A kidney stone typically causes severe pain within the middle to lower abdomen and may result in a high fever if left untreated and allowed to develop into an infection. While genetics have been shown to play a role in this condition, even individuals who are predisposed to kidney stones can take steps to reduce their risk of suffering from it.
Multiple studies have shown that diet is the single most important factor in the development of kidney stones. In order to prevent the initial formation of a stone, a specific diet plan must be followed. This may include reducing the amount of animal protein you ingest on a daily basis as well as decreasing your salt and calcium intake, as all of these have been shown to contribute to the condition. If your body weight exceeds the recommended standard for your height and age, it may be necessary to increase your physical activity level over time. Your doctor can help you determine what may be causing the recurrence of stones in your kidneys and advise you as to what types of foods you should remove from or add to your diet.
Prevention of Stones in the Kidneys
There are a variety of ways to prevent kidney stones that simultaneously enhance overall physical and mental health. Increasing your water intake improves all bodily functions, including increasing the efficiency of the digestive system and eliminating fat to fostering proper cell health and decreasing detrimental cholesterol levels. When you increase fluids in your daily diet, your body is better able to excrete waste and prevent the buildup of concentrated uric acid in your urine, both of which can lead to a number of health problems including stones in the kidneys.
Your doctor may wish to monitor your fluid intake over a period of months to ensure proper absorption of vitamins and minerals while you work toward a healthier urinary system. Depending on how and why your stones are forming, you may be advised to take various preventative measures on a regular basis. Two of the most common types of stones, struvite and cystine, are generally caused by pH imbalances and dietary factors. Your medical professional may perform multiple tests to definitively find out type of stones in order to formulate a fitting treatment plan.