Since kidney stones can be passed naturally, in some cases without the need of kidney stone surgery, a lot of advice floats around the internet about magic solutions for kidney stones. Most of this advice comes from home remedies that are expected to offer remarkable results and help you pass all your kidney stones in a ridiculously low amount of time. As kidney stones are painful, these home remedies and kidney stone treatment options attract a lot of attention, but sadly, they are highly ineffective. 

To help you sift through the noise, let’s take a closer look at the different myths and facts about kidney stones. This will help you make the right choice in following advice that is actually helpful to you for your kidney stones. We will also be touching upon common myths like the spinach kidney stones myth to understand where these advice are wrong and harmful for patients.

So, without any delay, let’s get started debunking kidney stone myths.

6 of The Most Common Kidney Stone Myths & Their True Facts

• Myth #1 All Kidney Stones Cause Severe Pain

This is a myth, the fact is, kidney stones that cause blockages in your urinary tract are the ones that cause significant symptoms like pain and discomfort. These stones can even be small and cause pain before they are passed through your urinary tract. The size of the kidney stone is not the only deciding factor on whether they will cause pain or not. Generally, larger stones are the ones that cause the most disruptive symptoms and that’s why this myth gained popularity. In some cases, kidney stones are small and can be passed down your urinary tract without any disruptive symptoms. Larger stones, however, may require a kidney stone surgery for treatment.

• Myth #2 Women Don’t Get Kidney Stones

Women can get kidney stones. They just have a lower risk factor compared to men. Even though the likelihood is lower, it doesn’t discount the fact that dehydration, obesity, and underlying health conditions can increase the risk of kidney stones in women. In fact, these are the leading causes of kidney stones in both men and women. So, make sure you are aware of the fact and pay attention to your health and hydration levels regardless if you are a man or a woman.

• Myth #3 Kidney Stones Can Only Affect Older Adults

Older adults are the most likely to get kidney stones but anyone can get them if you don’t take care of your health. Kidney stones are caused mainly due to dehydration. Anybody that is repeatedly dehydrated can get kidney stones, including children. Additionally, some people are just more predisposed to getting kidney stones due to family history and certain underlying health conditions. So, if you have a family history of kidney stones, you must take special care of your health and ensure adequate hydration at all times to prevent kidney stones.

• Myth #4 Hydration & Kidney Stones Aren’t Related

This is a myth. Hydration is arguably the most important thing related to kidney stones. The lack of hydration or dehydration as it is commonly known, is the leading cause of kidney stones among people of all ages. So, staying hydrated regularly is the best way to prevent kidney stones and it is also a great way to help your body pass the stones if you already have them. Drinking plenty of water helps move the kidney stones through the urinary tract and expel them from your body through urine. So, please be aware of this fact and make sure you don’t dehydrate yourself, especially in winters as it can increase your risk of kidney stones.

• Myth #5 Drinking Milk Can Cause Kidney Stones

Drinking milk will not increase your risk of kidney stones. In fact, having an inadequate intake of dietary calcium can increase your risk of kidney stones. Dietary sources of calcium like milk cannot increase your risk of kidney stones. However, drinking too much milk or dairy products that contain calcium can have other health risks. You must maintain a balanced diet at all times to make sure your body has the required nutrients in the right amounts to maintain a healthy life. This myth stems from the fact that calcium is a common compound found in kidney stones. However, the dietary intake of calcium from sources like milk doesn’t contribute to the risk of kidney stones.

• Myth #6 Kidney Stones Can Only Occur in Kidneys

This may come as a shocker, but kidney stones can occur in any part of the urinary tract. They don't need to be located only inside your kidneys. In some cases, kidney stones can leave the kidneys and get lodged in other parts of your urinary tract. Some of the most common areas apart from the kidneys where kidney stones can be found include the urethra, ureter, and bladder. These stones can also vary in size and can even grow larger if you don’t treat the underlying cause.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common myths and facts about kidney stones. As mentioned earlier, kidney stones can be passed naturally, but the process is slow and painful. It is important to note try too many home remedies and treatment options that you find on the internet as they can negatively affect your health rather than helping with your kidney stones. For any kidney stone-related queries or treatment, feel free to visit MASSH. We specialize in kidney stone treatment and can offer you noninvasive and minimally invasive treatment options for kidney stones that are effective and helpful for kidney stones of all sizes. Check out our website or visit us today to avail our world-class medical services.