Kidney stones often require surgical intervention, but a healthy diet based on drinking adequate amounts of water, reducing salt and protein, and consuming olive oil, may help greatly reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.
In a report published in the Spanish newspaper "Elconfidencial", writer Veronica Mollejo says that kidney stones are the third most common urinary tract disease, after infections and prostate problems. Age 40 and 60 years old.
How do kidney stones form?
In general, this condition occurs when minerals or salts in the urethra clump and form solid lumps that travel to the ureters or the kidneys.
If they are not detected and dealt with early, and they move to close the ureter, for example, kidney stones are very painful, but they do not often cause great harm if they are discovered in a timely manner.
Symptoms associated with kidney stones:
Intense pain under the ribs, lower abdomen, and groin.
Urine turns pink, red, or brown.
Bad smell of urine.
Nausea
Vomiting.
fever.
Chills
Small amounts of urine.
In some cases, symptoms may disappear after taking painkillers and drinking plenty of water, however progression of the condition may require surgery.
The author explained that there are some factors that increase the chances of developing kidney stones, such as:
Genetic factors.
Not drinking enough water.
Suffering from other diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism.
Eating a diet rich in protein, sodium and sugar.
According to the author, following a healthy diet is the best way to reduce the development of kidney stones and control their symptoms.
So what foods should be part of the daily diet to achieve this goal?
What foods should be avoided?
First: What do you eat and drink to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones?
Drink water. The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink enough fluids every day, as the average person should drink between 8 to 12 cups of fluids a day.
Reducing animal protein such as meat and eggs.
Reduce your consumption of coffee, tea and soft drinks, as drinking them in large quantities causes fluid loss and speeds up dehydration.
Eat extra virgin olive oil, which helps improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the kidneys.
Several studies have shown that in societies where the consumption of olive oil is widespread, the incidence of kidney stones is much lower than others.
Reducing sodium in food, as the amount that we eat per day should not exceed 2,300 mg, which is about a teaspoon.
Sodium is found mainly in table salt, canned foods, spices, processed meats, prepared foods and fast food, and it may also be found in some compounds such as sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate, monosodium glutamate, sodium alginate, and sodium nitrate;
It is for these reasons that you have to carefully read the ingredients in canned foods to discover the sodium in them.
The citric acid in lemons and oranges reduces the acidity of the urine, thus reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
Therefore, experts advise starting the day with a glass of lemon juice.
Second: What do you eat and drink if you have kidney stones?
Excessive protein intake may exacerbate the patient's condition, for this reason it is necessary to limit sources of animal protein, such as meat, dairy products, eggs, fish and shellfish.
These foods can be replaced by sources of plant protein, such as legumes, soy, nuts and nuts.
For those suffering from calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones, which are two of the most common types, it is generally recommended to obtain nutrients from plant foods, such as juices, grains, vegetables and beans.
The American Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises getting enough calcium from foods, and says, "Although calcium appears to cause calcium stones, it is not so, because eating adequate amounts." It can block other substances in the digestive system that may cause stones, so you should ask your healthcare professional how much calcium you should eat to prevent further calcium oxalate stones from forming and to support strong bones.
The institute adds that it may be best to get calcium from low-oxalate plant foods, such as calcium-fortified juices, grains, breads, some types of vegetables and some types of beans.
Therefore, you should ask your dietitian or other healthcare professional which foods are a good source of calcium for you.
And when suffering from calcium oxalate stones, it is important to reduce foods that contain oxalate, such as spinach, beets, chard, cocoa powder, paprika, wheat germ, nuts, parsley, grapes, berries, and others.
In conclusion, it is necessary to see a doctor always and always, as some small stones may come out from the urethra, but large stones may not come out or lead to the closure of the ureter, which may lead to serious complications and very severe pain, and it requires surgical intervention, as food alone is not a treatment for kidney stones or For any illness.