sodium nitrate 
• meals containing monosodium glutamate
• foods containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Try fresh herbs to flavor food without adding salt with the use of an herbal seasoning blend. 

• Eat Fewer Meals High in Oxalate.

Oxalate, a naturally occurring substance present in food that combines with calcium in the urine to produce kidney stones, is the basis for some kidney stones. Limiting oxalate-rich foods may aid in preventing the formation of stones.

Foods high in oxalate are:

• Spinach
• chocolate
• candy potatoes
• coffee 
• beets
• peanuts
• soy-based rhubarb products
• grain bran

If one consumes meals high in oxalate and foods high in calcium simultaneously, stones are less likely to form because oxalate and calcium bond together in the digestive tract before reaching the kidneys.

• Eat Less Animal Protein 

Foods containing animal protein are acidic and may increase urine acidity. High urine acidity can lead to both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. 

Try to restrict or stay away from:

• beef
• poultry
• fish 
• pork

• Discuss the Current Medications with The Doctor.

Kidney stones can develop due to taking specific prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Some of these medicines include:

• decongestants
• diuretics
• anti-protease agents
• anticonvulsants
• steroids
• chemotherapy medications
• uricosuric medicines

The risk of kidney stones increases the longer one takes these medications. Discuss other medicine alternatives with the doctor if one is on any of these. Without the doctor's consent, one shouldn't stop taking recommended medications.

• Consult The Doctor About Using Preventative Medications.

Certain medicines can help limit the amount of that material present in the urine if one is prone to certain forms of kidney stones. The typical stone kind will determine the type of medication that is provided.

For instance:

• A thiazide diuretic or phosphate may help if one develops calcium stones.
• Allopurinol (Zyloprim) can help lower uric acid levels in the blood or urine if one develops uric acid stones.
• Long-term antibiotic treatment may be used if one develops struvite stones to help lessen the number of bacteria in the urine.
• Capoten (Captopril) may assist in lowering the amount of cystine in the urine if one develops cystine stones.

Takeaway

Kidney stones are rather typical. Although there is no assurance that prevention measures will be effective, they might lower the risk. Staying hydrated and changing the diet are the best bets for avoiding kidney stones.

Consult a doctor about treatment options if one suffers from an illness that raises the risk of kidney stones, such as inflammatory bowel disease, a recurrent urinary tract infection, or obesity. Ask the doctor to test it if one has ever passed a kidney stone. One can take specific action to stop new stones from developing once one is aware of the type of stone one already has.

To receive a comprehensive evaluation if one suffers from kidney stones, failure, or cancer. One can get consulted at Delhi Urology Hospital; Dr. Niren Rao, the kidney stone specialist in Delhi with more than 18 years of experience, is available for consultations. Additionally, the doctor is well known for providing effective treatments for kidney, prostate, and ureter cancer treatment and ensures that the patient receives the right therapy to address any potential issues. Visit as soon as possible to learn more!