Kidney Stones: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine contains high levels of certain substances — such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid — that start to crystallize. Over time, these crystals combine and grow into stones that can cause intense pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Common Causes
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is one of the main causes. Concentrated urine allows minerals to stick together and form stones.
- Diet: High intake of salt, animal protein, or foods rich in oxalates (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can increase risk.
- Genetics: If kidney stones run in your family, your risk is naturally higher.
- Medical Conditions: Urinary tract infections, obesity, or digestive diseases can contribute to stone formation.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily to keep your urine diluted.
- Limit Salt and Animal Protein: Reduce sodium and red meat to lower calcium buildup.
- Add Citrate-Rich Foods: Lemons, limes, and oranges can help prevent stones by reducing acidity in urine.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can affect kidney function and increase risk.
Treatment Options
- Small Stones: Often pass naturally. Staying hydrated and using pain relief may be enough.
- Larger Stones: May require medical procedures like shock wave lithotripsy (to break them into smaller pieces) or ureteroscopy (to remove them).
- Medical Follow-up: Your doctor may recommend medication to prevent future stones based on their chemical composition.
Keeping your kidneys healthy starts with daily choices. Hydrate, eat smart, and live better — because prevention is always easier than treatment.
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