3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

 

Kidney stones are formed when certain chemicals present in the urine solidify and turn into hard crystals. Over time, these crystals grow in size and eventually leave the body through urine. Sometimes, the crystals get stuck in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing enormous pain. In nearly 50% of patients with this problem, the stones reappear within 5 to 7 years if no preventive measures are taken. In most cases, these stones form when calcium reacts with phosphorus or oxalate. A physician first determines the cause of this condition and will likely suggest reducing the intake of sodium or protein, both of which cause kidney stone formation. With some determination and care, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced. The following are three simple preventive methods:

1. Increase Calcium

Calcium deficiency causes an increase in the body’s oxalate levels which directly contributes to the formation of stones. Find out how much calcium you should consume for your age to ensure that your body is not deficient in this essential mineral. Generally, men older than 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium every day in addition to 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Getting your calcium from food is preferable since studies show that calcium supplements may increase the risk of stone formation.

2. Reduce Animal Protein

Your body produces uric acid while breaking down proteins. Higher levels of this compound increase the acidity of urine, which may cause the formation of kidney stones in the long run. For this reason, keep a check on protein-rich foods, especially red meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs. Eating too much protein also reduces the content of citrate in your urine, and this may also lead to stone formation. If you are prone to kidney stones, you should also follow a low-sodium meal plan. Nutritionists suggest a daily maximum sodium intake of 2,300 mg, but people who already have kidney stones due to high sodium levels should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is the simplest home remedy for kidney stones because water dissolves the unwanted substances in urine. As a rule of thumb, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. You may substitute with citrus beverages such as fresh orange juice or lemonade.

In addition to the above measures, avoid stone-forming foods such as chocolate, beets, tea, nuts, rhubarb and spinach, all of which are rich in oxalate. Colas are high in phosphate, a substance to avoid if you have a history of kidney stones due to high phosphate levels. Also, our bodies turn vitamin C into oxalate, so individuals taking this vitamin in supplement form can be at a slightly higher risk. Overall, with proper treatment and some changes to your diet, kidney stones can easily be prevented.

Why I Love Urology! Treating and Curing Urological Conditions

Why I Love Urology! Treating and Curing Urological Conditions

Urology is a medical field that deals in the diagnosis, treatment, curing and management of conditions that affect the male and female urinary system and the male reproductive organs. It is a dedicated branch of medicine and the physicians who are specialists in this field are called urologists.The medical disorders treated by urologists include those that affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, scrotum and penis. Common conditions include urinary incontinence, ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), vesicoureteral reflux and genitourinary cancers such as prostate cancer, cancer of the kidneys, bladder, penis and testicles.

Urologists love their jobs because it gives them opportunities to provide patients with life saving treatments as well as quality of life medical care. Conditions such as cancer of the testes, if diagnosed early, can be treated to give the patient a longer life span and one free of discomfort or pain during intimacy.

It is important to note that the work of a urologist also involves educating the general public on effective prevention practices. A good example is prostate cancer, an illness which has been on the rise recently. Research has identified potential causes, prevention and treatment. This knowledge has been shared widely by urologists. Men are now encouraged to use testing for early diagnosis. If caught in the primary stages, prostate cancer can be cured before it progresses to stage IV cancer or metastasizes to other parts of the body. The same applies to other conditions such as erectile dysfunction, a topic most men prefer to avoid. Despite the reluctance to acknowledge this medical problem, in recent years the public has been receiving education from the experts on the many causes and treatments of erectile dysfunction.

Urology is a field that specializes in treating urological physical ailments and the emotional concerns that accompany them. Each patient presents with different needs and urologists who love the work they do understand that. They take into account the presenting factors of each patient, their needs and concerns, and then tailor the consultations, medical treatment and follow up to suit the unique needs of each patient. Any person with concerns about a potential urological problem should pay a visit to a qualified specialist for a check-up. The experienced and caring professionals of the Advanced Urology Institute would like to remind us that the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment will be.

What Are The Types of Hematuria?

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Hematuria is a health condition that is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine. There are two main types of hematuria: microscopic and macroscopic.

In microscopic hematuria, there is no visual evidence of the presence of blood, unless the urine is view under a microscope. Macroscopic hematuria, on the other hand, is evident immediately with red discoloration of the urine.

Hematuria can also be classified according to the cause of the blood in the urine. Both of these types are detailed further below.

Microscopic Hematuria

The concentration of blood in the urine is not visible to the naked eye in microscopic hematuria and can only be detected under a microscope.

Some individuals are affected by microscopic hematuria without an identifiable cause, which is referred to as idiopathic hematuria. This is thought to result from an increased excretion of red blood cells in respect to what is considered to be normal, although may not be associated with adverse effects on the individual.

Macroscopic Hematuria

Also known as frank or gross hematuria, macroscopic hematuria involves visible discoloration of the urine as a result of a greater concentration of blood in the urine. The color is usually described as pink, red or dark brown. Additionally, there may also be evidence of small or large blood clots in some cases.

It is not necessary for a large volume of blood to be present for the color of the urine to be altered. In fact, 1 mL of blood is sufficient to precipitate a change in color. Additionally, the volume of blood may not be an accurate indicator of the severity of the underlying cause, and even a small quantity of blood may have serious repercussion and vice versa.

Joggers Hematuria

“Joggers hematuria” is a specific type of hematuria that occurs as a result of recurrent damage to the bladder during activities such as jogging and long-distance running.

Classification by Cause

Hematuria can also be classified according to the cause of the condition, as follows:

  • Infective hematuria: due to pyelonephritis, cystitis or urethritis
  • Stones-related hematuria: due to staghorn calculi, calcium stones or uric acid stones
  • Trauma-related hematuria: due to pelvic trauma, renal injuries or foreign bodies
  • Renal hematuria: due to IgA nephropathy, hereditary nephritis, medullary sponge kidney or thin basement membrane diseases
  • Iatrogenic hematuria: due to recent endoscopic procedure, trans-rectal ultrasound, traumatic catheterization, radiation, indwelling ureteric stents, renal biopsy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
  • Benign hematuria: due to strictures, renal masses or benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • Malignant hematuria: due to prostate acinar adenocarcinoma or renal cell, transitional cell, squamous cell or urothelial cell carcinoma

Other Causes of Red Discoloration

While red discoloration is the most distinctive feature of hematuria, there are various other causes of this discoloration, which can result from numerous factors. These may include the presence of pigments such as:

  • Myoglobin (indicative of myoglobinuria)
  • Porphyrins (indicative of porphyria)
  • Betanin (in beets)

Additionally, some drugs can have a similar effect, including rifampicin, phenazopyridine, sulphonamides and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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What is Cancer of the Prostate? with Dr Denis Healey

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The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance that combines with sperm produced in the testicles to form semen. Contact a urologist now to get treatment as soon as possible. [Read Full Article…]

The PSA Test, The Best Tool for Prostate Cancer Screening – Dr Matthew Merrell

Video: The PSA Test, The Best Tool for Prostate Cancer Screening – Dr Matthew Merrell


PSA exam is a blood test to determine the levels of prostate specific antigens. The tests measure the level of PSA in your body, which is then compared to the expected amount for your age. Contact a urologist now to know more about this procedure. [Read Full Article…]