Kidney stones and digestive problems are two very different — and very common — health problems. But they share a commonality that you probably never would have guessed. Knowing this link can help you take action to prevent both conditions and stay healthy. Let’s get into how these are connected, and how they can affect each other.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard substances that develop in the kidneys. The size of these stones can range from very small grains to stones large enough to cause severe pain. They develop because the urine contains an imbalance of minerals and salts that cause them to crystallise.
Digestive Problems and Kidney Stones: Explanation
Below is a detailed explanation of how digestive issues and kidney stone formation may be linked:-
- Dehydration and Kidney Stones
Lack of water is one of the main reasons of kidney stones. If you don’t take in enough water, the minerals that make up stones, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, can become concentrated in your urine. It’s more likely that those minerals will crystallize into stones. It is not too surprising that dehydration can also lead to digestive problems, such as constipation.
When you’re dehydrated, your digestive system has to work harder, so it can slow down your digestion or make you feel bloated. This association between dehydration and the likelihood of stones indicates that sufficient water intake is one way to avoid not only kidney stones, but also the pathologies of the unsucked colon.
- Dietary Factors
Your diet can influence your digestive health and risk for developing kidney stones. What you eat influences your microbiome, too. High dietary intake of salt, sugar, and animal proteins can also increase the risk of kidney stones and leave your digestive system uncomfortable.
Eating too many spicy, acidic or rich foods can cause the stomach to become irritated, which can produce acid in-digestion. In the interim-period, however, this type of diet can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, as the body doesn’t excrete those extra minerals.
- Increased Calcium Intake
Although calcium is important for bone health, too much in the body can cause kidney stones. When people have digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, there may be impaired nutrient absorption and the body’s calcium balance could be thrown off. This has the potential to cause calcium derived kidney stones. And digestive problems may cause the body to absorb and metabolize calcium abnormally, increasing the risk of stones.
- Gastrointestinal Conditions and the Formation of Stones
Gut-related problems like irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel disease can also raise the risk of developing kidney stones. For example, people with IBD might not absorb needed nutrients, leading to an excess of oxalates in the body, which is a risk factor for developing kidney stones. Longer attacks of diarrhea -as is frequently observed in digestive disorders-cause dehydration and result in an increased inclination for the formation of stones.
- Gut Health and Oxalates
Another tie that links kidney stones and digestive problems is the connection with your gut. Your gut bacteria are integral to digesting foods and controlling the way your body absorbs minerals. Certain gut bacteria can reduce the absorption of oxalates, a major factor in forming kidney stones. An upset gut microbiome, commonly found in people with gut disturbances, can lead to excess absorption of oxalates, which in turn can raise the chances of developing kidney stones.
How to Avoid Kidney Stones and Digestive Problems?
- Stay Hydrated
Maintain optimal hydration yet it depends on how you digest the water. Staying hydrated is important for reducing stone formation because drinking water can help to flush out minerals. What’s more, being properly hydrated keeps the digestive system in order, thus preventing constipation and other digestive-related health concerns.
- Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, helps prevent kidney stones and is good for your digestive system. Do not overdo with salt, sweets and animal proteins – they both just increase the probability of getting these two health problems: kidney stones and stomach) issues.
- Monitor Calcium Intake
Yes, calcium matters, but you have to meter your intake. If you have digestive problems, such as IBD or Crohn’s disease, speak with a healthcare professional about the appropriate amount of calcium for you.
- Include Probiotics
The gut microbiome can be balanced by introducing probiotics to the system. This may also help inhibit the absorption of oxalates and ensure fewer kidney stones. Cultivate probiotic dense foods in your meals to ensure you’re including yogurt, kefir or fermented veg in your daily diet.
- Seek Medical Advice
If you’re having digestive issues or are at risk for kidney stones, you should speak to a doctor. A doctor can also diagnose any underlying issues and may offer advice on lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of both having kidney stones and digestive problems.
Conclusion
Although kidney stones and digestive issues seem to be unrelated, they are related. Dehydration, diet, and gut health affect both conditions, so it’s essential to do what you can to build healthy habits that are good for your kidneys and your gut. The good news is you can greatly minimize your risk of kidney stones and digestive problems by staying hydrated, following a healthy diet and keeping up with your overall health.
Kidney Stone Specialist – Dr. Deepanshu Gupta at CureStone
Deepanshu Gupta, is one of the best best Urologist and best kidney stone surgeon in Delhi. Having an extensive experience of several years, and a patient friendly service, Dr. Gupta is dealing with the most advanced and effective treatments of stone in kidneys, which is the reason why so many patients seek help from him. Whether
he is performing a minimally invasive, laser or traditional surgical procedure treatment, Dr. Gupta customizes the treatment plan to accommodate the patient’s individual circumstances, resulting in the best possible results with the least amount of recovery time.
At CureStone, Dr. Gupta is dedicated to delivering total care, from initial diagnosis to ongoing support. His dedication to continuing education keeps him updated with the most advanced technologies and techniques in the medical field, providing his patients with the absolute best in care. Dr. Gupta also teaches his patients to focus on prevention techniques and make lifestyle and diet changes to lower the chance of the cancer coming back.
When you need a reliable and caring kidney stone doctor near you, look little further beyond CureStone’s Dr. Deepanshu Gupta. His commitment to your health and overall well-being helps to guarantee that you receive the highest quality treatment every time.