HEALTH SPECIAL...... How to prevent kidney stones

How to prevent kidney stones

Passing a kidney stone is one of the most painful things you can do — apart from childbirth. Now a new study published this week in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that they’re becoming more common. Part of the increase is down to the way doctors monitor stones — they used a CT scan rarely before, but the rise in the technology meant they found the stones easier. It’s not all down to the tests though. Kidney stones can develop in anyone — and in one or both kidneys, but what actually causes them? They’re quite common, with about three in 20 men and up to two in 20 women developing them at some point. Most often people aged 30 to 60 are affected by them.

Symptoms

Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, cause severe pain, also known as renal colic. Small stones can go undetected — but they can be passed out when you wee, according to the NHS . It’s common for a stone to block part of the urinary system. If you’re suffering from a blockage you’ll have severe pain in the abdomen or groin — it can sometimes cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). Half the people who have had kidney stones will experience them again within five years of having them.

Look out for...

Aches in your lower back, sometimes in the groin — men can have a pain in their testicles and scrotum Periods of intense pain in the back or side of your abdomen Feeling restless Nausea Needing to urinate more Pain when you urinate Blood in your urine

What causes kidney stones?

Waste products in the blood can occasionally form crystals that collect inside the kidney. Over time they build up and form hard stonelike lumps. If you don’t drink enough fluids it’s more likely to happen. If you’re taking some types of medication or if you have a condition that raises levels of certain substances in your urine it can also raise the risk. The rise in kidney stones — mostly calcium stones — is down to a change in diet. Stones are helped along by diets high in fat, sugar and salt. Race played a factor in the findings. Nearly 90 per cent of kidney stones happen in white people.

What to watch out for...

Calcium Ammonia Uric acid — a waste product produced when the body breaks down food to use as energy Cysteine — an amino acid that helps to build protein.

You are at risk if you...

Eat a high-protein, low-fibre diet Have a family history of kidney stones Have had several kidney or urinary infections Have only one working kidney Have had an intestinal bypass.

Medication that makes it more likely

Aspirin Antacids Diuretics (used to reduce fluid build-up) Certain antibiotics, Certain antiretroviral medication (used to treat HIV), Certain anti-epileptic medication

How to get rid of them

Smaller stones will pass when you go to the toilet in your urine. Larger stones may need breaking up. Doctors use an ultrasound or laser energy to do this, but sometimes keyhole surgery is needed to remove the large stones.

Eating right

If your stone is caused by too much calcium you need to reduce the amount of oxalates in your diet. They prevent calcium being absorbed into your body.

Foods that contain oxalates are:

Leek Beetroot, Chocolate Berries, Celery, Parsley, Asparagus, Almonds, peanuts, and cashew nuts, Soy products, Grains-such as oatmeal, wheat germ and whole-wheat

— Daily Mirror