Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They are a common condition, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Depending on the size and quantity of the stones, it can be extremely painful and may even require surgery for removal. However, an expert shared on social media three simple dietary steps that can help prevent kidney stones.
Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, general physician and neurologist, MD Medicine, DM Neurology from AIIMS Delhi, in her Instagram post shared three simple hacks to prevent kidney stones.
"Kidney stones are mostly calcium oxalate stones...As the name suggests, when the quantity of calcium and oxalate increases in the urine, they bind together and deposit in the form of stones," she said.
The hacks she suggested not only prevent the formation of stones, but also stop them from growing if they have already formed.
Three hacks to prevent kidney stones
1. Reduce salt and consume citrate-rich fruits and vegetables
Studies have found that keeping the daily intake of salt to less than five grams per day reduces the secretion of calcium in urine.
2. Reduce oxalate-rich foods intake
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Oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beetroot, sweet potato, and sweetened drinks should be reduced as they lower the oxalate content in the urine.
3. Drink at least 2.5 litres of water per day
The daily intake of water of an average adult (excluding kidney failure and heart disease patients) should be a minimum of two and a half litres every day.
“It has been proven in studies that keeping your water intake to two and a half litres a day has significantly reduced the risk of kidney stone formation,” stated Dr Sehrawat. “So water intake is of utmost importance. Most people are not able to hydrate themselves properly.”
