What causes kidney stones? The medical community have, as yet, no definitive answer. It is believed that disorders of the mineral, anatomical, functional and endocrinological systems as well as metabolic disturbances are involved. There is also evidence that the condition is an inherited one. Living conditions also play their part. Kidney Stone complaints are far more prevalent in hot and humid areas than in cooler climates. Kidney stones also seem to show up more in those with a sedentary life-style. Diet is also a contributing factor. Highly seasoned foods are likely to trigger the problem as are spicey curries. This can be seen by observing the incidence of kidney stones in Fiji. The native Fijians who eat mainly the bland native fare are practically kidney stone free. The Indian population who eat plenty of curries, however, have a high incidence of kidney stones.
Here’s what you can do to lessen the risk of kidney stones affecting you:
(1) Drink plenty of water, especially in humid climates. Try for 8 glasses per day.
(2) If you live a sedentary life-style, get some regular exercise. Start with walking around the block and build from there.
(3) Cut back on your intake of dairy products such as milk and cheese. Avoid spicey foods. Limit your intake of spicey foods and curries.
Specialists have had success in kidney stone preventative therapy with oral magnesium oxide, supplemented with vitamin B6. Of course such treatments would be done in conjunction with a physician skilled in such treatment. The use of phosphates and antibiotics should also be under medical supervision.
The advancements in medical technology have certainly made kidney stone treatment less stressful to treat. It is still, though, far better to never have the problem in the first place. And the single best thing to do to ensure this is to drink plenty of water. What could be easier?
