How To Avoid Kidney Stones
There’s around 10 percent of the population who develop kidney stones and if you fall into this bunch, then how to avoid kidney stones is going to be one of those questions which will always be top of mind. Nobody wants to suffer the debilitating pain in the sides, back and groin that kidney stones can bring on.
The biggest risk factors for kidney stones include being an adult, a man and obese. Loving foods rich in protein, sugar and salt and failing to drink sufficient amounts of water also increase the risk of kidney stones.
So to avoid kidney stones, take heed of the following tips:
1. Drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Water flushes out whatever crystal residues have formed in the kidney, therefore, preventing the formation of stones. Water also washes away the bacteria that can lead to stones and/or urinary tract infection.
Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you are drinking sufficient amounts of water or not. You may actually be asked to measure your water consumption and urine output to determine their ratio.The recommended amount of daily urine output to maximize your chances of avoiding kidney stones is 2.5 liters.
2. Cut down on your consumption of foods rich in salt, sugar and protein. These substances cannot be efficiently excreted by the kidney and especially in people in the high risk category for kidney disorders including stones. You can substitute meats for more fish, nuts and legumes.
You also need to go easy on oxalate-rich foods and calcium supplements. Bear in mind that in over 90 percent of cases, the kidney stones are made from calcium oxalate.
There’s no point in complicating it beyond that. The first two steps that any doctors or health experts will recommend you take to avoid kidney stones is to watch what you drink and eat. Junk foods, alcoholic beverages, colas, coffee and certain other foods should not feature in your diet. Needless to say, there are other health benefits to be derived from avoidng these foods as well.
