Research shows that 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life. Kidney stone rates are high across the world. A kidney stone is a hard mineral formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones develop as a result of falling urine volume or because the urine contains substances which contribute to the forming of this stone. The major risk factor for kidney stone development is dehydration. Kidney stones are marked by excruciating pain in the area surrounding your groin and the pain may come and go with no variable pattern. Other factors which contribute to stone formation are diet and hereditary factors. Kidney stones can also result from infection in the urinary tract; these are known as struvite or infection stones. Metabolic abnormalities, including inherited disorders of metabolism, can alter the composition of the urine and increase an individual’s risk of stone formation.
Watch your sweat
When you sweat your body loses its water content and also some of the vital salts and minerals. Therefore if you sweat a lot and your water intake is not matched by this, your body will lose more water than it gets, increasing your chance of dehydration and hence kidney stones. Saunas, hot yoga and heavy exercise may be good for your health, but they also may lead to kidney stones. When you sweat a lot and urinate less, the stone forming minerals start doing their bit in your kidney.
Diet and lifestyle choices
These play a tremendous part in preventing or exposing you to the risk of developing kidney stones. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C and natural citrate act as a shield against kidney stones. Also lowering your sugar intake levels will reduce your risk. Try to use sugar-free products or minimize your sugar intake to a bare minimum
Strike off unwanted calcium
Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body. It aids in the development of healthy bones and teeth, amongst other things. However, consuming too much of this mineral can also cause the development of kidney stones. This is because excess calcium is stored in your body and deposited into your kidney. Therefore don’t go overboard with the calcium. Keep a track on your dairy intake and also control calcium from other sources.
Reduce sodium
A high sodium diet can form kidney stones because it adds to the formation of calcium in your urine. So if you’re already eating a high calcium diet, this may increase your risk manifold. Current guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg. If sodium has contributed to kidney stones in the past, try to reduce your daily intake to 1,500 mg. This will also be Kidney stones.
Essential: Water
This one is a no brainer. If you keep your body fully hydrated, you improve your urine volume and hence decrease your risk of developing kidney stones by not allowing stone forming mineral to settle down.
