-: KIDNEY STONES :-
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, are hard deposits composed of minerals and salts that crystallize inside the kidneys. These solid masses can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to, in rare cases, as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones formed from substances like minerals, acids, and salts, kidney stones present a significant health concern due to their potential to cause severe pain and complications.
Here are 4 Common Types Of Stones :-
1> Calcium Stones :-
The most common kidney stones, formed from calcium oxalate or phosphate, often due to high urine calcium from diet, conditions, or genetics.
2> Struvite Stones :-
Less common, form due to urinary infections, grow quickly, can become large, filling kidneys and causing severe complications.
3> Uric Acid Stones :-
Form from too much acid in urine, common with dehydration, gout, high-protein diet, and metabolic problems.
4> Cystine Stones :-
It is rarely found in people with a genetic disorder causing too much cystine in urine. They often come back and grow large stones.
Symptoms
- An acute pain in the side and back, below the ribs.
- Pain spreading to the lower belly and groin.
- Waves of intense pain that fluctuate.
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Blood in Urine.
- Inability to Urine.
- Feeling the urge to urinate a lot.
- Fever or chills.
Causes
- Low Urine Volume.
- Hyperparathyroidism.
- Family or personal history.
- Not drinking enough water each day.
- Have a blockage in your urinary tract.
- High body mass index (BMI) and weight gain also increases risk of kidney stones.
- Gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea can increase stone-forming substances in your urine.
- Conditions like renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, and recurrent UTIs can contribute to kidney stone .
- A diet high in protein, sodium, and sugar increases the risk of kidney stones.
- Excessive intake of calcium oxalate, and uric acid also can cause kidney stones.
- Excessive use of vitamin C, dietary supplements, laxatives, and calcium-based antacids can lead to kidney stones.
Test
- Urine test – Urine RE and CS.
- KUB X-Ray.
- Blood tests for calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and electrolytes.
- A measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine is used to assess kidney function.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
- Retrograde pyelogram.
- Ultrasound of the kidney.
Prevention
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Eat citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemon etc.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight.
- Limiting animal protein intake.
- Certain medications, like citrate supplements, can also help prevent stone formation. Please make sure to seek the advice of your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet will make your urine less acidic.
- Eat the recommended amount of calcium.
- Eat foods with low oxalate levels (High oxalate foods are spinach, rhubarb, wheat bran, tree nuts and peanuts).
- Sodas and other sweetened beverages are also to be limited.
- Sugar and sodium-rich foods should be limited.
- Some herbal substances such as Pashanbhed (Punarnava) and Gokshur (Gokshura), Basil, Celery, Wheatgrass, black cumin can also be beneficial.
Solution
- Small stones that are likely to pass on their own can be treated with pain medications, increased fluid intake, and sometimes medication to aid in passing through urine.
- Larger stones that cannot pass, may require more invasive treatments like Shock Wave Lithotripsy, Ureteroscopy, Laparoscopic Surgery or Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy to break up or remove them.
Best Foods to Prevent Kidney Stone
Veg Sources
- Lemon
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Contains citrate aids in breaking up stones.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
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Rich in acetic acid that helps to dissolve kidney stones.
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Kidney Bean
- Wheatgrass Juice
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Packed with magnesium, antioxidants and chlorophyll supports for kidney health.
- Hibiscus Tea
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Loaded with antioxidants which is important for decreasing kidney stone risk.
- Parsley
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Contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll and vitamin A, C and K helps in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Raspberries
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Helps to reduce levels of oxalate, calcium, and phosphorus in the urine.
- Green Tea
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Rich in antioxidant
- Cruciferous Vegetables
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Rich in potassium such as brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale decrease calcium loss and stop kidney stones from forming.
- Whole Grains
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Such as Oats helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Non-Veg Sources
- Fish
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Such as Sardines and Salmon.
Best Nutrients to Prevent Kidney Stone
Protein, Fat, Vitamin, Mineral
- Protein
- Fat
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Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin
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Vitamin D
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B12
- Mineral
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Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Exercise to Prevent Kidney Stone
- Walking.
- Jogging.
- Skipping.
- Cycling.
- Aquatic exercises.
- Aerobics.
- Garudasana, Ushtrasana, Bhujangasana etc.
With proper treatment, early detection, and proactive management, kidney stones can be effectively managed , leading to a good and healthy life.