Kidney Stone

Did you know that 1 in every 10 person gets kidney stone, according to the statistical data? Kidney stones are formed either because of less water intake and/or because of higher mineral deposits. They can create severe stomach and back pain apart from cloudy urine and sometimes even blood in the urine, pain, and burning during urination. Fortunately, some dietary changes will help prevent kidney stones from forming or reoccurring.

Not all kidney stones are the same. Quite contrary to popular understanding, calcium is not the only villain in kidney stone troubles. Majority of the kidney stones are formed because of calcium oxalate. Stones can be formed also from calcium phosphate, uric acid crystals and cystine (a type of amino acid). Food such as nuts, peanuts, spinach, berries etc is rich in oxalate, while sugary drinks such as cola, corn syrup, honey etc are rich in phosphates.

Extra sodium also can cause stones. Sodium and calcium share the same transport in the kidney so if you eat high sodium foods it will increase calcium leakage in the urine thereby creating stones. Canned food and salty food etc are all rich in sodium.

Another form of stone is formed from uric acid crystals. Food high in purine such as reed meat, organ meats, and shellfish etc can lead to a higher production of uric acid and a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form.

The best method to reduce the formation of stones or even flush them off is to drink ample amount of water – atleast 4 litres a day!