On a sunny weekend, Mr. Zhang suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower back, as if someone was constantly tightening around his waist, and this pain made him almost unable to stand upright. Accompanied by his family, he hurried to the hospital, and after a series of tests, the doctor told him that the cause was kidney stones. Mr. Zhang was surprised to find that he had become a captive of kidney stones, as he usually ate unscrupulously and paid little attention to his water intake.
Kidney stones, a somewhat distant medical term, are actually not uncommon in our lives. According to the latest medical research, the incidence of kidney stones has increased significantly over the past few decades, especially in the middle-aged and elderly population. Kidney stones not only cause severe pain, but can also cause a series of complications that affect quality of life. However, many people have little understanding of the causes, prevention and methods of kidney stones.
The formation of kidney stones is a complex process that involves a variety of factors. This section will reveal the hidden truths, help you understand the science behind them, and provide practical prevention strategies.
Mineral deposition: An uninvited guest in the body
Kidney stones are mainly made up of deposits of minerals in the body, which can crystallize when they are present in the urine in higher than normal levels. The most common are calcium stones, which are made up of calcium and oxalic acid or calcium and phosphorus. Urate stones, on the other hand, are formed by urate and are common in people on high-protein diets. This suggests that the importance of a balanced diet should not be overlooked, as excessive intake of foods high in oxalic acid such as spinach and chocolate, or high-protein foods such as red meat may increase the risk of stones.
Dehydration state: a hidden danger of urine
Dehydration is another key factor in the formation of kidney stones。When the body lacks enough water, the urine becomes more concentrated and the minerals in it are more concentrated, making it easier to crystallize and form stones. That's why adequate water intake is crucial, as it helps dilute the urine and reduce the chance of mineral deposition.
Diet: Stone promoter
Diet has a direct effect on the formation of kidney stones. A high-salt diet increases the concentration of calcium in the urine, which promotes the formation of stones. At the same time, excessive sugar intake is also associated with an increased risk of kidney stones, as it may increase calcium and oxalate emissions in the urine. Adjusting your diet, reducing your salt and sugar intake, and choosing foods low in oxalate are effective ways to prevent kidney stones.
Genetics and lifestyle: a role to be reckoned with
Genetic factors play a role in the formation of kidney stones. If someone in your family has ever had kidney stones, you're at relatively high risk. In addition, lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise, can also increase the risk of kidney stones. Regular physical exams, including blood and urine tests, can help detect potential risk factors early.
Kidney stones are an increasingly common health problem among middle-aged and older adults, but many people are unaware of their early signs. Understanding these signs not only helps in a timely diagnosis, but also avoids long-term pain and possible complications. Kidney stones form inside the kidneys, and when they start moving or blocking the urinary tract, they cause a range of symptoms.
Pain: a signal that cannot be ignored
The most common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain in the lower back or abdomen, which can occur suddenly and may change in intensity and location as the stone moves. The pain may radiate from the lower back to the lower abdomen or even the thighs.
Changes in urine: a sign that should not be ignored
Kidney stones can also cause noticeable changes in urine properties, including:
Changes in urine color: Hematuria is a typical sign of kidney stones, making the urine appear pink, red, or brown.
Frequent urination and urgency: Even if you don't have a lot of urine, you may feel the need to urinate frequently.
Painful urination: Stones in the urethra can cause urinary tract infections, which can cause pain when urinating.
Preventing the formation of kidney stones requires not only dietary changes, but also overall lifestyle modifications. The risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced by the following strategies:
Water, the source of life
Adequate water intake is one of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones. At least 8-10 glasses of water per day need to be consumed, which helps to dilute the minerals in the urine and reduce the chance of stone formation.
Dietary modification: nutrition and balance
Reduce salt intake:Too much sodium can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, which increases the risk of stone formation. Choose low- or no-salt foods and reduce your intake of processed foods.
Controlling animal protein intake:Excess animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, and seafood, can increase uric acid levels and promote the formation of certain types of kidney stones. It is recommended to focus on plant protein.
Increase dietary fiber: High-fiber foods help reduce the absorption of calcium and oxalic acid, thereby reducing the risk of stone formation.
Weight management and exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can prevent the formation of kidney stones. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of kidney stones, while moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy metabolism and reduce the chance of stone formation.
Stone-specific adjustments
For people who repeatedly form certain types of stones, it may be necessary to adjust their diet as recommended by their doctor, such as reducing oxalate intake (for calcium oxalate stones) or keeping their urine alkaline (for uric acid stones).