Did you know that 1 in 10 people will get a kidney stone in their lifetime? Kidney stones are becoming more common. Here are some facts and myths to help you avoid them. Discover 6 easy and effective ways to prevent kidney stones. Learn simple tips for prevention and treatment to maintain kidney health and keep your urinary system in balance.
Watch Your Sweat
Sweating from activities like hot yoga, saunas, or intense exercise can increase the risk of kidney stones. When you sweat, you lose water, which means you urinate less. This gives minerals more time to form stones in your kidneys. The solution? Drink plenty of water, especially when you’re sweating a lot.
It’s Not Just About Oxalate
Oxalate is found in many foods like spinach, beets, peanuts, and chocolate. Reducing these foods alone won’t stop kidney stones. Instead, pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium-rich ones during meals. This way, calcium and oxalate bind in the stomach, reducing the chance of stones forming in your kidneys.
Don’t Blame Calcium
Calcium often gets a bad reputation when it comes to kidney stones. But cutting back on calcium can actually increase your risk of stones. The real culprit? Sodium. So, keep your calcium intake steady and focus on reducing your salt consumption.
Kidney Stones May Come Back
Passing a kidney stone can be incredibly painful, but it’s not always a one-time thing. People who’ve had one are more likely to get another. Many don’t follow the diet or take the medication needed to prevent future stones. Without proper care, stones can return, and repeated stones may signal other kidney problems.
Consider Lemonade
Lemon juice, rich in citrate, may help prevent certain types of stones. Drinking water with lemon juice or taking citrate supplements can keep your urine less acidic, lowering the risk of stone formation. Talk to your doctor to find out if this remedy is right for you.
Not All Stones Are the Same
While calcium oxalate stones are common, uric acid stones are also a concern. High-purine foods like red meat and shellfish increase uric acid, making your urine more acidic and more likely to form stones. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while low in animal proteins, can help prevent these stones.
Five Ways You May Be Hurting Your Kidneys
Here are five surprising things that could damage your kidneys:
- Overusing NSAIDs (painkillers): Long-term use can harm your kidneys.
- Smoking: Increases the risk of kidney damage and failure.
- Contrast dye in medical scans: Can cause kidney problems.
- High sodium intake: Leads to high blood pressure, which harms kidneys.
- Drinking too much cola: Linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
Taking care of your kidneys is essential, so make sure you’re aware of these potential risks and take steps to avoid them.
Five Surprising Ways You Could Be Damaging Your Kidneys
Your kidneys work around the clock to keep your body healthy by filtering out toxins, excess fluid, and managing blood pressure. Damaging these vital organs can be irreversible, yet many people are unaware of what could be harming them. Here are five surprising ways you might be hurting your kidneys:
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Overusing NSAIDs (Painkillers)
Over-the-counter painkillers, known as NSAIDs, can cause 3% to 5% of new chronic kidney failure cases each year. Long-term use, especially in high doses, can damage kidney tissues and reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
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Cigarette Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of kidney damage by causing protein to appear in the urine. Smokers are also more likely to require dialysis or kidney transplants.
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Exposure to Contrast Dye
Contrast dye, often used in x-rays like angiograms and CT scans, can sometimes cause serious kidney problems. This condition, called contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), is rare but may be preventable. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before undergoing these procedures.
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High Sodium Intake
Consuming too much salt raises blood pressure, which can gradually damage your kidneys. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.
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Drinking Too Much Cola
Drinking two or more cola-based soft drinks per day, whether diet or regular, has been linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
By being mindful of these habits, you can protect your kidneys and keep them functioning well for years to come.
