Kidney stones are often considered the most painful experience that a person can have. In fact, many people compare it with the level of pain and discomfort associated with childbirth.
Anyone who has had to pass kidney stones knows exactly how bad it feels. Those who haven't had kidney stones hope that experience never comes to pass. Kidney stones are deposits of salts and minerals such as calcium. They are hard, dense and very painful to pass. Kidney stones tend to develop when minerals in the urine can crystallize and form these hard-concentrated stones.
As these composites don't stay inside the body, the must be passed through the urinary tract. Despite their small size, kidney stones are excruciatingly painful to pass through the body. Fortunately, the formation of these stones is not completely random. Proper diet, hydration and a person's overall health all factor into their propensity to develop these crystallized composites. In other words, this pain is avoidable for those who care enough to change some habits. As these stones develop from crystallizing minerals, diet plays a major role in the entire process. Here are a few products you should avoid to prevent kidney stones.
1 - Sodium
Sodium is one of the highest contributors to the development of kidney stones. Salt is already in a stone form and can easily crystallize when under the right conditions. This mineral is also a common cause of kidney stones because it is so prevalent in an average person's daily diet. Sodium is used to keep food fresh for longer periods of time and for extra flavor. Reducing your daily sodium intake can greatly decrease the chances of kidney stone development. Instead of using salt as your primary condiment, consider a more natural alternative like oregano. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine a healthy, daily intake of salt. Everyone will respond differently to sodium intake, and some people are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
2 - Animal protein
Many people may be surprised to see animal protein on the list of foods to avoid. These products are healthy in moderation, but too much consumption can lead to the development of kidney stones. Eggs, poultry, red meat, seafood and other sources of animal protein can raise the body's levels of uric acid. This compound can contribute to kidney stones. Diets high in animal protein also have the tendency to lower the levels of citrate, an important component in urine that helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones. While animal products are a rich source of protein, they should be consumed in moderation. Experts recommend limiting your daily intake of meat to the size of a pack of playing cards. There are alternative sources of protein that can be used in the place of meat. It is important to ensure your protein intake doesn't drop under a healthy level.
3 - Foods rich in oxalate
Oxalate is a chemical compound found in many foods and throughout the human body. This compound also happens to be one of the primary building blocks of kidney stones. Foods that are high in oxalate naturally increase the chances of a person developing these composites. These foods are difficult to avoid as most people don't know how to determine which products are rich in oxalate. Chocolate, spinach, tea, beets rhubarb and many nuts all contain high levels of this chemical compound. A diet with a high concentration of any of these foods may put you at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. This is especially true for individuals who have developed these stones in the past. Doctors advise previous sufferers to avoid these types of foods entirely. Phosphate is another compound that often contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Soda is a common product that contains high levels of phosphate. Foods rich in oxalate should also be avoided by those who have a history with kidney stones.
4 - Foods and drinks that can lead to dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common contributors to the formation of kidney stones. A healthy person's urine is 95% water. This high concentration of water helps to keep minerals within the urine from crystallizing and forming kidney stones. The only way to maintain such a high concentration of water is by staying hydrated. When you don't drink enough water or try and substitute with juice or soda, your urine almost becomes an incubator for kidney stones. All of the chemical compounds that form kidney stones have a higher chance of crystallizing with a lower concentration of water. You should avoid all drinks that end up contributing to dehydration. A consistent intake of water throughout the day won't only help prevent kidney stones, it will also contribute to your overall health and well-being.