Tips to prevent kidney stones

Have you or your loved one experienced the relentless pain from kidney stones? We are going to discuss how you can minimise your chance of getting unwell from it!
 
What is the odds of getting kidney stones?
Kidney stone disease is a crystal concentration formed usually within the kidneys. It is affecting 12% of the population globally, 1 in 11 in the US population, and occurs more often in males within the age range of 20-49 years old.(1) The crystal formation process is multifactorial and it is difficult to pinpoint what could be the main cause. To put it simply, crystallisation could occur when a solution contains more of dissolved minerals than could be dissolved by the solvent under normal circumstances.(1) Eg: Keep adding salt or sugar in to a solution, eventually the solution will be saturated and the salt or sugar will remain in solid form).
 
 
Why do chiropractors care about this?
Patient with kidney stone can show up to a chiropractic practice due to its symptoms, such as acute lower back pain, muscle spasm, nausea, vomiting and fever.(1)
 
We also do know that kidney stones have been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney diseases, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.(1) The symptoms of kidney stone may seem to be localised to a single origin, it is also suggested it could be a systemic disorder linked to metabolic syndrome.(1) Factors that could lead to the disease including climate, dietary, mineral composition, water intake and more.(1)
 
What can we do?
Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to help minimise your chances of getting kidney stones.
 

1. Drink plenty of water! Research suggested a minimum urine output of 2 litres daily.
2. Limit coffee and tea intake due to high oxalate content
3. Limit excessive intake of salt and animal proteins
4. Eat more chelating agents like citrate, fibre, and alkali foods
5. Exercise! The growing trend of kidney stone disease is believed to be associated with lack of physical activity
6. Consult your health care practitioner for medications that you are taking on a long-term basis

 
There is orthopaedic testing available to help diagnose kidney stone. If you have lower back pain or suspect you are at a higher risk of having kidney stone, talk to one of our chiropractors and see whether we can help manage your concern.
 

 
Bibliography

1.         Alelign T, Petros B. Kidney Stone Disease: An Update on Current Concepts. Advances in Urology. 2018;2018:3068365.