5 signs you have kidney stones

🩺 Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain, urinary problems, and sometimes complications if left untreated. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones can be made of calcium, uric acid, struvite, or cystine.

🔍 Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Common causes include:

Low water intake leading to dehydration
High sodium diet increasing calcium in urine
High protein diets that raise uric acid levels
Certain medical conditions such as gout and inflammatory bowel disease
Family history of kidney stones

⚠️ Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause intense discomfort, often described as one of the most severe pains a person can experience. Symptoms include:

Sharp pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
Pain radiating to the groin
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Frequent and painful urination

Learn more from NHS UK.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

Preventing kidney stones often comes down to lifestyle changes:

Stay hydrated – Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily
Reduce salt intake – Too much sodium can increase calcium buildup
Limit animal protein – Reduce red meat and high-purine foods
Eat calcium-rich foods – Paradoxically, low calcium intake may increase stone risk
Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity increases stone risk

Detailed prevention strategies at National Kidney Foundation.

🥦 Diet and Kidney Stones

The type of kidney stone you have will determine the best diet for prevention:

Calcium oxalate stones → Avoid excessive spinach, beets, and nuts
Uric acid stones → Limit red meat and shellfish
Struvite stones → Usually related to urinary tract infections, prevention focuses on treating infections
Cystine stones → Requires both hydration and specific medications

📌 Key Takeaway

Kidney stones are common but preventable. With proper hydration, dietary adjustments, and regular check-ups, you can significantly lower your risk. If you experience severe kidney pain or notice blood in your urine, seek medical help immediately.

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