Oct 15, 2021
Staying Ahead of Kidney Stones
Pain Management.
Kidney Stones are a relatively common occurrence. 1 in 10 people will experience kidney stones in their lifetime. Often, someone won’t even know they have kidney stones. But if the kidney stones are big enough, they can be very painful. Here we’ll discuss what kidney stones are and how you can prevent them.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are made up of minerals that bind together in the kidneys. They can develop when you don’t drink enough water, or if you have too much calcium.
Often, kidney stones begin forming in the winter months due to the body producing more calcium during this time. Come summer, dehydration can play a big part in the growth of kidney stones.
How can you prevent kidney stones?
- Stay hydrated. The biggest thing you can do to prevent kidney stones is to drink lots of water. This prevents urine from becoming too concentrated and not flushing minerals out of the body. This is especially important in situations where you are losing water through sweat, such as during warmer months or while exercising.
- Cut back on sodium intake. Eating too much salt can contribute to increasing the amount of calcium in urine. Too many salty foods can have other negative health effects as well, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Have a good balance of calcium in your diet. It is true that too much calcium contributes to kidney stones. However, not having enough calcium can cause acid levels to rise, leading to kidney stone formation.
- Limit oxalates and phosphates. These are found in foods like spinach, beets, rhubarb, chocolate, and nuts. Eat these foods in moderation and always drink plenty of water when consuming them.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
- Pain in the back, sides, and groin area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in urine
Often simply drinking lots of water can help the kidney stone pass through the body. However, in some cases where a kidney stone causes a blockage or infection, it will have to be removed.
If you are experiencing kidney stone symptoms, talk to a urologist about what treatment will be best for you.
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