This is a quick story about my own personal battle with kidney stones, and I hope my story can lead you to what prevents kidney stones if you suffer from this painful condition.
I remember it like it was yesterday, but it was several years ago that I passed my first kidney stone. I imagine that my lifestyle was a carbon copy of lots of people. Poor diet, no exercise, and not enough water.
I, like many others had taken for granted the incredible body that I have and continuously misused it by feeding it fast food and drinking lots of soda.
What is a Kidney Stone anyway?
First of all, your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage on each side of the spine. They filter waste and extra water from the bloodstream to create urine. From the kidneys, urine then moves through two thin tubes called ureters into the bladder.
Kidney stones happen when minerals solidify in the kidney, break off, and attempts to pass out of the body. You may pass a kidney stone small enough that you do not even notice it.
The smaller the kidney stone, the more likely it will pass on its own. If it is smaller than 5 mm (1/5 inch), there is a 90% chance it will pass without your notice.
How Can You Get Rid Of Stones?
Unfortunately, kidney stones have to either pass on their own or get surgically removed. However, read on to find out what prevents kidney stones from ever happening.
The pain comes in when a large enough stone blocks the tubes necessary for urination.
This brings me to several years ago and my first time experiencing the ungodly pain. It happened at work of all places and I was not able to stand upright. I can remember being on the floor, on all fours groaning in pain.
My mother had to come get me from work and take me to the hospital. It felt like my side and lower back were just a tangle of muscles being pulled in every direction! I would not wish that pain on even my worst enemy!
How Can You Prevent Kidney Stones?
After the doctor examined me, he told me that there was nothing to do but wait for the stone to pass. I was left in agony for about an hour or so until I finally made it to the restroom and PAINFULLY passed the stone.
There are many ways to prevent kidney stones. Everyone has their own triggers, biological makeup and genes, so talk to your doctor if you need a more specialized plan.
For the most part, drinking water is probably the most natural way to prevent kidney stones. I also have a strict limit on soda intake.
Diet also plays an important role. Eating a lot of animal protein, sodium, and high-oxalate foods, such as chocolate or dark green vegetables, can boost the risk for kidney stones in some people.
Something that I think that everyone can benefit from is giving your body a break from your normal diet. Try doing a juice detox for a few days to give your kidneys a little bit of a break.
Some people may even adopt a keto lifestyle or go vegan in order to improve their entire well-being. Taking on a healthy lifestyle and adding exercise can greatly decrease your chances of developing kidney stones also.
I hope this article has given you ideas on what prevents kidney stones in the hopes that anyone can be spared the pain that I felt on that fateful day.
Remember to talk to your doctor and check out our overall health and wellness page for more ideas on improving your overall health.
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