What Causes Kidney Stones, and How Can They Be Prevented? - #15329
I recently started experiencing severe lower back pain and difficulty urinating, and my doctor mentioned that it could be due to kidney stones. I always thought kidney stones were rare, but I was surprised to learn that they are quite common. What exactly causes kidney stones, and why do some people develop them more frequently than others? I read that kidney stones form when there is an excess buildup of minerals and salts, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, in the urine. But what are the different types of kidney stones, and how do they affect the body differently? One thing that concerns me is the pain associated with kidney stones. Many people describe it as one of the most painful experiences, especially when the stone is passing through the urinary tract. Are there any early warning signs of kidney stones, or do they only become noticeable when they start moving? What are the best natural ways to prevent kidney stones? I’ve heard that drinking plenty of water, reducing sodium intake, and consuming Ayurvedic herbs like Gokshura and Punarnava can help—do these actually work? If anyone has had kidney stones, what were the first symptoms, and how did you treat them? Did you need medical procedures, or were you able to pass the stone naturally?
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Doctors’ responses
Namaste, It sounds like you’re going through a tough time, and I completely understand how concerning severe back pain and difficulty urinating can be—especially with the possibility of kidney stones. Kidney stones are indeed more common than many realize, and they develop when there’s an excess of certain minerals and salts, like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, in the urine. Dehydration, high sodium intake, or even genetic factors can make some people more prone to these stones.
There are several types of kidney stones, each with different causes:
Calcium stones (most common): Often caused by high calcium or oxalate intake. Uric acid stones: More common in people with gout or those who consume a high-protein diet. Struvite stones: Often linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cystine stones: Rare and usually caused by genetic disorders. The pain associated with kidney stones—especially as they move through the urinary tract—can be incredibly intense. While some stones remain silent when they’re small, larger stones can cause severe back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, and frequent or painful urination as warning signs.
To prevent kidney stones naturally, staying hydrated is key—aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to dilute urine. Reducing sodium and animal protein in your diet can also help. Ayurvedic herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are known for their diuretic and kidney-cleansing properties, which may help reduce the risk of stone formation. Lemon juice (rich in citrate) is another simple home remedy that may prevent stone growth.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with kidney stones, treatment depends on the stone size. Small stones often pass naturally with hydration and pain management. However, larger stones may require lithotripsy (shock wave treatment) or ureteroscopy to break or remove the stone.
You’re not alone—many people have successfully managed kidney stones with a combination of natural remedies and medical treatments. If you have any more concerns or need further guidance on your next steps, I’m here to help!
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, build up in the urine and crystallize. The most common types of kidney stones include calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite stones, each causing different types of discomfort or complications depending on their composition. The pain associated with kidney stones is often intense, particularly when the stone moves through the urinary tract, and can cause symptoms like severe lower back pain, blood in urine, and difficulty urinating. Early warning signs may include pain in the back or side, changes in urination, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine. To prevent kidney stones naturally, drinking plenty of water is key to diluting urine and preventing crystal formation. Reducing sodium intake and avoiding excess oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) can also help. Ayurvedic herbs such as Gokshura and Punarnava are believed to support kidney health by promoting proper urinary flow and reducing excess heat or toxins in the body. These herbs can help maintain kidney function and reduce the likelihood of stone formation. If you have kidney stones, it’s important to stay hydrated, monitor your diet, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, as in some cases medical intervention may be needed to pass or remove the stones.
Kidney stones, yeah, can be surprisingly common and can feel pretty nasty when they hit. So, first off, you’re on point about the cause: kidney stones mostly form when there’s too much of certain minerals and salts, like calcium or oxalate, in your urine. They cluster together and form these little rock-like things. Uric acid stones show up when urine is too acidic, cystine stones are more genetic. Why some people get 'em more than others? That’s related a lot to genetics, diet habits, and sometimes other underlying conditions.
The pain, man, it’s no joke. Think of it like a tiny rock scraping down through narrow pathways. As for early warnings, you might notice mild discomfort or changes in pee color before the hellish stuff kicks in. But often, people don’t notice until they really start moving—ouch!
For prevention, drinking water is like your first defense. More H2O means less chance for minerals to build up. You’re right about sodium; too much can make you lose more calcium in your urine, increasing stone risk. Gokshura and Punarnava are big in Ayurveda for kidney care, said to support healthy urine flow and reduce stone risk, so they could be worth a try. Make sure you’re consistent, though, and check with a knowledgeable practitioner to get doses right.
Some folks do manage to pass stones naturally, especially the smaller ones—painful but doable. Hydration helps! Larger or stubborn stones might need medical help like shock wave lithotripsy, which breaks them down to exit easier.
Listen to your body and work with your doc. Ayurveda teaches us prevention is better than cure, so keep at it with preventive habits. Keep asking, learning, and adjusting till you find what truly works for you!
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