Kidney stones are a standard and painful incidence amongst individuals of all age teams. These are primarily laborious deposits, brought about on account of mineral and salt accumulation from urine contained in the kidneys. This could have an effect on completely different elements of the urinary tract – be it the kidneys or the bladder.

There are numerous indicators of kidney stones. If these will not be detected in time, they’ll trigger excruciating ache and discomfort. Typically, the stones could be handed by rising fluid consumption. However when they could find yourself getting caught within the urinary tract or trigger extra issues, medical doctors often counsel surgical procedure.

Dr Shakir Tabrez, Senior Marketing consultant – Urology, Uro-oncology, Andrology, Transplant and Robotic Surgical procedure, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Highway, Bengaluru, busts some widespread misconceptions about this well being subject.

5 myths round kidney stones

1. Fantasy: Proscribing calcium, like avoiding milk within the food regimen, will stop kidney stone formation

Truth: Dietary calcium consumption at regular ranges, is a protecting issue in opposition to kidney stone formation. Therefore, milk or milk product consumption,sparsely, is suggested. Proscribing calcium results in bone de-mineralisation and elevated oxalate absorption leading to stone formation.

2. Fantasy: Kidney stones at all times current with again ache

Truth: Kidney stones contained in the kidney are at all times nearly painless, until they impede the passage of urine by blocking the ureter and inflicting a
swelling of the kidney because of the again strain. That’s when most individuals complain of extreme ache with nausea or vomiting. Often, blood within the urine and burning within the urine are additionally signs.

Additionally learn: 7 way of life hacks to take care of wholesome kidneys

3. Fantasy: Barley water and cranberry juice will flush out kidney stones

Truth: Cranberry juice is suggested extra usually within the case of urinary tract infections as an assist to stop an infection. It doesn’t assist with stones. There isn’t any particular proof in direction of barley water for stone prevention or clearance. Intention to drink at the least 2.5 to three litres of fluids a day – no matter these fluids could also be – to maintain the kidneys flushed out and the focus of stone-forming salts decrease. The truth is, lemon juice and citrus drinks which comprise citrate, which might minimise stone formation, are suggested.

4. Fantasy: Medicines can dissolve most, if not all kidney stones

Truth: In a small proportion of sufferers, when the stones are composed of uric acid or cystine, medicines can be utilized to stop stones and in a lesser quantity – to dissolve stones. Most stones are shaped of calcium oxalate or phosphate and can’t be melted with treatment. If small, they are often flushed out and if bigger, they’d require intervention.

5. Fantasy: Sufferers with kidney stones mustn’t eat tomatoes.

Truth: Tomatoes could also be suggested in opposition to, if the potassium ranges are excessive within the blood. In any other case tomatoes and different seeded greens could be consumed in common portions. Fixed and regular consumption of fluids is vital to keep away from kidney stones.