Kidney stones are normal, and more men than women will experience them somewhere in their lifetime. Those who have suffered kidney stones are likely to experience them again. Most people with kidney stones will experience pain and discomfort, mainly if they have grown in size. Nonetheless, you will have to pass them, and you have to be prepared for this process. Kidney stones form when minerals and chemicals inside the urine crystalize. Chemicals like uric acid and calcium in low quantities can be flushed out. You can try the following to pass your kidney stones with minimal discomfort.
- Staying hydratedÂ
 It is necessary to stay hydrated when you are trying to pass kidney stones. Regular hydration prevents mineral build-up and ensures your urethra stays clear of infections. Kidney stone doctors in Mumbai advise drinking around 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily to prevent developing kidney stones. It can translate to around 8-10 glasses of water.
If you live in a hot or dry region or engage in rigorous physical activity, you should drink more water to produce urine in sufficient volume. Light and clear urine is an indication that you are consuming adequate water.Â
- Eat diuretic foods
Increasing your intake of diuretic foods keeps your body hydrated as you eat. You can consider including beetroots, asparagus, celery, watermelon, cucumbers, and other diuretic foods.Â
- Eat calcium-rich foods and cut down on calcium supplements
Even though calcium contributes to kidney stones, calcium in foods may not affect your kidney stones. You can eat calcium-rich food unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Before you start taking calcium supplements, you need to consult your doctor. If the supplements expose you to risks, focus on eating foods rich in calcium. A low calcium diet can also contribute to kidney stone build-up. Dieticians at Nanavati Max Hospital will help you develop an eating plan to help you reduce the risks of kidney stones.
- Cut down on oxalate-rich foods
If your kidney stones are formed by calcium oxalate, your kidney stone doctor in Mumbai will ask you to avoid oxalate-rich foods. These foods include spinach, okra, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, black pepper, and chocolate. However, foods like chocolate and berries have moderate amounts of oxalate, meaning they are safe to consume.
- Minimize sodium intake
A diet with higher sodium amounts can increase the chances of kidney stones. Doctors suggest that people with kidney stones limit the amount of sodium intake to around 2,300 milligrams. If you have had kidney stones resulting from sodium, it should be reduced to 1,500 milligrams.
- Eat plenty of lemons
Lemons have citrate that binds with the calcium to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Adding 1-2 lemons to your water or drinking ½ a glass of concentrated lemon juice with water can minimize the chances of kidney stone formation. Citrate in lemons can also break small stones for easy passing. Taking lemon juice also has health benefits considering it supplies vitamin C and prevents bacteria growth. Take the advice of a doctor before you start binging on lemons.Â
- Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is excellent for dissolving kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar can also help manage the pain from kidney stones besides flushing out kidneys. Apple cider vinegar also has other health benefits when you use it. To pass your kidney stones, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. You can drink this mixture throughout the day to pass your kidney stones. However, if apple cider vinegar is consumed in larger amounts, it can lower potassium levels. Again, while this helps, do keep it in moderation and consult your doctor for the right dose.Â
When should you see a doctor?
Unfortunately, you cannot pass all kidney stones naturally. Smaller stones around 5mm can easily pass through the urethra. They can be expelled quickly when urinating but will cause discomfort if you pass them regularly. You should consult a urologist when your kidney stones are too large to be passed through urine.Â
Kidney stones bigger than 5mm cannot travel through the urethra and will need a kidney stone doctor in Mumbai to help. Some procedures to remove overgrown kidney stones include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureterostomy with laser lithotripsy. Before the procedure, your urologist will test to check the sizes of the stones.
Experiencing kidney stones will be different whether you have been there before or it is your first time. Some stones can pass naturally through the urethra, while some might need surgical procedures to remove them. Unfortunately, once you get kidney stones, the chance of recurrence is high. Schedule a visit to your urologist if you are experiencing too much pain.
