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Kidney stones have become a common but extremely painful health problem of modern times. In simple language, kidney is the natural filter of our body, which cleans the blood and removes waste materials, excess minerals and toxic elements through urine. When there is a lack of water in a person’s body or due to wrong eating habits, the concentration of some chemicals in the urine increases, then these minerals are not able to dissolve completely. Gradually they start sticking together in the form of microscopic crystals and with the passage of time they take a solid form like pebbles or stones. According to senior nephrologists and urologists, most of the stones formed in the kidney are of Calcium Oxalate. Apart from this, the major types are also struvite stones formed due to increased level of uric acid in the body, urinary tract infection (UTI) and cystine stones formed due to genetic reasons.
If we look at historical and traditional medical data, the risk of kidney stone formation in men has been seen to be approximately two to three times higher than that of women. Due to the presence of testosterone hormone in men, more muscle mass and higher intake of non-vegetarian protein, there is more excretion of uric acid and calcium in the urine, due to which stones are formed faster in men. However, in clinical studies over the past decade, doctors have noted a very worrying change. Now an unexpected increase in the cases of kidney stones is being seen in women also and this difference between men and women is decreasing rapidly. Nephrologists say that lifestyle changes, junk food, not drinking enough water and obesity are increasing this risk in women. Apart from this, frequent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women is the main cause of struvite stones. After menopause, the fall in the level of estrogen hormone also changes the metabolism of calcium in the body of women, due to which after the age of 45 to 50 years, the risk of formation of stones in women becomes almost equal to that of men.
According to doctors, kidney stones do not form suddenly in a day, rather long-term carelessness is responsible for it. The first and main reason is chronic dehydration i.e. not drinking enough water throughout the day. When there is less water in the body, urine becomes thick and dark yellow in color, due to which minerals crystallize easily. Another major cause is excessive consumption of excess salt (sodium) and processed foods, as excess sodium forces the kidneys to excrete more calcium in the urine. The third reason is uncontrolled consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, tomatoes, beetroot, dry fruits, chocolate and tea. The fourth reason is excess of animal proteins like red meat and seafood, which breaks down purines in the body and increases uric acid. Apart from this, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and excessive consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements without doctor’s advice also directly invite stones.
In the early stages, when the stones are stable and small (2 to 3 mm) inside the kidney, there is often no pain or symptoms. But as soon as this stone moves and gets stuck in the urinary tube i.e. ureter or obstructs the flow of urine, the patient has to face unbearable pain. The most obvious symptom is a sudden onset of sharp, cramping pain in the lower back or under the ribs, spreading to the lower abdomen and thighs. Along with this pain, the patient may complain of severe nausea, vomiting and sweating. Severe burning sensation while urinating, feeling of frequent urination but only a few drops coming out, pink, red or brown blood in the urine (Hematuria), and strong foul smell from urine are clear signs of stones. If there is urinary infection along with stones, the patient may also suffer from high fever along with shivering, which is considered a medical emergency.
To keep the kidneys healthy throughout life and prevent stone formation, experts recommend adopting some simple but effective habits. First of all, make sure to consume at least 2.5 to 3 liters (about 10 to 12 glasses) of water and fluids every day, so that the color of urine always remains light transparent. Second, increase the intake of lemon water, orange juice and seasonal fruits in your daily diet, because the natural citrate present in them prevents calcium crystals from joining together. Third, limit the amount of salt in your diet and avoid packaged chips, salty and canned soups. Fourth, do not completely eliminate natural calcium from the diet (e.g. milk, yogurt, cheese), because when you take enough calcium in food, it binds with oxalate in the stomach and is excreted through stool without reaching the kidneys. Fifth, if you have the problem of constant prickling in the lower back or burning sensation during urination, instead of taking painkillers on your own, immediately contact a doctor and get the right treatment done in time by getting a simple ultrasound and routine urine test done.