The term kidney stones refers to the small, hard deposits that are formed in the kidneys of a person due to the crystallization of salts and different minerals in the urine. Kidney stones might cause severe pain, discomfort, and other complications if not managed in time and treated properly. While it is true that many treatment options are available to get rid of the symptoms of kidney stones, prevention remains the best strategy to avoid any complications. By making certain lifestyle changes and incorporating healthy habits, people can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney stones and other associated complications. In this article, we will discuss in detail kidney stones and the steps that can be used to prevent them.
- Maintaining proper hydration
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is easily one of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones. The right amount of hydration helps in the dilution of substances in urine that could otherwise form crystals or stones. An average adult should have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
- Limited salt intake
Excessive amount of sodium intake in the diet can increase calcium levels in urine, which can, in turn, raise the risk of stone formation. To avoid this, people should reduce their intake of salty snacks, processed foods, and add less salt while cooking. They must also opt for fresh fruits and vegetables and have more home-cooked meals.
- Moderate consumption of protein
While it is true that protein is extremely important for the overall health of a person, it is also true that too much animal protein consumption can increase the uric acid levels in the body, which can lead to the formation of crystals and stones in the kidneys. However, it is generally advisable to balance the intake of animal protein with plant-based protein sources.
- Eating Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium present in the food generally helps to prevent kidney stones as it binds to calcium in the intestine and reduces its absorption into the bloodstream. Low calcium diets may increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Limiting the intake of oxalate-rich foods
Certain kidney stones are seen to be formed from oxalate, which is a natural compound that is found in food items like spinach, nuts, chocolate, and beetroot. While it is not needed to eliminate these components from the diet completely, what is important is to balance oxalate-rich foods with calcium-containing foods in order to reduce the risk of stones.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Being overweight has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. Ensuring a healthy diet and regular exercise not only helps to prevent kidney stones but also supports the overall health of the kidneys. Crash diets and excess intake of sugary drinks must be avoided in order to prevent stone formation.
- Regular checkups
People who have a family history of kidney stones or have had them in the past must make sure to visit their nearest doctor regularly in order to get their urine and blood tests done, so that kidney stones can be caught early in case they are formed and the kidney stones treatment can be given without the symptoms becoming severe.
Kidney stones might be very painful for patients, but it might be relieving to know that with the right preventive measures, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced. Simple lifestyle habits such as drinking enough water and having balanced amounts of protein and calcium intake, along with exercising regularly, can help in protecting the kidneys.
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