Kidney Stones
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are small, hard mineral and salt deposits that form in your kidneys. They can develop when your urine contains too much waste and not enough fluid to dilute it, causing crystals to stick together and grow over time. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger, pebble-like shapes. While some kidney stones pass naturally through the urinary tract without causing problems, others can get stuck, leading to intense pain, nausea, or trouble urinating. If you’re dealing with kidney stones, treatments and lifestyle changes can help prevent them and support your kidney health.
Signs and Symptoms
Kidney stones vary greatly in size. Some can be as tiny as a grain of sand, while others grow to the size of a pebble—or even as large as a golf ball! Typically, the larger the stone, the more intense the symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Intense pain on one or both sides of the lower back
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Risk Factors
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.
• Diet: High intake of sodium, oxalates (found in foods like spinach and nuts), or protein can contribute to stone formation.
• Family or Personal History: If you or a close family member have had kidney stones, your risk is higher.
• Obesity: Being overweight or having a high body mass index (BMI) can increase the likelihood of kidney stones.
• Digestive Diseases and Surgery: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or gastric bypass surgery can affect absorption of calcium and water, promoting stone formation.
• Certain Medications: Drugs such as diuretics, calcium-based antacids, or certain antibiotics can increase the risk of kidney stones.
• Medical Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes, gout, hyperparathyroidism, or urinary tract infections can raise the risk.
• Low Physical Activity: Lack of exercise can lead to calcium loss from bones, increasing stone formation in the kidneys.
• High Levels of Oxalate or Uric Acid: Excess amounts of these substances in urine can contribute to stone formation.
• Age and Gender: Adults aged 30-60 and men are more likely to develop kidney stones, though women can also be at risk.
Treatment
Treatment for kidney stones is generally the same for both children and adults. Doctors often aim to allow the stone to pass naturally, which may involve encouraging you to drink plenty of water. However, if the stone is too large, obstructs urine flow, or an infection is present, surgical removal may be necessary. It’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your situation.
Surgery Alternative – Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, making it easier for them to pass naturally through the urine. Another method, ureteroscopy, involves inserting an endoscope through the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) to remove or shatter the stone.
Treatments for Large or Complex Stones – Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Nephrolithotripsy
For larger or more complicated kidney stones, procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy are performed. These treatments involve making a small incision in the back to access the kidney. Using a nephroscope (a small fiberoptic camera) and specialized tools, the surgeon either removes the stone (nephrolithotomy) or breaks it into smaller pieces before removal (nephrolithotripsy). High-frequency sound waves are used to break down the stone, and a suction machine is employed to clear away the fragments.
Kidney Stone Prevention
Staying hydrated is key to preventing kidney stones. Drinking enough fluid helps dilute the waste products in your urine. If your urine is dark, it’s more concentrated, so aim for a very light yellow or clear color to ensure you’re well hydrated. Ideally, most of the fluids you consume should be water, with a goal of more than 12 glasses a day for most people.
Water is the best choice compared to soda, sports drinks, or coffee/tea. If you’re exercising or in hot weather, increase your intake. It’s also important to limit sugar and high-fructose corn syrup to small amounts.
Reducing excess salt in your diet can help prevent kidney stones. While salty snacks like potato chips and French fries come to mind, there are many other foods high in salt that should be consumed in moderation. These include sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, and even certain sports drinks. Watching your sodium intake is an important step in maintaining kidney health.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, especially if you are overweight. However, be cautious with high-protein weight loss diets, as they can increase the risk of kidney stones. The average person only needs about 50 grams of protein per day, which can be found in foods like beef, chicken, pork, fish, milk, and eggs. It’s essential to make protein just one component of a well-balanced diet to support overall health.
Calcium Stone Confusion
Don’t let the term “calcium stone” mislead you. The most common type of kidney stone is actually a calcium oxalate stone. While dairy products contain calcium, they can help prevent stones because calcium binds to oxalate before it reaches the kidneys. Kidney stones often form when oxalate, found in foods like rhubarb, spinach, beets, peanuts, chocolate, and sweet potatoes, combines with calcium during urine production.
Surprisingly, people with low dietary calcium are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Stones can also result from excess salt, protein waste, and potassium. When the body lacks sufficient fluids or has too much salt, both oxalate and calcium levels rise, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Getting More Information
If you’ve had a kidney stone or are concerned about your risk, consulting with your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you make informed dietary changes. They will need to review your medical history and eating habits to provide tailored advice. Consider asking the following questions:
- Which foods might increase my risk of developing kidney stones?
- Should I be taking any vitamin or mineral supplements?
- What types of beverages are best for me?
These consultations can provide valuable guidance in managing your kidney health effectively.
While some herbal substances are marketed as aids in preventing kidney stones, it’s important to note that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. There is no published medical proof that any herb or supplement can reliably prevent kidney stones.