Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorders. They occur when waste products in the urine crystallize and form a stone. The stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a pebble, and they can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract.
This condition is more common in men than women and is most likely to occur between 20 and 40. Although kidney stones can occur in anyone, some things can increase your risk. For example, dehydration is a common cause of kidney stones because it concentrates the urine and makes it more likely for crystals to form. Other risk factors include a family history of kidney stones, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. In addition, some lifestyle choices can increase your risk, such as eating a diet high in animal protein or not getting enough calcium.
Kidney stones typically cause severe pain in the lower back or side. The pain may radiate to the groin or abdomen. Kidney stones can also cause nausea and vomiting. However, some people with kidney stones may not feel or manifest symptoms.
Enough Water
There are many ways to treat kidney stones, but one of the most important is to ensure you are drinking enough water. Water helps to dilute the concentration of minerals in your urine, which can help to prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place.
Increasing water intake can help to improve urinary output, which can help to flush out small kidney stones before they have a chance to grow larger. Water also helps keep the blood vessels open, allowing blood to circulate efficiently to the kidneys and deliver essential vitamins and minerals to them. Conversely, dehydration can result in delivery issues, thus increasing one’s risk of developing kidney stones.
For individuals with existing kidney stones, drinking plenty of water can also help to reduce pain and discomfort by allowing the stones to pass more quickly. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that individuals at risk for developing kidney stones must drink at least eight glasses of water per day. It is also recommended to consume fluids low in calcium, such as apple, grapefruit, and orange juices can reduce urine calcium oxalate saturation, resulting in reduced kidney stone formation.
