How to Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones

Kidney stone disease is caused by an imbalance between the amount of calcium and magnesium in the body. Learn more about how to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are small hard lumps that form in the kidneys and can cause pain or discomfort. They are usually caused by an imbalance of minerals in the urine. If left untreated, they can become painful and can lead to kidney damage. There is no cure for kidney stones, but there are ways to reduce your risk of getting them.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidneys filter waste material from the blood and excrete it via the urine. They do this using two different systems: filtration and reabsorption. Filtration occurs at the glomerulus. It filters out small molecules while macromolecules pass right through. Reabsorption takes place in tubules called nephrons. Tubular cells absorb nutrients like glucose and amino acids, then release them back into the circulation. If something blocks these tubes, wastes can’t get released properly and build up inside the kidneys. This buildup is what creates a stone.

What causes kidney stones?

The most common type of kidney stone occurs when too much calcium builds up in the urinary tract. Calcium makes up part of a citrate substance, which helps prevent crystals from forming inside the bladder. When you urinate, some of this citrate gets flushed out with the urine. The problem arises if the level of citrate drops below what it should be. This happens because either:

• You don’t drink enough water
• Your diet doesn’t contain enough citrates
• Too many dietary factors such as oxalates, phosphate, protein, sodium and potassium interfere with the process of citration

How do you know if you have a problem with kidney stones?

If you experience any symptoms associated with kidney stones, then you may need medical help. These include:

• Painful passing of blood-tinged urine
• Passing large amounts of stools at once
• Difficulty sleeping due to backache

Can I pass my own kidney stones?

Yes! Most people who develop kidney stones will not notice their first symptom until after the stone has passed through the ureter into the bladder. However, you might feel something like sharp pains while passing the stone. In these cases, you’ll probably want to see your doctor immediately so they can remove the stone before it becomes lodged somewhere else in the body.

Are all types of kidney stones dangerous?

No. Some kinds of kidney stones aren’t harmful; others can block the flow of urine and cause serious problems. For example, cystine stones tend to grow very slowly over time, making them less likely than other types of stones to cause harm. On the other hand, struvite stones are often formed quickly and can easily get stuck in the tubes leading to the bladder. Struvites also dissolve away faster than other stones, leaving behind fragments that can travel down the urethra and lodge elsewhere in the body.

How to Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones

By following certain lifestyle changes, you can help keep your kidneys healthy and avoid developing kidney stones. Here’s what you need to know:

Drink plenty of fluids every day

8 glasses per day will ensure adequate hydration. Water is best; however, other beverages like tea, coffee, juice, and milk count towards fluid intake. Avoid alcohol since it dehydrates the body.

Eat foods rich in citrates

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds all provide good sources of citrates. Citrates are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, including oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, spinach, and beans. Other sources of citrates include milk products, cheese, yogurt, bread made without added sugar, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Limit consumption of high levels of salt and sugar

These substances increase urea nitrogen concentration in the bloodstream, causing increased production of ammonia and hydrogen ions. Ammonium ion combines with free oxygen to produce ammonium nitrate, which forms into tiny particles known as “nuclei” that eventually combine to form larger pieces of calcium carbonate. High concentrations of sodium chloride in the urine increase the likelihood of crystallization. Sugar promotes the formation of struvite stones.

Keep potassium levels normal

Potassium plays a key role in maintaining proper blood pressure and regulating nerve impulses throughout the body. Low potassium levels cause muscles to contract excessively, leading to painful cramps and spasms. People with kidney disease often develop hypokalemia because they lose large amounts of potassium through their urine. Hypokalemia causes frequent urination and constipation. In addition, patients on certain diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics, need extra potassium supplementation.

Avoid caffeine

Caffeinated drinks such as soda pop, energy drinks, and chocolate have an increased risk for kidney stones. Caffeine stimulates the adrenalin glands and raises adrenaline levels, increasing urinary output by stimulating water retention. The resulting dehydration may lead to crystal growth.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress. Exercise also promotes regular bowel movements and flushes out toxins from the system. It’s important to note that strenuous activity should be avoided when symptoms occur or any suspicion about a possible infection.

Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, irritability, poor judgment, and impaired memory. Lack of sleep makes it harder to concentrate and focus, thus reducing one’s ability to think clearly. Sleep deprivation also affects hormone secretion, immune function, and metabolism. These factors contribute to higher risks of infections and illness.

Take care of yourself mentally

Mental well-being goes beyond just being happy. A positive mental attitude contributes greatly to overall wellness. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises improve physical and emotional health. Studies show that individuals who practice mindfulness meditation experience fewer episodes of depression and anxiety.

Get enough magnesium

Magnesium aids digestion and promotes relaxation after strenuous workouts. Foods rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, bananas, almonds, brown rice, oats, soybeans, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, tofu, and wheat germ.

Take probiotics regularly

Probiotic bacteria support intestinal flora balance, helping keep urinary tract infections under control. Studies show that taking one or two capsules daily containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus biavatus, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 6 months significantly lowered the number of new cases of recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis. These supplements contain beneficial strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria that have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms such as E. coli and S. saprophyticus.

Drink alcohol moderately

Alcohol consumption has been associated with an increase in the number of small stones formed within the kidney. Moderate drinkers have fewer stones than heavy ones. Heavy drinkers are likely to consume excessive calories as well as excess sodium and fluids. These conditions promote crystal formation.

Be wary of processed foods

Processed food products like soft drinks, white bread, and pasta contain added salt and sugar, encouraging crystallization.

Stay away from sodas and juices

Sodas and other sweetened beverages contain phosphoric acid, which encourages minerals such as calcium phosphate. Phosphate-rich soda tends to irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, promoting irritation and swelling.

Is diet important when trying to reduce the chance of getting kidney stones?

Dietary factors play a role in preventing kidney stones. A study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that diets low in animal protein were linked to lower rates of kidney stones. This was true even among those who consumed no meat whatsoever. Another study from the same journal suggested that eating fish three times weekly reduced kidney stones by 50 percent. Fish contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are believed to protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. It should be noted, though, that some studies suggest that higher intakes of red meats actually decrease the risk of kidney stones.

Does exercise affect the chances of having kidney stones?

Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, both of which contribute to overall well-being. Exercise also improves cardiovascular function and lowers cholesterol levels. But does physical activity influence the development of kidney stones? According to research presented at the annual meeting of the European Association of Urology, regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by up to 40%. However, researchers caution that these findings may not apply to people who already suffer from kidney stones. They note that further studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Is there anything else I can do to lower my chances of having kidney stones?

There are several things you can try to minimize your chance of developing kidney stones. Some people find success using medications, while others prefer natural remedies. It’s important to note that not everyone responds well to medication, so always consult your physician before taking any new supplements.

Medications used to treat kidney stones

Medication options range from over-the-counter products to prescription drugs. Most commonly prescribed treatments involve increasing the flow rate through the kidneys by drinking lots of water and eating low-calorie diets. However, there are times when surgery becomes necessary. Surgery involves removing parts of the affected area of the kidney. In rare cases, doctors remove both sides of the kidney.

Natural treatment methods

Natural therapies work on different mechanisms than conventional medicine. While they aren’t guaranteed to eliminate the possibility of future problems, they offer alternative solutions to traditional medical care. Many patients report relief after trying herbal medicines. Others use homeopathic remedies. Still, others turn to acupuncture or yoga.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by stimulating points along energy pathways located throughout the body. According to Chinese Medicine theory, each point corresponds to a specific organ system. Stimulating those points promotes healing and relieves stress. The practice dates back thousands of years. Modern research shows that acupuncture may help reduce pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more.

Are there foods that increase the chances of having kidney stones?

Yes! Foods rich in oxalate include spinach, rhubarb, beetroot, nuts, beans, lentils, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, chocolate, tea, and coffee. These substances bind with citrate and make it harder for the citrate to dissolve in the urine. Other food sources of oxalic acid include cocoa powder, dried apricots, figs, plums, prunes, raisins, dates, pears, and apples. 4. Can I take medication to help me get rid of kidney stones?

Yes, medications like thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics, both used to treat hypertension, can also help to flush excess salts from the body. In addition, certain antibiotics, including aminoglycosides and cephalosporins, can decrease calcium concentration in the urine. Finally, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can inhibit the formation of new stones.

Do vitamins play a role in preventing kidney stones?

Vitamins C and D appear to protect against kidney stones. Vitamin C works by helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth, while vitamin D reduces inflammation throughout the body. It’s thought that people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables tend to have higher intakes of these nutrients.

Is drinking plenty of fluids important?

Water intake is essential for good health. Drinking 8 glasses per day is recommended. Water contains little salt so that it won’t affect the balance of other minerals in the body. Fluid loss through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea must be replaced. Dehydration increases the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

FAQ

Should I avoid caffeine?

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and speeds up the heart rate. Both effects are likely to cause dehydration. Although studies suggest that moderate consumption does not seem to raise the risk of kidney stones, excessive use of caffeinated drinks can increase their incidence.

What about alcohol?

Alcohol causes dehydration, but it appears that regular drinkers aren’t more prone to develop kidney stones. Moderate consumption seems safe though heavy drinking raises the risk of gout.

Do I need to worry about sugar?

Sugar is one of the main culprits behind obesity. Excess weight puts pressure on the kidneys, causing fluid retention and increasing the chance of developing kidney stones.

Does smoking harm my kidneys?

Smoking damages the lining of the lungs and affects how well they function. As a result, smokers often suffer from chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking also leads to poor circulation around the kidneys resulting in reduced flow of oxygenated blood into the organ.

Why might I become dehydrated?

Dehydration results from insufficient intake of liquids. Sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting can remove large quantities of liquid from the body.

Could eating spicy foods damage my kidneys?

Spicy foods stimulate digestion and release digestive juices. They also produce heat within the stomach, which can irritate the walls of the small intestine.

Will exercise improve my condition?

Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles. But it can also reduce the amount of time spent sitting down.

Do men and women get different forms of kidney stones?

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from kidney stones.

What if I have a family history of kidney stones?

A strong family history of kidney stones means there’s an elevated risk for this condition. If you or someone close to you has had more than one episode of kidney stones, talk to your health care provider about whether medications such as NSAIDs could be contributing to your problem.