Kidney stones are common in both men and women, and sometimes children too. Kidney stones are formed from substances in urine. Everyday, the kidneys filter 120 to 150 quarts of blood to balance fluids and flush out waste. A fall in urine level and a specific chemical imbalance are what cause kidney stones to form.

There are five types of kidney stones. The first is calcium oxalate stones, which are considered a common type. In this case, calcium, oxalate, or uric acid are found in excess in urine. The second type is calcium phosphate stones, and these are formed when there is an abnormality in the function of the urinary system. Struvite stones are a type that is common in women and develops due to certain urinary tract infections. Uric acid stones occur when there is insufficient intake of water and high consumption of animal protein. Kidney stones are also genetic and this form is called cystinuria.

What are the first signs of kidney stones?

Kidney stones usually don’t show any early symptoms, and in some cases, there will be no symptoms at all. This is a case where the stones are really tiny and pass out through urine without causing any pain. In other situations, lower back pain would always be the initial symptom, followed by nausea and abdominal pain.

Symptoms and Causes of Kidney Stones:

  • Terrible pain on either side of the lower back.
  • Constant stomach aches
  • Traces of brown, pink, or red blood while urinating.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Painful urinating
  • sometimes unable to urinate.
  • Foul-smelling urine

Foods that cause kidney stones: 

Oxalate-rich foods like spinach, almonds, cashews, beets, baked potatoes with skin, raspberries, sweet potatoes, and cocoa powder should be taken in moderation, and intake of calcium-rich foods will balance the oxalate and prevent it from turning into a kidney stone. Uric acid is produced from animal meat, and too much consumption of animal meat turns urine more acidic, causing uric acid stones. Some of the foods that cause kidney stones are canned eatables, packaged meats, bottled beverages, frozen and fast foods. 

Kidney stone diet:

The first and foremost is staying hydrated. Watermelon, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, grapefruit, and cantaloupe contain 80 percent water, which helps the body stay hydrated and removes toxins through urine. Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6 which helps in detoxification and prevents the formation of oxalate stones. It is advisable to eat bananas on a regular basis. Low-fat proteins like skimmed milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese can replace animal protein, as protein is an essential energy factor.

Steps to prevent kidney stones:

  • Always stay hydrated
  • Include more calcium- foods
  • Limit the intake of sodium
  • Take animal protein in moderation
  • Avoid smoking and drinking
  • Reduce the intake of carbonated beverages, canned eatables, frozen foods, and fast foods.

Do not match up the symptoms with online cures; instead, visit a physician if the symptoms persist.