The kidneys are essential organs for our body since they perform functions beyond the urine production that we excrete daily. They are small organs (about 18 cm long) that regulate the body’s blood pressure, produce red blood cells, purify the blood and regulate the body’s fluids to preserve or excrete the products of elimination: glucose, sodium, potassium and other substances to maintain the stability of the organism.
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How are kidney stones formed?
The kidneys are part of the urinary system along with the ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urine that forms in these organs is transported to the renal pelvis, passes to the ureters and bladder, where it is eliminated through the voluntary and conscious action of urination. This urine is composed of urea, sodium chloride, sulfates, phosphates, creatinine, ammonium salts, hippuric acid, uric acid and, when wastes are not properly disposed of, or there is not enough fluid in the blood, they accumulate and attach to the kidneys.
Those clusters are kidney stones, known colloquially as kidney stones: a solid mass composed of tiny crystals of calcium oxalate.
How to prevent them
- Drink enough fluids. In general it is recommended to drink about 13 cups of water a day for men and 9 for women. Drinks such as milk, tea or natural fruit juices also count, but natural water is the best way to keep the kidneys healthy and purify the body.
- Eat fruits and vegetables. A balanced diet provides 20% of the fluids your body needs; fruits such as watermelon, melon or oranges, and vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber or lettuce contain a lot of water, are rich in fiber and will help you purify waste.
- Lower the sodium. The chance of having kidney stones increases the more sodium you consume. Many canned and packaged foods contain a lot of sodium, a common salt component found in processed meats, sauces, spreadables, fast or instant foods, snacks, fried foods, among others.
- Limit certain beverages. Consuming caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee and some types of tea, as well as artificial juices, beer, wine and some types of alcohol increases the risk of kidney stones, so it is recommended to limit them and drink more natural water especially if you have already had stones.
- Exercise. While it is not a nutrition tip, exercise where the upper trunk moves helps mobilize the kidneys and favors the body purification through sweat.
Follow these simple tips to keep your kidneys healthy and, in general, to have good health. If you begin to feel the typical kidney stones pains (sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen, presence of blood in the urine, pain when urinating, inability to urinate or just excreting a small amount) go immediately to the specialist.
At New City Med you will find urologists in Tijuana experts to treat kidney stones and prevent their recurrence. Browse our website to find your doctor, and if you need more information write to us at the email info@newcitymed.com or call us at (+52) 664 231 78 88. We will gladly assist you.
