Breaking Down the Myths: What Really Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones or renal calculi can be very discomforting and are often compared to the intense pain felt during childbirth. But despite kidney stones being prevalent in 12% population of India, we know very little about what’s causing the discomfort or what’s the reason for kidney stone formation. 

In fact, the common misconceptions like drinking more water helps flush out kidney stones or restricting calcium intake may help, but often lead to more confusion and delay treatment.

With the guidance of the best urology doctor in Hisar, this blog aims to separate myths from facts while focusing on what really causes kidney stones.

Debunking Common Myths About Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones can be prevented with certain lifestyle and dietary modifications. However, it is important to stay away from the myths, as they may cause a delay in proper treatment, resulting in chronic kidney disease, such as

Myth 1: High calcium Intake is the Cause of Kidney Stones 

Fact: It is one of the common misconceptions that calcium causes kidney stones. It usually comes from the fact that calcium is one of the components in kidney stones, due to which people start avoiding calcium-rich foods like dairy products. However, the truth is that if calcium is low, the body will start absorbing more oxalate, leading to increased oxalate levels in urine with increased chances of stone formation. In fact, with the balanced calcium level, the oxalate gets combined with calcium, preventing the oxalate absorption and reducing the chances of stone formation.

Myth 2: Kidney Stones Can Only Be Removed By Surgery. 

Fact: It is only for large stones that often obstruct the normal body functions and may need advanced or minimally invasive procedures for the removal of kidney stones. Many times, kidney stones are as small as pea-sized or less than, which can pass naturally through urine with increased water intake.

Myth 3: Medicines are Enough For Kidney Stone Treatment 

Fact: It is not possible that medication will dissolve each type of kidney stone. Yes, a few prescribed medicines may help eliminate the stones, especially those related to uric acid, but it’s not the universal fix. Larger or complex kidney stones require proper diagnosis and medical intervention. It’s best to consult with the urology doctor in Hisar and get the proper diagnosis to determine the right treatment plan.

Myth 4: The Water Intake Does Not Impact Kidney Stones 

Fact: People often underestimate the power of water intake, and they think they are hydrated enough. While this is not true, especially in hot climates where dehydration is a common problem. When the water intake is low, it leads to concentrated urine and likelihood of stone formation. It is suggested to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and prevent kidney diseases.

Myth 5: Only Adults Suffer from Kidney Stones

Fact: Kidney stones have nothing to do with age, they can affect children, adults, and elders. In fact, it is more related to lifestyle, diet choices, poor hydration levels, and genetics that lead to kidney problems.

Myth 6: Kidney Stones Are Likely to Recur if You Had Them Once.

Fact: It is not always true that once you have a kidney stone, you will get them repeatedly. While recurrence is possible, it can be prevented with proper hydration, healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes, and a doctor’s prescription. However, there is a 50% chance of developing kidney stones, but once you follow healthy habits, you can break this cycle. 

What is the Real Cause of Kidney Stones?

The kidney stone formation begins in the kidney and forms a solid, crystal structure when salts and mineral deposits stick together during the filtration process. In any normal scenario, this waste material (salt and minerals) is thrown out through urine, but when the fluid level is less, the waste material gets crystallized and forms a stone. With time, if the stone is smaller, it will pass out with urine, but in many situations, the waste material keeps on getting accumulated and forms a larger stone.

There are several factors contributing to the development of kidney stones, such as:

• Dehydration: When the water levels in the body are low, the urine becomes concentrated, and the chances of crystal or stone formation also increase. 

• Diet Habits: Consuming processed foods with high fructose and salt can be harmful to the kidneys. Eating foods rich in oxalate (spinach, chocolate, and nuts) and fructose (corn syrup and sweets) is also risky, the key is to eat everything in moderation. 

• Obesity and Weight Changes: Rare, but one of the contributing factors in kidney stone formation is obesity. Due to increased weight, the body fat composition changes, and the urine also gets concentrated, increasing the chance of kidney stone formation.

• Over-exercising or Sedentary Lifestyle: A lifestyle where you are not physically active or where you are exercising at an extreme, both are dangerous. Both the activity levels affect the hydration level and calcium metabolism, which improves the chances of stone formation. 

When to Visit the Urologist?

Initially, the kidney stone does not exhibit any symptoms until it starts moving in the kidneys or passes through the ureter, where it gives pain and discomfort. The signs when you should be visiting the urology doctor for timely intervention are: 

1. If you suddenly start feeling severe pain on both sides of your lower back. 

2. If you have continuous abdominal pain that is not subsiding.

3. If you see blood in the urine or foul-smelling urine.

4. If you feel nausea and vomiting, and it happens with the pain.

5. If you have fever and chills, which indicate an infection

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is advised to visit the urologist for a detailed evaluation. The diagnosis begins with evaluating symptoms and conducting a CT scan to determine the size and location of the stone. Post the evaluation, the patient is advised on the medication, lifestyle modification, or surgery, depending upon the complexity of the situation. 

Final Thoughts

Kidney stones can be a painful issue, but the right treatment and assistance with the situation can help manage the disease with ease. As much as the right and timely treatment is important, ignoring the myths without scientific backing is also important to protect kidney health. 

Visit the Sarvesh Health City today for the right approach and lifestyle guidance on preventing the risk of kidney stone formation. The department is backed by the best urology doctor in Hisar, popular for treating a wide range of urology conditions using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), laser lithotripsy, and minimally invasive procedures. Book your consultation at Sarvesh Health City today and begin your journey towards healthy kidneys.