Kidney stones are a common problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. They can be extremely painful, and they can even lead to serious health problems if they’re not treated.
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to get rid of kidney stones. Here are 10,000+ ways to do it:
- Drink plenty of water. Water is the best way to flush out kidney stones. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to prevent kidney stones. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to break up kidney stones and move them out of the body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce your risk of kidney stones.
- Seek medical treatment. If you have kidney stones that are causing severe pain or other symptoms, you may need to seek medical treatment. Your doctor may recommend medication, surgery, or other treatments to remove the stones.
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of kidney stones:
- Avoid taking supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D. These supplements can increase your risk of kidney stones.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. However, you should not take supplements that contain these nutrients unless your doctor recommends them.
- Take pain medication. If you are experiencing pain from kidney stones, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the discomfort.
- Apply a warm compress to your back. A warm compress can help to relieve pain and muscle spasms.
- See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you have kidney stones that are causing severe pain or other symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney Stones: What are the Symptoms?
Kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain in the back, side, or abdomen
- Pain that radiates to the groin or thigh
- Pain that comes and goes
- Pain that is worse when you move around
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Blood in the urine
*Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Kidney Stones: Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop kidney stones, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include people who:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a family history of kidney stones
- Take certain medications, such as diuretics or antacids
- Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Live in a hot climate
Kidney Stones: How are they Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose kidney stones based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may also order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
Kidney Stones: How are they Treated?
The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stones. Small stones may be able to pass through the urinary tract on their own. Larger stones may need to be treated with medication, surgery, or other procedures.
Kidney Stones: What are the Complications?
Kidney stones can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Infection
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- Kidney damage
- Kidney failure
Kidney Stones: How can they be Prevented?
There is no surefire way to prevent kidney stones, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Avoid taking supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet.
Kidney Stones: Additional Information
For more information on kidney stones, please visit the following websites:
- National Kidney Foundation
- Mayo Clinic
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| Food | Oxalate Content (mg/100g) | Recommended Daily Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | 987 | 100-200 mg |
| Beets | 111 | 200-300 mg |
| Swiss chard | 94 | 300-400 mg |
| Rhubarb | 87 | 400-500 mg |
| Celery | 83 | 500-600 mg |
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 1,000 mg | Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fortified foods |
| Vitamin D | 600 IU | Fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk |
| Potassium | 4,700 mg | Bananas, oranges, potatoes, avocados |
| Magnesium | 400 mg | Leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains |
| Citrate | 2,500 mg | Citrus fruits, berries, vegetables |
| Medication | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Tamsulosin (Flomax) | 0.4 mg once daily | Dizziness, headache, nausea |
| Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) | 10 mg once daily | Dizziness, headache, nausea |
| Silodosin (Rapaflo) | 8 mg once daily | Dizziness, headache, nausea |
| Terazosin (Hytrin) | 1-5 mg once daily | Dizziness, headache, nausea |
| Doxazosin (Cardura) | 1-8 mg once daily | Dizziness, headache, nausea |
| Procedure | Description | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Shock wave lithotripsy | Uses sound waves to break up kidney stones | Bruising, bleeding, pain |
| Ureteroscopy | Uses a thin scope to remove kidney stones | Infection, bleeding, damage to the ureter |
| Percutaneous nephrolithotomy | Uses a small incision to remove kidney stones | Bleeding, infection, damage to the kidney |
