Excessive consumption of these foods may result in kidney stones

Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball.

They are painful growths that form when minerals and salts, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, build up in the kidneys.

Though kidney stones can be very painful, they are often preventable with simple lifestyle modifications.

Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and excreting it through urine. Yet, an unbalanced diet can impair kidney function, resulting in the development of kidney stones.

When calcium, oxalate, and uric acid levels increase in the urine, they crystallize and become hard stones. If not treated, the stones can be very painful and cause complications.

Symptoms of kidney stones

Kidney stones might not always have symptoms, but when they do, they are usually severe. Some common signs are:

1. Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or while passing urine
2. Presence of blood in the urine (pink or reddish urine)
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Loss of appetite and body heaviness

How to prevent kidney stones?

While kidney stones can be excruciating, the good news is that they can be prevented by making some easy lifestyle changes.

Hydrate: A daily intake of a minimum of 2 to 3 liters of water facilitates cleansing of the system of toxins and avoids mineral concentration.

Lower dietary salt: Consuming too much salt leads to increased urinary levels of calcium that can precipitate stone development. 

Don't smoke or use alcohol: Smoking and alcohol, both can hamper kidney health and also precipitate the generation of stones.

Restrict high-oxalate foods: High-oxalate foods that are also high in calcium, including spinach, nuts, and chocolate, should be eaten in moderation.

A well-balanced diet, good sleep, and routine medical checkups can help ensure healthy kidneys and avoid kidney stones in the long term.