Hard deposits of minerals and salts formed inside your kidney are called kidney stones. It’s one of the most common issues found in people above the age of 40 but does not limit to that age group. Prevention is better than cure is a serious phrase for kidney stones as most kidney stones are dietary. Hence bringing changes to diets could help in avoiding kidney stones and giving relief from the pain.
Types of Kidney Stones:
A doctor or medical practitioner would try to determine what kind of kidney stone you have. Determining the type of kidney stones would help measure the changes you need to bring about to prevent and treat kidney stones.
The doctor would conduct various analyses and tests to figure out the kind of kidney stones, and there exist 5 common types of kidney stones.
1. Calcium Oxalate stones
This is one of the most common types of kidney stones and is formed when urine is acidic (low pH). Dietary oxalates found in many vegetables, fruits and nuts lead to this type of kidney stone. Also, calcium from bones can lead to the formation of these kidney stones.
2. Calcium phosphate stones
When the urine turns alkaline (high pH), the formation of these kidney stones are found. This formation of kidney stones due to the increase in Calcium phosphate is one of the rarest types of kidney stones.
3. Uric acid stones
Diets rich in animal proteins and purines-substances found naturally in all food but especially in organ meats, fish, and shellfish are the causes of Uric acid stones. The urine is found to be persistently acidic in this type of kidney stone.
4. Struvite stones
This type of kidney stone is not due to any dietary reason but an allergic reaction. The only way to prevent this type is by staying infection-free.
5. Cystine stones
This type of kidney stone is a genetic disorder caused by cysteine-an amino acid. When the kidney excretes amino acids in large quantities, these kidney stones are formed.
Symptoms of kidney stones:
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of kidney stones. Pain can be divided into the areas you may experience discomfort:
- Lower abdomen/groin
- Sharp pain around the ribs
- Pain while urinating
Few other symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Nausea and temptation to puke
- Urine with red, brown or pink colour
- Fever
- Strong smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- A constant urge to urinate than usual
- Urinating in small amounts
Diagnosis & Treatment:
If you’re someone with Kidney stones, your doctor may recommend you Vitamin C or D supplements to be limited to less than 500 milligrams. Calcium supplements are recommended to be consumed with meals.
Drinking plenty of water is advised to help the passage of kidney stones.
Most cases are treated with preventive medication and painkillers, but in certain cases, like infections, surgeries may be recommended.
People who are at risk of persistent kidney stones are given preventative treatment that helps in reducing the risk of kidney stones. Consult with your doctor to get the ideal diet plan and medicines for your kidney stone issues.
