Kidney stones are common urinary tract disorders. They form in your kidneys when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances (such as calcium) than the fluid in your urine can dilute. It can be tricky dealing with kidney stones because they may not cause symptoms until they move around within your kidney. Or, when they pass into the area connecting the kidney and bladder. At this point, you may experience severe pain in your side and back accompanied by a number of other uncomfortable symptoms, such as blood in the urine, nausea that leads to vomiting, or pain during urination. This is when it’s time to see your doctor. Dr. Bruder with the Luzato Medical Group is the best urologist in NYC to help you deal with health concerns.
Types of kidney stones
Four major types of kidney stones can form in your urinary tract:
- Calcium. This is the most common type of stone. They occur in two major forms: calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in food. For example, some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate have high oxalate levels. Dietary factors, certain metabolic disorders, and high doses of vitamin D can increase calcium concentration in urine.
- Struvite. These stones are a result of kidney infections, such as a urinary tract infection. These stones can grow rapidly and become large, sometimes with minimal symptoms giving you little warning.
- Uric acid. Uric acid stones form when urine is persistently acidic. They can form in people who don’t drink sufficient fluids, or who lose too much fluid. They can also occur in people who eat a high-protein diet, as well as in people who have gout.
- Cysteine. Cysteine stones form in people who have a genetic disorder that causes over-excretion of a specific amino acid in the kidneys. Too much cysteine leaks through the kidneys and into the urine. It then forms crystals that accumulate into stones.
How diet affects the development of kidney stones
Whether or not diet affects a person developing kidney stones depends on if the person is susceptible to forming stones. If they are susceptible, then foods high in animal proteins and salt can increase the risk. However, if a person is not susceptible, then it is unlikely that diet will affect that risk. It’s important to also factor in genes, body weight, environment, and fluid intake regarding kidney stone formation. Drinking enough fluids every day is the best way to help prevent the majority of kidney stones. It’s recommended to drink two to three liters of fluids per day. And, people who specifically have cysteine stones, need to drink more than that amount. Water is best, but if you prefer more flavor in your fluid, then citrus drinks are another good choice. This is because citrus drinks, like lemonade and orange juice, contain citrate, which stops crystals from forming into stones. Furthermore, limiting your salt intake is smart because sodium causes the kidneys to excrete extra calcium into the urine. As a result, the high concentrations of calcium combine with oxalate and phosphorus to form stones. Try to avoid hot dogs, canned soups, luncheon meat, and fast food, as these foods are very high in sodium.
Don’t wait to make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Kidney stones can cause you a great deal of discomfort, so the earlier you treat them, the sooner you’ll feel better. Dr. Bruder, a board-certified urologist in NYC, and his team of medical professionals will help you treat kidney stones, as well as any other urological concern you may have. Call the Luzato Medical Group today to schedule an appointment at 1 (212) 661-7003.