Kidney Stone Myths:
A kidney stone is a mass made up of minerals that is lodged in the kidney. There may be one or more stones in the kidney or in the ureter. Stones can form when urine contains too much of certain substances that form crystals. These crystals can develop into stones over weeks or months.
There are many myths about kidney stones. Read on to learn the facts about these myths:
– Avoid calcium:
Just because you have kidney stones made of calcium does not mean that you have to avoid calcium entirely. Because if your calcium intake goes too low, you are at risk for over-absorbing oxalate. Over-absorbing oxalate can lead to extra oxalate in your urine and which in turn can lead to calcium oxalate stones. You should reduce calcium intake but not stop it.
– Remove oxalates from your diet:
Foods that are high in oxalate concentration are also high in fibre, magnesium, potassium and phytate. They are stone inhibitors and so you need them to prevent the development of stones.
– Kidney stones must be removed:
Small sized stones can be passed through urine. Only large-sized stones need to be physically removed. Generally, physicians will know if treatment is required for kidney stones.
Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones:
These are some natural remedies for kidney stones:
– Stay hydrated:
Hydration is necessary for kidney stone prevention and drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. Fluids dilute the volume of the stone-forming substances in urine, thus making them less likely to crystallize.
– Have more citric acid:
Citric acid is found in many fruits and vegetables. It can prevent kidney stone formation and enlargement.
– Reduce your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is associated with a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Studies have shown that those who take vitamin C supplements may be twice as likely to develop kidney stones as those who do not supplement with this vitamin.
– Lower your consumption of salt:
A diet that is high in salt can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. This is because sodium, a component of table salt, may increase calcium excretion through urine, which is one of the risk factors for kidney stones.
– Eat more magnesium:
Magnesium may prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. You should consume magnesium along with other foods that have high amounts of oxalate.
Kidney Stone Treatments:
If you have severe symptoms of kidney stones that means you cannot pass them naturally and need medical treatment. You should see a healthcare professional who will either advise you to follow natural remedies or give you medications or make an appointment for a surgery for you. At the Chennai Kidney Stones Clinic, we provide all types of treatments for kidney stones, including natural remedies. We also do not follow the myths related to these stones. So if you want a fact-based natural treatment for your kidney stones, then we are the right choice for you.
