Don’t Fall for These Myths About Kidney Stones
The minerals and salts in a person’s urine can sometimes crystallize and clump together, forming a kidney stone. Urologists sort kidney stones into categories. Most of them are calcium stones. The other types include struvite, uric acid, and cysteine stones. Regardless of the type of stone you have, there’s no question that this problem can cause excruciating pain. The pain can be enough to drive some patients to try folk remedies, even though the treatment administered by a urologist is proven effective.
Myth: Kidney stone patients should decrease calcium intake.
Calcium is found in the majority of all kidney stones, but urologists do not recommend reducing your calcium intake to prevent them. In fact, some research suggests that lowering your calcium intake may increase your risk of getting kidney stones. Usually, these stones are made from calcium oxalate. Metabolic disorders and intestinal bypass surgery may increase the concentration of calcium oxalate in the urine. Other stones are made from calcium phosphate. Metabolic conditions, such as renal tubular acidosis, can contribute to calcium phosphate stone development. People who get migraines or have seizure disorders may also be more likely to develop these stones.
Myth: Once I’ve had kidney stones, I’m not likely to get them again.
Unfortunately, people who have had kidney stones once are indeed at a higher risk of getting them again. Your urologist can help you learn how to reduce your risk. The following steps can help:
- Drink more water
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Follow a low-sodium diet
Myth: Drinking olive oil will help pass a stone.
You may have heard that drinking olive oil and lemon juice will help your kidney stone pass faster and with less pain. It’s thought that olive oil can serve as a lubricant. There’s no research to substantiate this folk remedy. However, there are medications that can help you pass the stone, or your urologist may recommend surgical intervention.
Here at Urology Associates, P.C., we understand how painful and uncomfortable kidney stones are. Our urology team in Nashville administers effective treatments with a patient-focused, compassionate approach. Call us at 888-245-0702 today, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.