Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

Kidney stones are also called nephrolithiasis. A kidney stone is a crystalline mineral that can form anywhere in the kidney or urinary tract. A small stone is passed in the urine without any symptoms. But if the cyst is more than 5 mm, it obstructs the urethra, causing symptoms like pain and vomiting. Various factors can increase the risk of these stones.

What are kidney stones?

Most diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Other risk factors include high levels of calcium in the urine, obesity, certain foods, certain medications, calcium supplements, and not getting enough fluids. Chemicals uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, oxalic acid, etc. in urine form kidney stones.

Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts. Their size can range from small to large. It occurs in the kidneys or urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra.

There are four types of kidney stones:

calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.
Of these, calcium oxalate and uric acid stones are the most common.

Causes of Kidney Stones:

Kidney stones are common these days. Stones should be treated immediately as soon as symptoms appear. Let's find out what causes of kidney stones.

Drinking less water is the main reason.
Chemical excess in urine.
Lack of minerals in the body.
Dehydration
High levels of vitamin D.
Excessive consumption of junk food.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones:

Although kidney stones cause pain, there are other symptoms along with it.
Pain during urination.
Lower back, abdominal pain, and cramps.
Blood in the urine.
vomiting
Smelly urine.
Frequent urination but not passing urine properly.
Fever, diarrhea, etc.

How to prevent kidney stones:

In the case of kidney stones, the stone should be treated as soon as possible. Some changes in diet and lifestyle should be made to avoid kidney stones.
People suffering from kidney stones should not consume foods rich in oxalates. Such foods are - potato, spinach, beetroot, chocolate, sweet potato etc.
Do not eat high-protein foods.
Do not consume too much sodium. Avoid junk food and excessive salt intake.
Oxalates are found in adequate amounts in spinach, whole grains, etc. Do not eat it.
Consuming tomato seeds, brinjal seeds, uncooked rice gram, etc. in excess increases the problem of stones.
Drink more water and do not drink cold drinks, the phosphoric acid in them increases the risk of stones.
Do not allow uric acid to build up in the body, so do not eat meat.