From Kidney Stones to Kidney Disease: Risks & Prevention Tips

Kidney disease can result from a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and genetic conditions. However, one of the main risk factors often overlooked is kidney stones. When kidney stones are ignored, they can cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to increased pressure within the kidneys. Over time, this pressure can damage kidney tissue, impairing its function and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease. Early detection and treatment of kidney stones are crucial to prevent long-term kidney damage. Regular hydration and monitoring for stone formation can help reduce the risk.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.

Kidney Stone symptoms

• The sharp, severe pain can be felt in the side and back just below the ribs somewhere in there.
• Pain radiates to the lower abdomen and up into the groin.
• The pain comes with waves of intense sensation and decreased intensity.
• Sharp, burning pain while urinating.

Some associated Kidney stone signs and symptoms include:

• Pink, red, or brownish urine.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
• Constant urge to urinate, urinating more frequently than normal, or urinating small amounts.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills with infection.
• Pain due to kidney stones may shift to different locations or gain in intensity as the stone travels through your urinary tract.

Let's understand the risk factors for kidney disease

Understanding the risk factors for kidney disease is essential for early detection and prevention. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney issues can significantly increase the likelihood of developing kidney disease.

Find out about diabetes, high blood-pressure diseases, and other health conditions that raise your chance of getting kidney disease and kidney failure.

Risk factors are things that increase your chance of having a condition, such as kidney disease. Having one of these factors does not mean that you will get kidney disease. If you do, however, the earlier you detect and treat it, the better your chances are to stop the progression.

Kidney diseases are open to everyone, but with risk factors, some will have a higher probability. High blood sugar is the primary key risk factor for kidney disease in Delhi . If you have any of these risk factors, ask your doctor how often they should check how well your kidneys are working and look for signs of kidney disease.

* Diabetes:

Diabetes is the leading risk factor for kidney disease and most commonly causes kidney failure. High sugar levels from diabetes damage the kidneys and impair their ability to remove waste and fluid from the blood. This gradual progress makes it a kidney-damaging disease. If you have diabetes, eating healthily, engaging in physical activity, and taking medications could slow or prevent a gradual worsening of your kidney condition. 

* High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is another leading factor with respect to kidney disease and the second most common cause of failure after diabetes. Blood pressure with high force can injure the small blood vessels found in the kidneys. Moreover, high blood pressure may itself be a symptom of kidney disease. Hence, if you manage to keep high blood pressure under control, it will help a lot in preventing kidney disease or slow down its worsening.

* Race, Ethnicity, and Kidney Disease:

People who are African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, or Asian American have higher chances of kidney disease and kidney failure. There is no exact reason as to why doctors and researchers think, but diabetes and high blood pressure are perhaps more common in these groups.

* Family History:

Kidney disease runs in the family. You may be at risk for developing kidney disease if you have a close relative with kidney disease. Diabetes or high blood pressure history runs in your family. Special consideration should be given to people with close relatives (parents, grandparents, or siblings) who were diagnosed with any of these disorders. Diabetes and hypertension rank principal in causing kidney diseases.

* Heart Disease:

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is an increased risk of heart disease. CKD can induce heart disease, and heart disease can induce CKD. Indeed, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in dialysis patients. Anything we can do to circumvent heart disease will require an effective approach toward recognition and treatment of disorders that fall in the risk categories: diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia. 

* Obesity:

Obesity is defined as a body mass index above 30. Being overweight means a body mass index between 25 and 29.9. The association between these two unhealthy conditions and possible disease with kidney damage is sometimes not considered.

* Tobacco - Smoking and Chewing Tobacco:

This includes the consumption of tobacco in either smell or chew, which inconveniences by gradually increasing blood pressure, ultimately leading to kidney failure. If you already have some renal disease, then tobacco increases the speed at which kidney disease will worsen over time. It's quite destructive, since it also causes several other diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. For sure quitting will decrease chances of getting kidney disease or will also prevent kidney disease from worsening.

Follow a daily diet Plan to Prevent Kidney Stones

General Remarks.

Avoiding vitamin C supplements: High doses of vitamin C supplements might lead to calcium oxalate kidney stones due to the presence of oxalates. Some studies even suggest a possible risk for normal people who otherwise are not prone to kidney stones, for oxalate is a by-product of vitamin C degradation.

Avoiding vitamin D supplements: Excessive doses of vitamin D, particularly in deficiency of natural sunlight, give rise to kidney stones. Those with a history of kidney stone formation should be prudent about taking vitamin D supplements.

Limit salt intake: Salt (sodium) increases urine calcium excretion, so keep intake to less than 2300 mg/day.

For cutting back on sodium/salt: Buy "low salt" and "no added salt" options with sodium less than 150 mg/serving. Be aware some "reduced salt" products can still be high in sodium.

• Do not add salt while cooking or at the table.
• Alternatives to salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper and dry mustard powder.
• Lemon juice, lime juice, and vinegar.
• A sprinkle of dried herbs or finely chopped fresh herbs.
• Garlic, curry, chili, onion, fresh ginger, spring onions.
• Limiting foods high in oxalates

Limiting dietary oxalate helps reduce urine oxalate levels. Limit intake of the following:

• Rhubarbs, spinach, silver beet, beetroot, eggplant, sweet potato, and celery.
• Nuts and peanut paste. Strong black tea, orange juice, and chocolate.
• Wheat bran and wheat germ.
• Berries (e.g., strawberry, blackberry) and dried figs.
• Ensuring adequate fluid intake

Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Failure to drink enough water could lead to gastric problems and constipation. 

• Consume at least 3 litres or 12 cups of fluid each day, half or more being water (soda, mineral, spring, or plain tap water). Take a cup of fluid (250ml) each hour while awake, and down a large glass of water before bed. Drink more water if you wake at night. 
• Fluid intake should be spaced evenly throughout the day. Strong black tea and orange juice could add to your oxalate load. 
• In order to avoid weight gain, refrain from drinking grapefruit juice, cranberry juice (more than 500ml/day), and soft drinks; instead, choose diet or low-joule drinks. 

Citrates from Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is a good source of citrate, which prevents the formation of stones. Aim to take 100 ml of lemon juice daily, diluted in water.

Ensuring Adequate Calcium Intake:

Dietary calcium is important to maintain strong bones and teeth. Incorporate two to three servings from the list below each day:

• 250 ml milk (trim, skim, full cream, calcium-fortified soy milk).
• 200 ml of high-calcium milk (ie Physical 200g yoghurt).
• 40 g cheese (2 slices) or 3 scoops of ice cream. 

Foods to include or eat on a daily diet plan

• Grains: rice, wheat, maize, bread, barley, jowar, rice flakes, puffed rice, cornflakes.
• Legumes: red gram dal, black gram dal, green gram dal, Bengal gram dal, peas, and soya beans.
• Fruits and vegetables: Both low-potassium and medium-potassium fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kidney disease is a serious condition that can be triggered by various risk factors, with kidney stones being one of the most significant contributors. Early detection, treatment, and preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, managing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are crucial in safeguarding your kidneys health. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can reduce the chances of developing kidney disease and ensure better kidney function.

Kidney disease can be avoided with lifestyle changes and early detection. With knowledge of risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle choices, you can protect your kidneys and enjoy a longer and healthier life. If you are at high risk, contact MASSH Hospital and discuss a useful program tailored to your needs. 

Begin today to prioritize your kidney health, and your future self will be grateful!

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