Nephrolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stones, are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or both of your kidneys when high levels of certain minerals are in your urine.
The stone formation is usually painless, but once they detach from the inner wall of your kidney you’ll know it! And for most people, this begins the most painful stage of passing a kidney stone.
Symptoms
Sometimes pain presents initially as a dull ache, but it can also come on suddenly. Many patients describe the pain as coming in waves, and as being excruciating.
Symptoms can include:
Sharp, cramping pain in the back below the ribs
Acute pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin area
Pain or burning sensation when urinating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Pink, red, brown, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine
The good news is that Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a healthcare professional.
The bad news is, about 50% of patients who’ve had kidney stones previously will have a recurrence within seven years if preventative measures aren’t taken.
What Natural Methods Can I Use to Prevent Kidney Stones?
Thankfully there are several effective ways to prevent kidney stones or a recurrence of them.
Let’s Talk About Animal Protein
In most cases, stones start to form when calcium mixes with oxalate (a compound found in many foods that, when consumed, leave the body during urination).
When uric acid--- a byproduct of protein metabolism -- builds up, stones can begin to form.
Eating things like red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood on occasion isn’t a significant risk factor, but eating a lot of these foods regularly can increase the level of uric acid which can cause kidney stones.
Avoid These 6 Foods that Can Also Promote the Formation of Kidney Stones
Some foods are higher in oxalate, the compound that can promote the formation of kidney stones:
Beets
Chocolate
Spinach
Rhubarb
Tea
High-oxalate nuts like cashews, almonds, pine nuts, and Brazil nuts
Again, these foods aren’t a risk factor when eaten in moderation, although patients who have had kidney stones in the past should consult with their doctor to determine how much of these foods it’s safe to consume.
Don’t Forget to Drink Your Water
Health gurus often prescribe drinking water for bright, healthy skin. But perhaps more importantly, drinking lots of water is also good for your overall health.
According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, drinking the recommended amount of water daily--- about 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups of water a day for women -- can help dilute the substances that cause kidney stones.
If you aren’t accustomed to drinking so much water in a day, you can safely substitute a few cups of juices high in citrate (like orange juice or lemonade) as they can help block stone formation.
Watch Your Salt Intake
High amounts of sodium in your diet can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to stones.
In general, physicians recommend limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg. But for those prone to kidney stones, it’s best to shoot for 1,500 mg per day. (Bonus: it can lower blood pressure and your heart will thank you!)
Talk With Your Doctor
If you’ve had or are concerned you might be prone to kidney stones, book an appointment with a doctor--- preferably a urologist -- who can assess your risk factors.
There are also some procedures available to help diagnose and treat kidney stones, including extracorporeal shockwave which is a procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to break up kidney stones.
The physicians and staff at Normal Urology are dedicated to serving patients in Norman and surrounding communities. We offer comprehensive urological care and our physicians are highly trained to treat disorders of the male and female urinary tract, including kidney stones.
If you’ve previously had, have currently, or are just curious about your risk factors, why not book an appointment with us today?