"Have you ever been awakened by a sudden sharp pain in your lower back?" This may not just be ordinary back pain. Kidney stones, an increasingly common health threat in middle-aged and elderly people, often inadvertently and quietly invade. I've seen many patients end up suffering from the severe pain of kidney stones because they ignore the mild discomfort at the beginning. Among them, low back pain is one of the most typical symptoms.
Imagine how a small, hard stone scrapes inside the delicate urethra as it moves through your kidneys, triggering excruciating pain. But why is kidney stone pain more common in the lower back? What is the physiological mechanism behind this, and more importantly, what are the daily habits that are quietly pushing us to the brink of this pain?
Kidney stones: the "silent stone" hidden in our body
Kidney stones, a medical term that sounds a little distant, are actually closely related to our daily lives. First of all, we need to understand what kidney stones are. Kidney stones are hard crystals that form as a result of higher than normal levels of certain substances (e.g., calcium, oxalic acid, uric acid) in the urine. These crystals accumulate in the kidneys and grow over time to eventually form stones.
Why are stones in the kidneys?
The kidneys are our body's filters and are responsible for removing waste and excess substances from the blood and converting them into urine for excretion. When the urine contains too much of certain substances, such as calcium and oxalic acid, they crystallize in the kidneys and gradually form kidney stones.
Why do kidney stones cause lower back pain?
Kidney stones vary in size, from small stones that may pass asymptomatic through the urethra to large stones that can cause blockages in the urinary tract. When a stone moves and blocks the flow of urine, it can cause severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. This pain is usually intermittent and changes as the stone moves.
Factors in the formation of stones
The formation of kidney stones is influenced by a variety of factors. Lifestyle habits such as inadequate water intake, a high-salt diet, lack of exercise, and excessive intake of certain foods (such as foods high in oxalate) may increase the risk of stones. In addition, an individual's genetic factors, the use of certain medications, and specific medical conditions may also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Precautionary measures
To prevent kidney stones, we can start with our daily routine: increase water intake to reduce the concentration of solutes in the urine, adjust our diet to reduce the intake of foods high in salt and oxalic acid, and maintain a moderate amount of physical activity to promote good health.
"Are kidney stones eyeing you? These four habits are the culprits."
When discussing kidney stones, we must focus on those common but often overlooked daily habits that can be the very key factors that lead to kidney stone formation. Below, we'll explore four lifestyle habits that increase the risk of kidney stones and offer some practical advice to help you avoid them.
1. Water, the source of life: Ignore it and kidney stones will come to your door
The body needs enough water to dilute the minerals and salts in the urine to prevent crystallization from forming. It is recommended to consume an adequate amount of water per day (usually 8 glasses of water per day, depending on the individual), especially after hot weather or physical exertion.
2. Salt: The invisible killer of the kidneys
Excessive salt intake increases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine, which in turn increases the risk of kidney stones. It is advisable to reduce the intake of processed foods and fast food in favor of fresh ingredients and low-salt cooking methods.
3. Get moving: Being sedentary makes the kidneys suffer
Prolonged sedentary lifestyles can reduce metabolic rate, which may lead to calcium buildup in the body and increase the risk of kidney stones. It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a day, such as brisk walking or swimming.
4. The double-sided sword of meat: moderation is king
Excessive intake of animal protein may increase uric acid production, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. It is recommended to consume meat in moderation and increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits to maintain a balanced diet.
"Health Gatekeepers: Four Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Kidney Stones"
Kidney stones are not just a disease, they are a direct reflection of lifestyle choices. When it comes to preventing and managing kidney stones, the following four strategies are important to reduce the risk of stone formation and improve quality of life.
1. Water, the source of life, is also the natural enemy of kidney stones
Adequate water intake: Adequate water dilutes minerals in the urine and reduces the likelihood of stone formation. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially after hot weather or physical activity.
Monitor urine color regularly: Urine color is a visual indicator of adequate water intake. Pale yellow urine usually indicates adequate water intake.
2. Dietary modification: low salt, low animal protein
Reduced salt intake: A high-salt diet increases the burden on the kidneys and leads to increased calcium excretion in the urine, which increases the risk of stones. Low sodium salt is recommended to reduce the intake of processed foods.
Limit animal protein intake: Too much animal protein can increase uric acid excretion and increase the risk of kidney stones. It is recommended to consume legumes and fish in moderation as an alternative source of protein.
3. Stay active: Sitting for a long time not only hurts your waist but also "urges stones"
Regular physical activity: Moderate exercise can help reduce the formation of kidney stones. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
Change your sedentary habits: Sitting for long periods of time can slow blood circulation and increase the risk of stone formation. It is recommended to get up and move for a few minutes every hour to promote blood circulation.
4. Regular health check-ups: early detection, early intervention
Regular health check-ups, including kidney function tests and urinalysis, can help detect potential stone problems early.
Follow your doctor's instructions: If you are at risk of stones, your doctor may recommend specific medications or dietary changes to prevent stone formation or to promote the passage of existing stones.