Going the Natural way for cure Kidney Stone
There is no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially with a family history of the condition. kidney stones of different makeup and different types will have different preventative measures. Hence, it is important to find out from a kidney stone specialist hospital in Chennai, what kind of stones one may be at risk and follow corresponding recommendations for calcium oxalate stones, calcium phosphate stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones. The best bet for preventing kidney stones is adopting natural ways of hydration and dietary modifications.
Hydration is the best natural way to prevent kidney stones
Dehydration is the number one cause of kidney stones and hydration is the number one method of preventing it. Drinking more water is not only good for the body but also for urine to keep the output good enough so as to dissolve urine salts and dilute acids that can otherwise be a cause for kidney stones. Not drinking enough water can keep urine output low, meaning urine is more concentrated and less likely to dissolve urine salts and acids that could lead to formation of stones.
Eight glasses of water a day is ideally recommended, but the required amount for an individual’s health might be a little higher or lower than this. It is fine as long as hydration is sufficient enough to pass a minimum of 2 litres of urine every day. Natural water intake in increased amounts helps kidneys to stay healthy, as compared to soda that contains more toxins for the kidneys to process. Lemonade and orange juice that contain citrate are also good options to prevent from forming kidney stones.
Work outs may be good for health, but they also may be a cause for kidney stones because loss of water through sweating due to these activities specially during heat of summer can lead to less urine production. With more sweating, there is less urination allowing minerals that cause stones to settle and bond within the kidneys and urinary tract that can be removed at the best hospital for kidney stone treatment in Chennai. The colour of urine should be normally clear or pale yellow. Dark urine indicates need for more water, therefore, people who engage in exercise or sweat a lot, need additional fluids to prevent kidney stones.
Eating less sodium is a natural way to prevent kidney stones
Sodium makes up 40% of table salt, with chloride making up remaining 60%. Most of the sodium in our diet is derived from table salt. Sodium is also present as a mineral in certain foods. A person with a family history or previous history of kidney stones should consume less sodium/salt. Diet rich in salt increases the risk of calcium kidney stones. Urology care foundation states that, too much salt in the urine interferes with calcium from being reabsorbed from the urine to the blood. This causes high retention of calcium in urine, that can lead to kidney stones.
The lower the risk of developing kidney stones with lower urine calcium levels. Urine calcium levels can be kept less by eating less salt. Foods that are high in sodium and that can be avoided include:
- packed foods like chips and crackers
- canned soups, vegetables or meat
- bottled sauces, pickles, or spreads
- cheese
- processed meat like sausages and hotdogs
- foods that contain monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate or sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as cooking soda
To reduce sodium intake in food, food labels have to be read carefully. Food can be flavoured without using salt, by adding fresh herbs or a salt-free, mixed herb seasoning.
Calcium rich foods can support natural way to prevent kidney stones
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones, leading many people to believe that eating calcium rich foods can cause them. On the contrary, low-calcium diets may increase the risk of kidney stone. The chance of developing calcium oxalate stone can be reduced by eating increased amounts of calcium-rich foods. The amount of calcium needed for a person is based on age and gender. Best urologist in Chennai would be able to guide on what is the right amount of calcium required in diet to prevent calcium oxalate stones. Low fat milk, cheese and yogurt are all good sources of calcium rich foods. Sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet is also needed to help the body absorb the calcium.
Fewer oxalate-rich foods can help natural way to prevent kidney stones
Oxalate is a natural compound found in foods. Oxalate and calcium bind together in the digestive tract before reaching the kidneys. In the absence of enough calcium, oxalate binds with calcium in the urine to form kidney stones. Foods rich in oxalates should be limited to help prevent oxalate stones from forming. Common foods high in oxalates are spinach, chocolate, sweet potatoes, coffee, beets, peanuts, rhubarb, soy products and wheat bran. It is more difficult for stones to form if high-oxalate foods and calcium-rich foods are eaten at the same time.
Eat more plant-based protein as a natural way to prevent kidney stones
Diet containing high amounts of animal protein are acidic and may increase urine acid. Both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones can be caused by high urine acid. Levels of purines, commonly known as uric acid build up in urine when too much animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood are consumed. There is excess levels of purines specially in organ meats. Meats that should be avoided to prevent kidney stones are:
- beef
- lamb
- pork
- organ meat such as liver, kidneys etc
Plant based alternatives of protein such as beans, soy, lentils and pulses can be typically eaten to replace some of the animal-based. There has been an influx of plant-based alternatives to meat, in the market. These “motherless” or “clean” meat, as they are called, have done good for people who take treatment at kidney stone hospital in Chennai.
