Kidney stones, or kidney stones, cause severe pain, nausea and urinary problems. However, simple dietary adjustments and increased hydration can reduce the risk or even prevent its development.
Kidney stones: types and causes
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They are classified by the types of crystals that form the stone.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type, but there are also others, such as uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones.
It’s possible for anyone to develop kidney stones, but there are some common causes and risk factors.
Common causes include chronic dehydration, urinary tract infections, and some medications or supplements.
Risk factors that contribute to kidney stone formation include lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in sodium, protein, or sugar.
Furthermore, being over 40 years old, being male and having a family history also contribute to the incidence.
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Following some diet tips can significantly reduce the risk of kidney stones
Dietary recommendations for kidney stone sufferers
Staying well hydrated is the most important dietary recommendation to avoid kidney stones.
Whether it’s your first episode or a recurrence, staying hydrated is the top priority for anyone at risk.
Proper hydration dilutes urine, reduces the chance of crystals forming, and allows the body to get rid of small crystals if they form.
Generally, to help prevent kidney stones, most people should drink between 2 and 3 liters of water per day.
If you live in a hot climate or do strenuous activities, you should drink more water to make up for what was lost.
Signs of adequate hydration:
- light yellow or almost colorless urine
- infrequent thirst
- skin that recovers quickly when lightly pinched
Additionally, the minerals present in the foods we consume can affect the risk of developing kidney stones.
This includes sodium, which is typically consumed in amounts greater than 2,300 mg/day from processed food sources.
Other minerals include potassium and calcium.
However, as these minerals are vital for other areas of our health, we should not consume them in excess or avoid them completely. Therefore, a balanced intake is necessary.
Can too much sodium cause kidney stones?
When you consume too much sodium, your kidneys have to work harder to filter the excess sodium from your blood and excrete it in your urine.
This can lead to an increase in sodium concentration in the urine, which in turn can increase the risk of forming certain types of kidney stones, such as calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones.
A diet high in sodium also causes increased urine production, which can lead to dehydration.
Reducing your sodium intake is an important part of reducing your risk of kidney stones.
The main source of sodium in the diet is processed foods.
Therefore, it’s best to focus on eating more fresh foods, preparing meals from scratch, and reading labels to avoid high-sodium foods.
Choose foods labeled “sodium-free,” “low-sodium,” or “salt-free” whenever possible.
Role of potassium in preventing kidney stones
On the other hand, foods rich in potassium can help prevent the formation of kidney stones by increasing citrate levels in the urine.
Potassium-rich foods include fruits and vegetables such as avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes and citrus fruits.
If you have chronic kidney disease, consult your doctor before increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods.
Minerals must be in balance in the body. Therefore, although increasing potassium can reduce the risk of kidney stones, moderation is key.
What are the symptoms of having kidney stones?
- Severe pain in the lower back or abdominal region, which may spread to the groin and genitals
- Pain when urinating, accompanied by urgency or increased frequency of urination
- Urine that is bloody, cloudy or has a strong odor.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling of discomfort when urinating
- Acute intermittent pain, known as renal colic, caused by the movement of the stone in the urinary tract
