Kidney Stones
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard little rocks made from waste materials in your urine. They form in your kidneys and can travel down your urinary tract.
Types of kidney stones?
- Calcium stones: The most common! Found in people who eat too many oxalaterich foods like peanuts, chocolate, and spinach.
- Uric acid stones: These stones form when urine becomes too acidic. Gout and diabetes can also increase your risk. More common in meat lovers! If you enjoy goat meat, fish, and shellfish, you may be at risk.
- Struvite stones: Often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Cystine stones: Very rare, mostly from a genetic condition.
Signs and symptoms?
- Sharp pain in your back, side, or lower belly
- Bloody or smelly urine
- Feeling like you need to pee every 5 minutes
- Nausea or vomiting
Why do people get kidney stones?
- Not drinking enough water! (Coconut water helps too!)
- Too much salt, protein, or processed food
- Family history of kidney stones
How to prevent them?
- Drink plenty of water (aim for at least 8 glasses a day).
- Reduce salty and processed foods.
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Cut down on excessive red meat and soft drinks.
When to see a doctor?
If you feel unbearable pain, see blood in your urine, or can’t stop vomiting, go to the hospital!