How can kidney stones be prevented

1. How can kidney stones be prevented? medium.com/@sowmyasrinivasan001/how-can-kidney-stones-be-prevented-a0deb29efcb When possible, it is better to avoid kidney stones in the first place rather than having to undergo treatment. Drinking more water is especially beneficial since low fluid intake or dehydration are major risk factors for kidney stone development. Hydration definitely helps prevent kidney stones. A five-step plan to prevent kidney stones If you have ever had a kidney stone, you remember it well. Until the tiny kidney stones pass through the urinary plumbing and leave the body, the pain can be unbearable. About half of people who have had one kidney stone will experience another within seven years without prevention. Preventing kidney stones is not that complicated, but it does take some determination. The formation of kidney stones occurs when certain chemicals are concentrated enough in urine to form crystals. The crystals grow into larger masses (stones), which can make way through the urinary tract. The stone causes pain if it gets stuck somewhere and blocks urine flow. Calcium forms kidney stones when it combines with either oxalate or phosphorus. Kidney stones can also form from uric acid, which is formed as the body metabolizes protein. Kidney stones prevention means preventing the conditions that support their formation. 1/2

2. You should seek the advice of a nephrology specialistif you are experiencing severe pain. Here are the recommendations: Stay hydrated: Drinking an extra amount of water dilutes the substances in urine that lead to kidney stones formation. Strive to drink fluids to pass 2 liters of urine per day, which is roughly 8 — ounce cups. It helps to include some citrus beverages (lemonade and orange juice). The citrate in these beverages helps in blocking kidney stones formation. Take calcium as needed: Getting little calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise and cause kidney stones. To prevent this, take the appropriate amount of it as per your age. Calcium should ideally be obtained from foods, as studies have linked calcium supplements with kidney stones. Men 50 and older should get 1,000 mg of calcium daily, along with 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Consume less sodium: A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones, as it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. So, a low-sodium diet is beneficial for kidney stones prone (limit total per day sodium intake to 2,300 mg). If sodium has been a cause for kidney stones in the past, then try to reduce per day intake to 1,500 mg, which is also good for your blood pressure and heart. Taking less animal protein: Excessive consumption of animal proteins (meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood) can increase uric acid levels, which could cause kidney stones. A high-protein diet reduces levels of citrate, the urine chemical that helps prevent kidney stones from forming. Patients with kidney stones should limit their meat consumption to no more than a pack of playing cards per day, which is also a heart-healthy portion. Foods to avoid: Chocolate, spinach, beets, and most nuts contain oxalate, while colas contain phosphate, so they can all lead to kidney stones. If a person suffers from kidney stones, the doctor may advise avoiding these foods or consuming them in small amounts. If consumed in extremely high amounts, the specific foods and drinks are unlikely to cause kidney stones to form. Studies have shown that men who consume high doses of vitamin C supplements are at slightly higher risk of kidney stones. 2/2