Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. These kidney stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and stick together. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, i.e., from the kidneys to the bladder.
Kidney stones are of four types – Calcium Oxalate, Uric Acid, Struvite, and Cystine, and cause excruciating pain with every movement. They have no definite cause, although several factors like family history, dehydration, certain dietary foods, and obesity may increase the risk. However, food, plenty of water intake, and proper medication help prevent kidney stones.
The first signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Feeling the need to urinate often
- Fever or chills
What is the average size of kidney stones, that can pass easily without any medical intervention?
The smaller the size of the kidney stone, the more likely it is to pass on its own. If the size is smaller than 5 mm, there is a 90% chance that the kidney stone will pass without further intervention within one to two weeks.
They can be easily eliminated by drinking water, taking pain relievers, or receiving medical therapy. However, large stones require medical surgery.
What is the fastest way to dissolve a kidney stone?
Fluids are the easiest and fastest way to flush out kidney stones and prevent them from enlarging. To get relief from kidney stones, drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day is recommended, as it dissolves and flushes out kidney stones naturally. Several freshly prepared juices, like pomegranate and lemonade, along with soups, are also known for managing them.
Should you consume beer for kidney stones?
While beer is a diuretic and increases urine production, which aids in the passage of tiny stones that are less than 5 mm in size, it also causes dehydration. Additionally, beer also causes obesity, and overweight people should avoid drinking it since it is rich in calories and oxalate, which is one of the essential components of kidney stones.
It is recommended that you always consult a urologist before consuming beer or any other alcoholic drink to avoid complications.
Kidney stones diet – Foods to eat and avoid
Diet plays a significant role in kidney stones. There are certain foods that one should avoid if they have kidney stones, and certain foods one should eat in order to prevent the risk of kidney stones.
5 foods to eat:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Legumes and Nuts
- Lentils, Peas, and Beans
- Rice and Oats
5 foods to avoid:
- Salty foods
- Certain veggies like spinach, beetroot, sweet potato, etc. [which are high in oxalates]
- Caffeine
- Animal protein
- Berries such as strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry [high in oxalates]
Does ayurvedic treatment work for kidney stones?
Being natural in origin and having no side effects, ayurvedic remedies for kidney stones are quite reliable.
Here are some ayurveda home remedies for relief from kidney stones:
- Coconut water: Coconut water helps dissolve kidney stones. It is known to break, dissolve, and flush stones out of the body through urine.
- Lady’s finger: Lady’s finger is known to help in the prevention of the crystallisation of chemicals that are present in the kidneys, making it a useful remedy for kidney stones.
- Basil leaves: Basil leaves promote uric acid balance in the kidneys. Hence, in order to eliminate kidney stones from the urinary tract, eat basil leaves a few times a day.
- Lemon juice with honey: Lemon juice aids in breaking kidney stones, and honey acts as a lubricant for these stones to pass through the urine.
- Amla powder: Amla powder, with its vitamin C and antioxidant contents, speeds up the body’s detoxification process, helps flush out small kidney stones, and may help break larger ones.
These ayurvedic remedies, along with various ayurvedic medicines for kidney stones, can set one free from the pain of kidney stones.
Conclusion
Although kidney stones are uncomfortable, a kidney stone can pass on its own. Since the kidney is the most vital organ in your body, it is necessary to ensure that you look after your kidneys health. A urologist is an ideal healthcare provider to diagnose and treat kidney stones depending on their size, location, and type. If you experience pain or any symptoms that indicate kidney stones, consulting a urologist is crucial to avoid medical complications.
At AllCure Super Speciality Hospital, our team of urologists will recommend the best measures to take care of your kidney stones through medications, dietary changes, or surgery.