Urinary tract stones are hard formations that appear in the kidneys or urinary tract. It is formed by the crystallization and accumulation of minerals and substances that cannot be excreted in the urine over time. Normally, there are some protective mechanisms that will prevent crystal formation in the urine. However, sometimes this protective mechanism may not work properly and stone formation may begin. One out of every 20 people will encounter the problem of kidney stones at some point in their life.
Kidney stone is an important disease that causes very painful and serious problems. The incidence in men is 2-3 times higher than in women. Stone disease is a disease with a very high recurrence rate. A person who has had the problem of stone formation in the urinary tract once in his life has a 15% probability of encountering the same problem again in 1 year; 40% in 5 years.
Factors affecting kidney stone development
Although there are many factors that play a role in stone formation, the exact cause is not known exactly. It has been determined that more than one factor will cause stone formation. Among these, genetic predisposition (having stones in the family), age, gender, insufficient fluid intake, diet, stress, climate and seasonal factors can be counted. The age group with the highest incidence of stone disease is 45-60 years old for both sexes. However, men between the ages of 30-60 are in the highest risk group. Those with a family history of kidney stones or bladder stones are in the high risk group.
Symptoms of kidney stone
Severe pain, bleeding in the urine or darkening of the urine color, infection, fever, difficulty urinating, increased urinary frequency, burning during urination may occur.
Treatment
Smaller kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract. Large stones should be treated with the most appropriate method. If the stones cause obstruction in the urinary tract, kidney functions may be impaired in the long term. 1. Medication (for pain relief) 2. Lithotripsy method (ESWL) 3. Closed and open way surgeries
Stone patients should pay attention to
Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day
Not being sedentary, exercising regularly if possible
Paying attention to nutrition according to stone type
Restriction of salt consumption and animal protein consumption
Preferring foods high in fiber
Avoiding stress and anxiety
Application of necessary treatment methods when needed
Nutrition in Stone Disease
Calcium stones (Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate)
Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day
Consumption of fibrous foods (fruits, vegetables)
lots of movement
Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) should be consumed in limited quantities.
Nuts, cocoa, sesame should be consumed in limited quantities
Limiting salt consumption
Limited consumption of animal protein
Do not overdo it in vitamin C
uric acid stones
Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day
Offal (kidney, liver) consumption should be limited
Poultry skin should be consumed in limited quantities.
lots of movement
