Urolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones develop in a person’s body when there is a collection of materials—such as minerals—to a small stone. These stones are commonly found in the kidney, but there are also those that stay in the ureter or in the bladder. Also called “nephrolithiasis,” by physicians, kidney stones can cause  pain to an individual when it blocks the urine flow. When this is not diagnosed and given proper treatment as soon as possible, it can cause several kidney problems that can last for a long time.

Indeed, one of the most effectiveness means of treating kidney stones is through prevention. Unlike severe diseases and illnesses, kidney stones can easily be prevented if the person will set his or her mind into healthy lifestyle.

Studies show that among the primary causes of kidney stones—aside from clinical history, hereditary factor, and medical condition of a person—is unhealthy lifestyle. This is by living a sedentary life with no regular physical exercise or routine and by eating foods that are not friendly to the kidney.

In order to prevent kidney stones, here are some of the things that people can do once they set their minds into it:

1. Taking in lots of fluid, specifically water. Experts agree that the best way to prevent kidney stones is by flushing it out from the system. And what’s the best way to do it? By drinking a large amount of liquids, especially water which is free from major impurities. Taking in lots of water everyday—at least 8 glasses or more—will flush out waste products in the body and can help dilute the minerals or other stone-forming materials such as salts present in the person’s urine. For those who are already suffering from kidney stones or those that are prone to it, experts say that they should avoid drinking liquids with other components such as sodas and other juices to avoid the fast formation of kidney stones.

2. Certain modifications in diet. Undeniably, diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health. Keeping the body free from kidney stones will greatly depend on how balanced the diet of that person would be. Majority of kidney stone-sufferers today share the same type of stone—the calcium oxalate stone.

As the name suggests, this type of stone can only be developed with too many calcium intakes. Experts say that for people to veer away from kidney stones, they should cut down on foods that are high in calcium and oxalate such as dairy products including leafy vegetables, soda-colas, cranberries, chocolates, and peanuts. These foods—if cannot be totally slashed out from the diet—should be consumed in moderation because these would only make the formation of kidney stones faster.

To avoid another type of stone—the uric acid stone—people should cut down on foods that have high animal protein content such as poultry and red wine because these have high purines content. To avoid developing stones made of salts, people should also avoid meals that have high sodium content. People should focus on eating foods that are high in fiber and should also increase their citric acid or vitamin C intake. By doing this, you can dissolve  your kidney stones  in no time due to the citric properties of citrus.

3. Taking in proper medication. In severe cases of kidney stones, proper medication would help such as thiazide, sodium cellulose phosphate, oral calcium supplement, allopurinol, polycitra K, thiol, D-penicil-lamine, Acetohy-droxamic acid or AHA, and toradol to help relieve kidney pain and reduce the amount of stone-forming materials in the body.

If you are Caucasian, have a history of high blood pressure, have a family history of the development of these stones, or if you live in a hot climate, you are at an even higher risk. Even though most people are familiar with the concept, very few people are aware of what they are actually made up of. Read on to find out what exactly makes up these jagged little shards.

Calcium – Most of the mass of the kidney stone is made up of calcium. One of the byproducts of normal bodily functions is a compound known as calcium oxalate, and this compound builds up and solidifies into the stone itself. To a lesser degree, they may also contain calcium phosphate, though this tends to be a side effect of certain medical problems.

Uric Acid – Uric acid makes up about ten percent of kidney stones. Certain metabolic disorders can throw off the pH balance of the urine, and it is this imbalance that provides the conditions in which kidney stones can develop. If the urine is particularly acidic, uric acid steadily builds up and compacts into stones.

Struvite- Struvite is a somewhat less common component of kidney stones. It is made up of three different components: phosphate, magnesium, and ammonium. When you have a urinary tract infection, the buildup of bacteria breaks down the urea into ammonia, which joins with the other two components to form struvite.

While kidney stones can be prevented to some degree through a series of lifestyle and dietary changes, there is no way of guaranteeing that they will not develop. If you suspect that you are developing one, visit your doctor to ensure that you do not suffer any complications and that it does not need to be surgically removed.

Source: http://www.question-me.com