What Are Kidney Stones? Know Causes, Ways To Prevent Them, And Tips To Keep Kidneys Healthy

Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain when they move through the urinary tract, leading to complications such as urinary tract infections and blockages.

All You Need To Know About Kidney Stones (Representational Image)

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Kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis are solid deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys. These stones can vary in size and composition, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain when they move through the urinary tract, leading to complications such as urinary tract infections and blockages.

Causes Of Kidney Stones:

Dr. Mickey Mehta listed some of te common causes of kidney stones and its preventive measures:

• Dehydration: One of the primary causes that increase the risk of kidney stones is dehydration. Insufficient fluid intake leads to concentrated urine, which increases the chances of mineral crystallization. 
• Diet: Certain dietary habits and food intake can also contribute to kidney stone formation. 
• Genetics: Genetics also play a role in kidney stone formation. 
• Medications: Certain medical conditions increase the risk of kidney stone formation. 
• Lifestyle: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Excess body weight leads to metabolic changes that can cause stone formation.Physical inactivity and staying dehydrated may impair urinary function. 

6 Exercises That Help Regulate The Pain Of Kidney Stones 

Kidney stones can cause considerable discomfort. But, it is observed that practicing yoga poses regularly can provide support in managing the condition. After the pain has passed, the following yoga poses, as suggested by Dr Hansaji Yogendera, should be practiced to prevent kidney stone recurrence:

Yashtikasana 

• Lie flat on your back and stretch your arms above your head.
• Simultaneously, point your toes away from your body.
• Hold the posture feeling the stretch along your entire body.

Benefits: Stretches the body, promoting blood circulation and aiding in the elimination of toxins, thus supporting kidney health.

Shalabhasana 

• Lie on your abdomen with your chin resting on the mat.
• Raise your right leg without lifting your hips.
• Keep your left leg firmly grounded.
• Maintain the pose, then lower your leg.
• Repeat with the left leg.
• Finally, raise both legs simultaneously.

Benefits: Enhances kidney blood circulation and preventing mineral deposit formation. 

Ushtrasana 

• Begin in a kneeling position on a mat with toes curled in.
• Slowly lean backward, extending your arms behind you.
• Place your palms on the ground.
• Lift your pelvis, and push your body above the waist, outward, and upward.
• Allow your neck to gently fall backward.
• Maintain the posture and then return to the kneeling position.

Benefits: Stretches the abdominal region, stimulates the kidneys, improving function and aiding in the passage of small kidney stones.

Ardhamatsyendrasana 

• Fold your left leg, pressing the heel toward the perineum.
• Pull your right leg up, interlocking it against the left leg with the right heel to the left of the left knee.
• Twist the trunk slightly to the right, allowing the left hand to hold the right ankle. 
• Swing the right hand towards the left thigh from behind the back, palm facing outward. Turn your neck towards the right shoulder.
• Maintain the posture for a few seconds. Then return to the starting position.
• Repeat the above steps for the left twist.

Benefits: Expels waste materials and prevents toxin accumulation.

Supta Vakrasana 

• Lie on your back with arms outstretched to the sides, forming a T shape with your body.
• Bend your knees and lower both knees to the right side.
• Turn your head to the left.
• Hold the position and then return to the center.
• Repeat on the opposite side.

Benefits: Massages abdominal organs, promotes detoxification and helps prevent kidney stone formation.

Shavasana 

• Lie flat on your back with your legs apart and arms relaxed.
• Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths.
• Focus on releasing tension from each part of your body.
• Remain in this pose allowing your mind and body to unwind completely.

Benefits: Induces deep relaxation, helps alleviate kidney stone-related discomfort.

Preventive Measures For Kidney Health

Our kidneys are silent powerhouses that tirelessly paint to clear out waste, trade blood stress, and supply critical hormones. Unfortunately, they may be liable to damage. With a few simple strategies you can extensively improve the fitness of your kidneys and preserve them functioning optimally for decades.

Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder and Chairman of Dr. Batra’s Group of Companies listed the following preventive measures for kidneys

1. Diet: Supplement your body with a balanced, kidney-friendly diet. Here's what to prioritise:

• Fruits and greens: Fill your plate with a rainbow of those antioxidant and fiber-wealthy powerhouses.
• Whole grains: Choose brown rice, quinoa, and complete grain bread to keep your blood sugar high and decrease strain on your kidneys.
• Lean protein: Choose protein assets that consist of fish and legumes, which may be lower in saturated fat and phosphorus.
• Healthy fat: For heart and kidney health, include the proper fat in your weight loss program, which includes olive oil and avocados.
• Clean up your salt: Excessive sodium intake can cause blood stress and stress on the kidneys. When cooking, restrict processed components and bring salt.

2. Hydration: Aim for 8 glasses an afternoon to flush out pollutants and maintain your frame easily.

3. Manage blood stress: High blood pressure is the primary reason for kidney sickness. Get your blood kind checked often and paintings along with your medical doctor to hold it underneath and manage with way-of-life adjustments.

4. Blood sugar boss: Uncontrolled diabetes can significantly damage your kidneys. If you have diabetes, prioritise low blood sugar with food regimen and workout.

5. Move your body: Regular exercise manipulates blood strain, blood sugar and weight, all of which contribute to kidney health. Aim for at least half of an hour of mild depth workout no greater than days a week.

6. Weight watcher: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the stress in your kidneys. If you are overweight or overweight, speak to your doctor approximately growing a safe and sustainable wholesome weight loss plan.

7. Nix the smoking: Smoking restricts blood glide in the body, inclusive of the kidneys. Quitting smoking is one of the quality matters you could do in your ordinary fitness, together with your kidneys.

8. Regular checkups: Schedule everyday checkups together with your medical doctor to come across kidney features through blood assessments and urine assessments. Early detection of potential troubles allows greater energetic intervention and higher results.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]