Statistics show that one out of every 10 people in the U.S. will develop a kidney stone at least once in their life. Kidney stones can cause immense pain as they pass from the urethra into the bladder and out of the body. You may be able to avoid getting a kidney stone altogether by using these simple lifestyle tricks.
Avoid High Levels of Sodium
The modern diet is full of sodium. Sodium, or salt, is used for everything from food preservation to flavoring. It is found in foods that you normally would not associate with high levels of salt, including canned soups and lunch meat.
When you eat too much salt, you put strain on your kidneys. The high level of sodium prevents your urine from properly absorbing calcium. In turn, the high urine calcium levels encourage the formation of stones in the kidneys.
To prevent kidney stones, you need to cut back on how much sodium you eat on a daily basis. Read food labels and opt for low-salt alternatives. This measure could save you from ever experiencing the pain that comes with passing a kidney stone.
Eat More Oxalate
Another tip to avoiding kidney stones is to eat foods that are high in oxalate. Oxalate-rich foods include:
- Spinach
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Beets
- Peanuts
- Rhubarb
- Sweet potatoes
- Soy
- Wheat bran
Oxalate facilitates the proper function of the kidneys and prevents your urine from becoming too high in calcium and sodium.
Lose Weight
Finally, you should lose weight if you are overweight and trying to reduce your risk of kidney stones. Obesity and kidney stones go hand-in-hand. People who are obese have a statistically higher chance of developing kidney stones than people who are within their normal weight ranges.
Further, obesity increases the risk of diabetes, which itself is a risk factor for the development of kidney stones. By losing weight and avoiding the onset of Type II diabetes, you in turn lower your risk of ever having a kidney stone. If you are not sure of how much you should weigh, you should ask your doctor and also inquire about weight loss tips.
Kidney stones are a painful urological condition that afflicts millions of people each year. People who have one kidney stone also have a higher chance of suffering another one at some point in their lives.