how do people get kidney stones: Kidney stones are not a sudden problem, they develop gradually due to lifestyle and diet disturbances. Know which early symptoms not to ignore and identify how it develops.
Kidney stones have become a very common problem in today’s time. Fast-paced lifestyle, drinking less water, junk food and excessive salt consumption are the main reasons for this. But do you know that these small stones can gradually cause serious damage to the kidneys? Let us know, how are kidney stones formed? What are its initial signs and how to identify them early in time?
What is a kidney stone? (how do people get kidney stones)
The function of kidney is to remove waste part and extra minerals from the body. When the level of minerals like calcium, oxalate, uric acid or phosphate increases in the body, they collect in the urine and take the form of hard crystals or stones. These stones can be as small as grains of sand or as big as pebbles. If this stone gets stuck in the urinary tract, it causes severe pain and infection.
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Process of kidney stone formation (how do kidney stones form)
- When there is a lack of water in the body, urine becomes thick and the minerals present in it start accumulating.
- These minerals slowly form small crystals.
- Crystals join together to form large pieces, or stones, which can stick to the kidney wall.
- As the stone moves down the urethra, the risk of pain and blockage increases.
Early Symptoms of Kidney Stone
- Severe pain in the waist or lower back comes and goes from time to time.
- Burning sensation while urinating or intermittent pain while urinating.
- Change in urine color such as red, brown or cloudy urine.
- Frequent urge to urinate, but passing urine in very small amounts.
- Vomiting or feeling nauseous.
- If there is infection, fever and chills.
Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium Oxalate Stones – The most common type, made from salt and oxalate.
- Uric Acid Stones – Formed by eating too much red meat and protein.
- Struvite Stones – Stones formed due to UTI.
- Cystine Stones – Rare stones formed due to genetic reasons.
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How to detect kidney stones (Diagnosis Methods of Kidney Stones)
- Urine Test: In this, the presence of crystals, blood or infection is checked.
- Ultrasound or CT Scan: This reveals the size and location of the stone.
- X-Ray (KUB): It shows the position of the stone in the stomach and kidney area.
- Blood Test: It is done to check the level of calcium and uric acid in the body.
Kidney Stones Prevention Tips
- First of all, drink 3-4 liters of water every day, so that the urine remains clean and thin.
- Reduce salt and sugar.
- Limit your intake of spinach, chocolate and nuts. These contain more oxalate.
- Avoid excess protein as much as possible. Especially avoid red meat.
- Start drinking lemon water and coconut water, it works as a natural detox.
- Maintain regular physical activity so that minerals remain balanced in the body.