Kidney Stone Alert: The pain of kidney stones is such that even the bravest of men can scream! The remarkable thing is that this problem has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly among men. We often think that stones are formed by drinking less water or eating more salt, but the truth is something else. Some of your daily habits can also invite this painful guest. Let’s know the 7 reasons that will surprise you:
1. Starting the morning with ‘strong tea’ or ‘coffee’? Be careful!
Most of us want a sip of hot tea or coffee as soon as we wake up in the morning. But consuming them on an empty stomach is not suitable for your health. Tea and coffee, especially black tea, contain oxalates. When you consume oxalates on an empty stomach or in large quantities, they bind to calcium and form small crystals, which can later develop into stones. So, next time, before drinking morning tea, try drinking a glass of lukewarm water or eating something light. Your kidneys will bless you!
2. Unbalanced consumption of meat and eggs: Protein may become your enemy!
If you depend only on meat and eggs for building muscles or for energy, then this news is for you. Excessive consumption of animal protein can make your urine more acidic. This leads to the removal of calcium from the body, and the level of citrate decreases; however, citrate helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. Research indicates that animal protein is a significant contributor to the formation of kidney stones. So if you want to avoid stones, then include more plant-based proteins (such as pulses, beans, tofu) in your diet instead of meat and eggs. Cucumber and banana can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
3. Disturbing the timing of breakfast and meals: Heavy on metabolism!
If you are irregular in your eating and drinking habits, such as eating at any time or skipping meals, then be cautious. This increases the level of calcium in the urine at the end of the day. When the body does not receive regular nutrition, it begins breaking down muscle tissue for energy, which in turn increases uric acid levels. Studies have found that metabolic changes in the body resulting from irregular eating patterns can lead to the formation of stones. So, take every meal on time, from breakfast to lunch.
4. Drinking less water: Kidney drought!
Drinking less water when you’re not thirsty is a significant mistake. Drinking less water makes the urine thick, which increases the risk of calcium and oxalate present in it sticking together and forming stones. Research indicates that individuals with thin urine have a lower risk of developing stones. So drink plenty of water and sometimes add a few drops of lemon to the water. The citrate present in lemons helps prevent the process of stone formation.
5. Eating more spinach, nuts and beetroot: Healthy, but be careful!
Eating nutritious food is beneficial, but an excess of anything can be harmful. If you have been eating spinach, beetroot and nuts every day for years or in large quantities, then the risk of kidney stones can increase. According to studies, high-oxalate foods that do not contain calcium have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
6. The habit of holding urine for a long time: Invitation to internal problems!
Often, we hold urine during work or while travelling. This habit can cause the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, it is very important to pass urine by taking small breaks. Listen to your body and don’t let it wait too long.
7. Calcium medicines without prescription: Excess is harmful!
If you are taking more calcium supplements than needed without consulting a doctor, then it can increase the level of calcium in the urine. Especially when these medicines are taken without eating anything, they increase the risk of kidney stones. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
So you see, kidney stones are not just a result of fate or some eating habits. Your daily lifestyle also plays a big role in it. Pay attention to your habits and keep your kidneys healthy! Do you also have any of these habits?