If you’ve ever experienced kidney stones, you are sure to have had a relative recommending one of her best home remedies. Ditching milk may sound reasonable, but you might want to consider some kidney stones treatment before resorting to such solutions. So, what are kidney stones? Kidney stones are crystal-like formations of excess minerals in your body. Although the answer was straightforward, it may have varied responses. Let us learn the truth about kidney stones.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, which are the most common uric acid stones associated with diabetes and struvite stones caused by an active infection most of the time. After getting to know about all the calcium stones in the above list, most people recklessly avoid anything that consists of calcium. However, this could do more harm than good.
Myth: Slaughter Calcium
After seeing so much calcium on the above list, most people recklessly avoid all sources of it without even the consultation of an expert. However, in most cases, even after all that, kidney stones continue to form. The truth is that the lower your calcium, the higher you are at risk for over-absorbing oxalate, a common compound found in many foods. This could lead to an excess of oxalate in your urine and the formation of oxalate stones.
Myth: Kill the Oxalate
If there is no other reason for the formation of calcium oxalate stones other than oxalate itself, you may consider lowering its consumption levels. That is after making sure you are taking the right amount of calcium. However, several urologists argue that most oxalate-rich foods are also high in fibre, potassium, phytate and magnesium. These components can inhibit the formation of stones. Moreover, reducing fibre can lead to constipation and other bowel issues. The key is to have a well-balanced, healthy diet.
Myth: Salt Shaker Can Never Do Any Harm
Some kidney stone patients are asked to lower their salt consumption if it is too high as it can further cause kidney stones. However, in some cases, the patient claims to have been consuming minimal salt. What can be done about that? In most cases, people have some of the most significant contributors to salt in their diet but don’t realise it. The salt shaker accounts for ten percent of an individual’s salt intake.
Myth: The Internet Has the Answer to All Kidney Stones
There are four main categories of kidney stones. However, there are several other subcategories. A consultation from an expert is required as each of these subcategories will need a personalised diet as per its characteristics. The internet may have an array of diets that you could choose from. However, this can do more harm than good. Every patient has a different stone risk profile, health needs and completely different dietary habits. Experts recommend visiting a doctor who can get kidney stones treatment instead of resorting to the internet’s information.
There are a few ways in which you could prevent kidney stones. These don’t require any extraordinary measures, so they are easily doable at home.
● Fluids must be your best friend as they increase urine output and that is ultimately the primary goal. Watch out for dilute urine and include all kinds of liquids to help get you there.
● Like every other condition, kidney stones too can be prevented if vegetables and fruits are consumed well by an individual. There are a few specific ones such as lemon, oranges, and grapes that can primarily reduce the risk of stone formation if consumed regularly.
● Stop finding ways to cut off all the bacteria in your stomach; some are good and essential. The gut microbiome is a plus for your nutrition and health. Don’t disregard them altogether they are a lot more advantageous than we think.
The best you can do if you have already developed stones is to see a urologist. They can not only help you get rid of them but also give you more information regarding them. Consulting a certified dietitian is also a good option.
