Tips for avoiding the painful occurrence of kidney stones

Unless you have had a painful experience with a kidney stone, you most likely don’t think about them. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that can form inside your kidneys. Generally, urine contains many dissolved minerals and salts but it is only when these amounts are elevated that kidney stones form. Passing a kidney stone through the urinary tract is very painful but usually there is no permanent damage if it is addressed properly.

If you have had a kidney stone in the past or have a family history of kidney stones, your risk is greater of developing kidney stones. About half the people who have a kidney stone will have another within seven years unless preventative measures are taken. Having an unbalanced diet and being dehydrated can also increase risk. Being overweight also is a factor in developing kidney stones. Certain medical conditions like digestive diseases and urinary tract infections may increase risk. Suffering an infection or a disease that affects the normal digestive process may also lead to the development of kidney stones. The following are some ways you can reduce the risk:

Start with water – The best way to prevent kidney stones is to prevent the conditions that allow them to form. Remember that kidney stones form when certain chemicals become so concentrated in the kidneys that they form crystals, so the goal is to control these chemical levels. One way to do this is to drink enough water each day to dilute the substances that form the stones. A common goal is to drink about eight cups of water each day, which will flush out the kidneys. Adding in some citrus beverages like lemonade or orange juice is helpful since the citrate in these beverages help block the formation of kidney stones.

Watch sodium intake -A high level of sodium can significantly increase the amount of calcium in your urine, which can trigger kidney stones. The current guidelines for sodium intake is about 2,300 mg a day, but if you have had kidney stones in the past, the recommended amount is 1,500 mg. Controlling salt intake takes more attention than avoiding the salt shaker. Processed and packaged foods are major sources of sodium. A slice of pizza can have up to 760 mg of sodium and two slices of bologna can have 578 mg. Cutting back on sodium is also beneficial to your heart and blood pressure.

Focus on fruit and vegetables – Try to enjoy between five and nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day to add potassium, fiber and other substances that keep stones from forming.

Keep calcium in check – It is important to get the right amount of calcium in your diet. Too much or too little calcium can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Check with your doctor to determine the amount that is right for you. Be extra vigilant if you are taking calcium supplements since they have been linked to kidney stone formation.

Limit animal protein – Eating too much red meat, poultry, eggs or seafood can boost the level of uric acid in your urine and increase the risk of forming kidney stones. When you have a high level of protein in your diet, the amount of citrate in your urine is reduced. Citrate is a substance that helps prevent stones from forming. If you have had kidney stones in the past, try to limit your daily meat portion to a serving around the size of a deck of cards. Not only will this help prevent kidney stones, it will help keep your heart healthy. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables instead of steaks and burgers.

Healthy balance

When undergoing surgery, illness or other medical event, the delicate balance of the human body is often disturbed. Without realizing it, you may get dehydrated or have other issues that can allow kidney stones to form causing additional recovery challenges. One of the best ways to keep a healthy balance in your body is to recover in a short-term care facility where everything from your diet to your blood pressure is monitored during recovery.

Awarded with Medicare’s highest five-star rating, Glenview Terrace has earned an outstanding reputation for providing excellent care in elegant surroundings. With round-the-clock care, Glenview Terrace guests know that all their needs will be met as they arise. It is easier to focus on recovery when you are surrounded by experts who are being vigilant about all your needs from diet to exercise.

Glenview Terrace guests can be assured that pain and other symptoms can be managed quickly. Therapists work with guests one-on-one to get them up and moving at a pace that will move them safely and quickly toward recovery. Glenview Terrace also has fully- equipped gyms to assist guests in regaining strength, balance and flexibility.

All of this highly qualified care is delivered in an elegant setting featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy nutritious meals that are designed to enhance the healing process and maintain health. There are many opportunities for interaction with others during planned activities. Guests can also choose to relax in their rooms with an array of amenities like dozens of cable channels and movie options, concierge service and much more.

Team up with the experts at Glenview Terrace for the best recovery outcome possible. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.