kidney stones and how to prevent/trea ...
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1. What Are Kidney Stones, Really? Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form inside your kidneys when your urine becomes too concentrated with certain minerals and salts. Over time, these minerals stick together and harden into small “stones.” They can be: Small as a grain of sand. OrRead more
1. What Are Kidney Stones, Really?
Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form inside your kidneys when your urine becomes too concentrated with certain minerals and salts. Over time, these minerals stick together and harden into small “stones.”
They can be:
The real problem starts when a stone moves from the kidney into the ureter (the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). That movement is what causes the severe pain kidney stones are famous for.
2. Why Kidney Stones Hurt So Bad
The ureter is:
When a stone moves itself:
Creates intense, wave-like pain that can start in the back and shoot into the lower abdomen or groin
Many describe the pain of a kidney stone to be worse than labor pains.
3. Major Types of Kidney Stones
Understanding the type helps in implementing an appropriate prevention strategy.
1. Calcium Oxalate Stones (Most Common ~80%)
Common oxalate-rich foods:
2. Uric Acid Stones
Caused by:
3. Struvite Stones
Caused by:
4. Cystine Stones (Rare)
Caused by:
4. What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when the balance between water, minerals, and waste in the urine is disturbed.
The Most Common Triggers
Not Drinking Enough Water
High Salt Intake
Too Much Animal Protein
High Oxalate Diet (With Insufficient Calcium
Oxalate binds to calcium to make stones.
Obesity
Family History
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Certain Medications
5. Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
You might feel:
Red Flag Fever with pain is a medical emergency.
6. Diagnosis of Renal Calculi
Doctors usually employ:
7. How Kidney Stones Are Treated
Treatment depends on stone size, type, and symptoms.
A. Spontaneous Passage (Small Stones < 5 mm)
B. Medical & Surgical Treatments – Large Stones
8. How to Avoid Kidney Stones: The Most Important Part
Where real control does take place.
1. Hydrate Yourself Sufficiently (Non-Negotiable)
Target:
2. Reduce Intake of Salt
Avoid:
Excessive intake of salt forces kidneys to excrete more calcium through urine.
3. Don’t Cut Calcium: Many find this surprising, but
Low calcium → high oxalate absorption → more stones
Get calcium from:
4. Limit, not avoid, high-oxalate foods
Moderation is the keyword:
Take them with calcium-containing foods to chelate the oxalate.
5. Limit Animal Protein
Limit:
They increase the uric acid and calcium levels.
6. Maintain Healthy Weight
7. Uric acid and gout management
9. Can the Stones Recur?
Yes. Unfortunately,
50% of people get another stone within 5–10 years if no prevention steps are taken. Proper prevention can reduce recurrence by as much as 80%.
10. The Emotional Reality of Kidney Stones
People often underestimate:
Once someone experiences a kidney stone, they rarely forget it. That’s why prevention is life-changing.
Final Summary in Simple Words
- Kidney stones form when urine becomes too concentrated with minerals
- The most common causes are dehydration, high salt, high protein, and genetic risk
- Small stones can pass naturally, but large ones may need surgery
- Drinking enough water can prevent most kidney stones
- Lifestyle corrections are far more powerful than medication alone
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