Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Kidney Stones and How to Prevent Them

Take it from someone who knows, Kidney Stones are no joke!  Just the thought of going through that much discomfort (and I use that word loosely) is enough to make me cringe. Apparently I did not always take such great care of my body, not minding what I put into it.  Fortunately there are many precautious measures that can be taken to ensure you do not suffer the agony that are Kidney Stones.




Hmmm That’s an unusual feeling 
So what exactly are Kidney Stones? Kidney Stones start their lives in (you guessed it!) the kidneys.  Salt and other minerals in your urine stick together to form these painful little buggers which then find their way into your ureters, the narrow ducts which lead to your bladder.  Kidney stones can range in size anywhere from a sugar crystal to a golf ball. 

Common symptoms to look out for are:
·         Severe pain in your back, belly or groin areas
·         Bloody, or cloudy smelly urine
·         Vomiting/Nausea
·         Constant urge to urinate
·         Radiating pain from your sides or back as well as groin and lower abdomen
·         Painful urination
·         20 to 60 minute episodes of pain

10 to 15 percent of Americans are said to be diagnosed with kidney stones once in their lifetime.  Roughly one million Americans will develop kidney stones each year.  Once you’ve had a kidney stone attack your chances of having another is estimated between 70 and 80 percent.  This is a problem that most likely will not go away without some sort of medical attention. 

Where’s the Relief?!?
Luckily there are some preventive measures one can take to put the odds in their favor.  With these simple lifestyle changes you greatly reduce your risk. 
·         Drink plenty of water. Something so simple but usually neglected.  Doctors recommend drinking 2.5 quarts of water to patients with history of kidney stones.  A good rule of thumb, if your urine is coming out light and clear you are probably consuming enough water
·         Eat less oxalate-rich foods.  This will help in reducing your chances of producing calcium oxalate stones.  Some foods rich in oxalate-rich foods are soy products, dark green leafy vegetables, peanut butter and sweet potatoes.
·         Diet low in sodium and animal protein.  Legumes are a great source of protein when trying to cut back on your meat consumption.
·         Calcium rich food is okDon't reduce the calcium. Cut back on sodium in your diet while at the same time pairing calcium-rich foods with oxalate foods.  The combination of oxalate food and calcium rich food create a bond which allows for deposits to easily exit your body. 

Seek Professional Help
Kidney Stones can cause a good amount of distress, that’s why Luzato Medical Group is here for your medical needs. Contact us for a more detailed explanation on our services of:


  

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