Kidney stones , which is medically termed as the renal lithiasis and nephrolithiasis, is a familiar problem faced by individuals of all ages .This is due to the deposition of small and hard minerals found in kidney, which is in the shape of small stone like structure in a microscopic size. Eventually they can grow in size and cause more problems. Kidney stones are hereditary in nature. On an individual level you can always be conscious about it.
These kidney stones are generally not very harmful, but if not taken proper care or medications then it can actually clog the urinary track, making it very difficult to pass urine.
It is observed that the kidney stones are mainly formed due to the crystallization of urine i.e. sticking of crystal particles together. It can affect the entire area from kidney to urine bladder causing severe pain while urinating.
If you have kidney stones you can experience following symptoms:
- Pain on urination.
- Severe pain in side back or exactly below the ribs.
- Pink, brown color urine.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Unusual amount of urine.
Recurrence is a very common phenomenon in this case and doctors might ask for a surgical operation in certain cases. So it is always better to prevent it. Follow these healthy diet tips mentioned below to prevent the occurrence of kidney stones.
Healthy Diet to Prevent Kidney Stones:
Consumption of water:
You can consume as much of water throughout your day. It will help flushing the toxins from the body. As the kidney is responsible for purification of blood in our body, water will help assist kidney without causing any damage to it. Also it will make you feel fresh and healthier.
It is advised to drink 3 litres of water for men and 2.2 litres of water for women on a regular basis to specially avoid dehydration and for a healthy living. People with a kidney stone history should be very careful to prevent its recurrences. Doctors recommend measuring their urine so that you can be diagnosed in a very early stage of kidney stone.
Diet low in salt and animal protein:
Sodium chloride, also known as the common salt, is an essential part of our diet, but is equally not to be eaten in access. To reduce the risk of kidney stones you should consume only required amount of salt. Also people already suffering from it should take minimal amount of salt in their diet.
It is instructive to analyze the nutrients in one’s diet according to calorie intake. Animal protein rich foods are to be consumed only with proper analysis of required fat or requirement. Foods such as butter are considered as one of the high animal protein source. Food like fish, meat, milk, diary, eggs, poultry food etc. are also very high in animal protein content .You can replace the animal protein with protein rich vegetarian food like legumes, pulses etc, which will consume less energy to digest. They are much simpler form of protein to be consumed by the body.
Eat fiber rich food:
Fiber contains phytate. This component in fiber is responsible for stopping crystallization of calcium in the kidney, and thus it helps in decreasing the chances of formation of kidney stones.
Average intake of fiber should be approximately 38 grams and 25 grams of fiber per day for men and women respectively. Oat bran, wheat bran, corn bran, rice bran, lentil, kidney beans, moong beans, and various types of peas, berries and wholesome grains are very rich fiber supplements.
Eat calcium rich food:
A synergistic relationship between protein and calcium has to be maintained in order to fight kidney stones. It is recommended to consume at least 1000mg of calcium a day but due to improper diet and busy life style we barely consume any. This can be one of the reasons for kidney stones.Calcium rich foods are extremely good for reducing the chances of kidney stone. Foods like cheese, yogurt, sardines, fortified cereals, fortified orange juice, enriched bread grains etc. are very good forms of calcium for your body. Even calcium supplements can help prevent kidney stones. Do not consume any calcium rich supplements without doctor’s consultancy.
Increase citric intake:
Consuming citric acid will form an outer layer around the stones in the kidney. It will restrict the growth of the kidney stone. Eventually it helps in preventing kidney stone formation on a primary level.You can increase citric level by adding lots of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Foods with high citric acid are grapefruit, oranges, lemon, berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. Citric acid is high in soda but can have higher sugar level. So you should try consuming aerated brevages on a moderate level.
To cut down on oxalate rich food:
You should not over consume oxalate rich food as it might result in kidney stones. We can be careful with the intake on a regular basis. However, patients already suffering from kidney stone are asked to reduce the intake of oxalate rich food. It mainly contains calcium oxalate substance which is responsible in formation of kidney stones. It is found in plants like beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, chocolate, soy, star fruit, black pepper, parsley, poppy seeds etc. It will trigger the crystal formation at the urine tract; hence we can reduce or prevent calcium oxalate formation in the kidney.
Watch your alcohol level:
Uric acid that is observed in alcohol increases the formation of kidney stone. Over consumption of uric acid can lead to crystallization of urine .One of the main function of kidney is to detoxify your body. Complex liquids like alcohol need more time to be flushed out of the body. You can avoid or consume less hard drinks to avoid kidney stones. Nevertheless it can be replaced by beer and wine that reduce the risk of kidney stones.
By using the above tips we can prevent kidney stones. The practice of living a healthier life can help you to cure such health issues.
