This too shall pass: 5 ways in preventing Kidney Stones

March is National Kidney Month, a time of the year where one is required to raise special awareness about kidney health and to share facts on ways to keep kidneys healthy.

Kidneys are considered as one of the most important organs of the human body. Their regular healthy functioning is required to ensure the body’s smooth mechanism. Kidney stones are on the rise these days and preventing kidney stones isn’t complicated, but it does take some determination. Kidney stones are formed when certain chemicals become concentrated enough in the urine to form crystals. These crystals grow into larger masses, which can make their way through the urinary tract. Perhaps, if the stone gets stuck somewhere and blocks the flow of urine, it causes pain.

Stones occur when calcium combines with oxalate. Also, stones can form from uric acid, which is a by-product of protein metabolism. Well, if you’ve ever had a kidney stone, you surely remember it

If one is worried about developing kidney stones, here are five ways you can help prevent this issue from occurring in the first place. Hence, diet plays an important role in controlling and preventing kidney stones.

• Drink Plenty of Water – One of the key ways to prevent kidney stones is to drink liquids, specifically liquids such as water and those that are high in citrus. To prevent kidney stone formation is about making lifestyle changes that will affect your diet and workout habits. Having more water throughout the day and urinating more often will rid your body of excess calcium, preventing it from building up in your kidneys.
• Requisite intake of Calcium – Calcium intake through regular food should neither be excess or too little. One should consume adequate to control oxalate levels and thus reduce stone forming chances. In order to prevent this, make sure to take in an amount of calcium appropriate to your age.
• Reduce Sodium – A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. So, a diet with low sodium is recommended for the stone prone. Additionally, a low intake of sodium will help you to maintain a healthy blood pressure and a healthy heart.
• Eat less animal protein – High-protein diets can increase your uric acid levels and with it your chances of developing a kidney stone. One should aim for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to offset too much animal protein like meat, pork, poultry, eggs, and shellfish.
• Keep a check on your weight –If you’re overweight or obese, it puts excess pressure on your kidneys and can contribute to stone formation.

Over to you:
Kidney stones are common. So your smartest choice for forestalling kidney stones is to remain hydrated and rolling out kidney dietary improvements.