Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are actually not stones at all - worse, they are pointy sharp crystals which helps explain the excruciating pain they can cause. Let’s make sure you never feel that again.
In nature crystals form from concentrated solutions, like in caves where very little water carries a very high mineral load and forms stalagtites. Same in the body with crystals forming around the kidneys when water is limited.
The easiest and most effective solution - stay well hydrated. This is especially true for anyone who exercises a lot or eats a good amount of animal protein or lives in a dry climate or all three. Also folks over 50 as their thirst mechanism is often impaired. Drink water or tea - skip the soda. Soda has far too much sugar and even if “diet” it is actually low in usable liquids vs water or tea.
Drink more than you think you need, that's the rule of thumb. Always keep your urine running clean and clear. Keep a full water bottle in your car, a glass of water at your desk, etc. Do avoid bottled water, the disposable plastic bottles give off estrogen like substances which are unhealthy.
Bonus tips…
OK, so besides staying well hydrated what else can you do to avoid those super painful kidney stones?
Yogurt - keeping your microbiome healthy and happy can lower oxalates that cause many kidney stones by a whopping 50 percent.
Vegetables - besides supporting general good health, eating leafy green vegetables lowers your p/h and reduces uric acids and ketones which contribute to stone formation.
Avoid processed / fast foods - they always come with a load of bad fats, high sodium, sugar, etc. These foods are linked to most all disease states, kidney stones included. Eat real home cooked food and stay healthy instead.
Citrus - eat more limes, lemons, etc. Besides tasting good they are helpful in dissolving kidney stones before they can become an issue. Adding fresh squeezed citrus to your water is a healthy and delicious way to go.
A good video summary here https://youtu.be/jJhbMUzCInM
Best of health !