Kidney Stones
Urine contains certain chemicals that may form crystals. If crystals remain small enough they can travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body without being noticed. However, kidney stones form when chemicals in the urine become concentrated to the point that they form solid crystals.
A kidney stone normally begins as a small crystal-like material and it gradually builds up into a larger, solid mass. Kidney stones can stick to the lining of the kidney or settle in an area where urine cannot carry them out of the body. Larger stones may become lodged in the urinary tract, causing pain, blockage or infection.
What causes kidney stones?
Certain people are more likely to develop stones.
Many factors increase the possibility of developing kidneys stones, e.g., stones are more common in adults, they are two times more common in men than in women, and also they are more common in people who are immobilized or after excessive fluid loss through sweating. Besides, they are also more common in hot climates or during the summer months. Family history of kidney stones is also another risk factor.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
The most common signs and symptoms include: blood in the urine, painful urination, urinating more often than usual, inability to urinate when the stone blocks the urinary tract, nausea and vomiting. Cloudy, foul smelling urine, fever, chills, or weakness might be a sign of a serious infection. Some kidney stones are called “silent stones” because they do not cause symptoms.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Patients are questioned about their diet, use of medicine, lifestyle, and family’s medical history. Several tests are used to look for kidney stones, including plain abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, or computed tomography (CT) scan.
- X-rays: A dye may be used to get a better image of the size and location of the kidney stone.
- Urine test: This test looks for very small kidney stones in the urine. Urine is strained and any stones found are analyzed to determine their chemical composition.
What does treatment involve?
Most kidney stone patients are eligible for shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), although some are not suitable candidates. Factors such as size, location and number of stones, height, weight, pregnancy and heart problems may indicate the need for a different treatment such as laser or ultrasound.
Foods to Avoid
The following foods can cause an increase in uric acid in your urine which may also increase the formation of kidney stones, therefore, they must be avoided if you have a history of kidney stones: chocolate, some greens (spinach, collard, beet and turnip greens), berries, peanuts, asparagus, tea, anchovies, caviar, herring, scallops, mussels, organ meats (liver, kidneys, brains) and meat extracts (broth, bouillon, consommé, gravy).
Prevention
The foods and beverages you eat and drink can help prevent new stones. Here are some recommendations:
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Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking fluids dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones and greatly reduces the chances of forming kidney stones. Drink 2 liters of fluids each day as minimum: 1 liter of water and another liter of juice, milk, coffee or flavored drinks. Moderate or eliminate alcohol consumption. Drink at least one cup of fluid at bedtime.
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Reduce sodium when cooking or avoid eating high-sodium food.
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Follow a low fat and high fiber diet. Choose from whole grain breads, cereals and pastas as well as fruits and allowed vegetables. (See below)
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Do not fry food. Bake, roast, toast, brew or steam food. Cut back on the amount of butter, margarine, oil, sour cream and salad dressings.
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In the past, avoiding dairy products was suggested to prevent kidney stones. Current research shows that eating a moderate amount of high calcium foods with meals (at least two servings each day) may actually decrease the chances of forming stones.
