Kidney Stones - Prevention Methods

Hello, my name is Gurleen Takhar and I am a third year student currently pursuing a degree in MCB. This blog post highlights kidney stones and their negative impacts on our health. Kidney stones are a common but often overlooked medical issue that affects nearly 1 in 10 people during their life. They form when minerals build up and crystallize inside the kidneys. While some stones are small enough to pass on their own, others can cause severe pain that sends people to the emergency room. For communities like ours where other medical problems are pushed forward, understanding something overlooked such as kidney stones is especially important.

One key factor is dehydration. Many sangat members, especially students balancing academics, seva, and long days on campus, don’t drink enough water. When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated with minerals, increasing the risk of stone formation. A great preventive step is staying well-hydrated throughout the day.

Diet also matters. High salt intake, common in our cooking, increases calcium levels in urine and raises stone risk. Similarly, diets heavy in animal proteins (like meat and eggs) can make urine more acidic, encouraging stone formation. That doesn’t mean you need to eliminate these foods. Instead, moderation and balance make a big difference. Increasing fruits, vegetables, and citrate-rich foods like lemons can naturally help prevent stones.

Another important point is recognition. Sudden, intense pain in the lower back or side, nausea, blood in the urine, or a persistent urge to urinate can all signal a kidney stone. Early medical evaluation can prevent complications.

Kidney stones are painful, but largely preventable. By taking small, mindful steps as well as drinking more water, moderating salt and protein intake, and listening to our bodies, we can protect our kidney health and support overall wellness within our sangat.