Kidney stone
Kidney stones are a common problem in people who is taking more protein than the daily required amount and drinking less water . Most of the stone are calcium crystals or other form of stones from mineral deposits. Salt which contain sodium increase the excretion of calcium from the body cause formation of calcium stone. Too much of vitamin intake especially vitamin C above 2000 mg per day for a prolonged period may cause to the formation of kidney stones. Large quantities of oxalate can also cause the formation of stone which can be reduced by limiting the intake of oxalate rich foods like beef ,chocolate and nuts. Cutting down the weight will reduce the chances of formation of kidney stones and also avoiding too much of the purine rich foods like soya sauces. Types of stones formed in the body includes calcium oxalate,struvite stone,uric acid stones and cystine stones. Some of the symptoms of kidney stones are frequent painful urination,pain in the back,belly and groin .
Prevention
Kidney stone can be prevented to some extent by certain activities. Drinking plenty of water is essential to prevent the formation of stone by crystallization of minerals in the urine . If it is hot weather and you are doing exercise you need to take more water to avoid dehydration and at least 8- 10 glasses of water. Measuring urine output is an indication of the hydration level of your body. Reduce the intake of oxalate rich food and minimizing animal protein also help to reduce the formation of kidney stone. Calcium is also factor contributing to the formation of kidney stone. Eating calcium rich food is not a risk but external calcium supplement is to be taken with the consultation of doctor as this might pose the risk of stone.
Symptoms check and call doctor if
common symptoms of kidney stones include and call doctor if
+ persistent pain in the lower back, which is sometimes also felt in the groin – men may have pain in the testicles and scrotum
+ periods of intense pain in the back or side of your abdomen, or occasionally in your groin, which may last for minutes or hours
+ feeling restless and unable to lie still
+ difficulty in urination
+ needing to urinate more often than normal
+ pain when you urinate
+ blood in your urine(hematuria) – this may be caused by the stone scratching the kidney or ureter