Kidney Stone Recurrence: Causes and Tips to Prevent

 A kidney stone is a solid object that enters the kidney from the ureter and travels through the urinary system. It is created from uric acid, a waste product that is often expelled with urine. High oxalate and calcium levels in the urine cause the most common kind of kidney stones. Stones are created when these minerals crystallize and unite. Treatment for kidney stones frequently starts with figuring out the cause.

This article will explore the types of kidney stones, the reasons behind the recurrence of stones, and tips for preventing the formation of stones. To enrich this post, we have gathered information from Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist well known for offering affordable kidney stone surgery cost in Delhi. Continue reading to learn.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are two different types of kidney stones: calcium-rich and uric acid-rich stones, also referred to as calcium oxalate stones and uric acid stones, respectively.

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones, which make up about 80% of kidney stones, are frequently linked to dehydration. Furthermore, a diet high in sugar, salt, protein, and oxalate can increase the risk of kidney stones caused by calcium oxalate. The development of calcium oxalate kidney stones may also be facilitated by specific underlying medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or hyperparathyroidism.

2. Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones, which make up 15% of all kidney stones, are mostly brought on by an overabundance of uric acid production.  Kidney stones caused by uric acid can also result from inadequate consumption of potassium and magnesium. Uric acid stone development is further increased by certain underlying medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

What are the Chances of Kidney Stone Recurrence?

Because there is a 7% annual chance of recurrence, there is a 35% chance that the stone will reform after five years and a greater than 50% chance after ten years. In addition to removing the stone surgically or endoscopically, urolithiasis treatment prevents new stone formation. A crucial part of this is managing the diet for renal calculi since dietary adjustments and lifestyle adjustments can greatly lower the risk of recurrence.

What Leads to the Formation of Kidney Stones Repeatedly? 

Many people experience kidney stone recurrence even after receiving treatment. Within 20 to 25 years after receiving treatment for kidney stones, over 90% of patients experience another stone. There could be various reasons behind it. 

Residual crystals can facilitate kidney stone recurrence from inadequate treatment. The reformation of stones can occur as a result of neglecting to implement essential lifestyle modifications, such as better eating habits, drinking enough water, and treating metabolic abnormalities. A genetic predisposition to recurrence may exist in those with a family history of kidney stones. 

Recurrent kidney stones can largely be avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding processed foods and added sugars, and exercising regularly.

Tips to Prevent Kidney Stone Formation

Experts like Dr. Niren Rao, renowned as the best urologist in Delhi, have suggested the following lifestyle habits one should follow to prevent the formation of kidney stones:

1. Avoid Vitamin D Supplements

Kidney stone formation may be exacerbated by excess vitamin D intake, particularly in the absence of sufficient sun exposure. People with a history of kidney stones ought to be cautious and avoid vitamin D supplements.

2. Consume Salt Alternatives

• Freshly ground black pepper and powdered mustard
• Vinegar, lime juice, and lemon juice
• A small pinch of either chopped fresh or dried herbs
• Fresh ginger, spring onions, garlic, curry, and chilli

3. Limit Oxalate-Rich Foods

Urine oxalate levels can be lowered by consuming less oxalate in your diet. Limit the intake of:

• Celery, leeks, eggplant, silverbeet, beetroot, spinach, and raspberries
• Peanut paste and nuts
• Orange juice, chocolate, and strong black tea
• Grains of wheat and wheat bran
• Dried figs and berries (strawberries, blackberries, etc.)

4. Consume Adequate Fluid Intake

• Consume more liquids, mainly water.
• Drink 12 cups or 3 liters of liquid daily, of which at least half should be water.
• Consume one cup (250 ml) of liquid every hour, and right before bed, sip a large glass of water.
• Avoid strong black tea and orange juice due to their high oxalate content.
• One useful source of citrate that helps prevent stone formation is lemon juice. Drink 100 ml of lemon juice (it can be added to water) every day.

Daily Nutritional Guidelines for Kidney Stone Patients

1. Choose to eat small, frequent meals all day long.
2. Improve the protein quality by making dishes like khichdi, dal, and payasam, which are cereals, pulses, and milk mixtures.
3. Avoid taking high-dose vitamin C supplements and too much calcium.
4. Use whole spices, fresh herbs, and a few drops of lemon juice in place of salt when cooking to enhance flavor.
5. Label a bottle with the required amount of water to track how much you drink daily.
6. For relief from extreme thirst and dry mouth, one can also rinse their mouth with water or suck on ice cubes.
7. Chewing sugar-free gum can aid in reducing thirst, particularly in diabetics.
8. Steer clear of spicy food, as it may make you more thirsty.
9. Avoid commercial soups and canned goods because they frequently have high sodium content, which increases thirst.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are solid objects accumulating in the kidney, leading to severe pain and other medical issues. Therefore, treating them on time is very important to avoid further complications. However, a kidney stone, once treated, can recur in various patients. Maintaining a healthy diet and following certain lifestyle changes is crucial to preventing kidney stones from developing again. 

If one is looking for a facility to get treatment for kidney stones, one may visit Delhi Urology Hospital. Dr. Niren Rao, an expert urologist, owns the leading facility. The hospital is equipped with the newest medical technology to treat this illness. The surgery cost at this hospital ranges between Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 60,000. To avail of the benefits, book a consultation now at Delhi Urology Hospital!