Over 115 million people suffer from kidney stones every year. We knew that we had to combat this problem. But firstly, what exactly is a kidney stone and how does one know if they have a kidney stone?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallize and stick together, forming solid masses. The size of kidney stones can range from tiny grains to larger, more painful stones. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder.
Further divided into four types, the kidney stones are:
Calcium Stones: The most common type, usually formed from calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
Struvite Stones: Form in response to urinary tract infections. They can grow quickly and become large.
Uric Acid Stones: Occur when urine is too acidic. Uric acid stones can be caused by a high-protein diet.
Cystine Stones: Form in people with a hereditary disorder that causes their kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids.
Rush to your doctors if you experience any of these:
Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
Pain during urination
Pink, red, or brown urine (due to blood)
Urgency or frequency of urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea or vomiting
Fever and chills (if infection is present)
But why did it even happen in the first place?
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, which makes it easier for minerals to crystallize.
Diet: High intake of certain foods, like those rich in oxalate (spinach, nuts), salt, or animal proteins, can increase the risk of stone formation.
Genetics: Family history plays a role; some people are more predisposed to kidney stones.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, or obesity can increase your risk.
Certain Medications: Some medications, including diuretics, antacids, and calcium supplements, may contribute to stone formation.
Let’s ensure that you are never having a kidney stone!
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is the most effective way to prevent kidney stones. It dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones. Aim for 2 to 3 litres of water daily, or more if you live in a hot climate or exercise frequently.
Reduce Salt Intake: A high-sodium diet increases the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to calcium stones. Limit salt intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
Limit Foods High in Oxalates: Foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts are high in oxalates, which can bind with calcium in the urine and form stones. Pairing oxalate-rich foods with calcium-rich ones can help reduce the risk.
Consume Adequate Calcium: Getting enough calcium in your diet (from foods, not supplements) helps bind oxalates in the intestines and reduces their amount in the urine, lowering the risk of stone formation.
Limit Animal Proteins: Diets high in animal protein can increase the level of uric acid in the body, which can contribute to stone formation. Limiting red meat, eggs, and seafood can help.
Avoid Excessive Vitamin C Supplements: Large doses of Vitamin C can increase the production of oxalates, contributing to kidney stones.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and weight gain can increase the risk of kidney stones. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk
Drinking water consistently is crucial in preventing kidney stones. Proper hydration keeps urine dilute, reducing the risk of stone-forming substances crystallizing.
How will the Sipwise smart water bottle help in avoiding kidney stones?
Drinking reminders: Aim to drink at least 2-3 litres of water a day. But before your memory forgets to stay hydrated, let our smart bottle with audio, visual and vibration alerts do the weight-lifting for you.
Automatic hydration tracking: Light, pale-yellow urine generally indicates proper hydration, while dark-coloured urine suggests that you need to drink more water. If it’s a pain to regularly check on it, let the automatic hydration tracker keep a check. Now carry your water intake data in your pocket and have access to it whenever you want.
Drink Consistently Throughout the Day: Spread your water intake throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once. This helps keep your urine consistently diluted and keeps you away from kidney stones and other dehydration-related diseases.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are a painful and common condition, but you can significantly reduce your risk with proper hydration and lifestyle choices. Sipwise smart water bottles offer a convenient and effective way to stay hydrated and support kidney health. With features like automatic hydration tracking, drinking reminders, and a mobile app to review your hydration performance, Sipwise supports you in maintaining consistent hydration habits and avoiding kidney stones.
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