Kidney stones: overview, causes, symptoms and treatment

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Stones are often formed with an increased concentration of urine, which allows minerals to crystallise and stick together.

Types of kidney stones:

1.Calcium stone: The most common type, often in the form of calcium oxalate.

2.Struvite stone: It is often formed in response to infections such as urinary tract infections.

3.Uric acid stones: can form in people who do not drink enough water or lose too much water, follow a high-protein diet, or suffer from gout.

4.Cystine stones: They are formed in people with hereditary diseases that lead to excessive excretion of certain amino acids by the kidneys (cystinuria).

Reasons:

1.Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water, urine becomes more concentrated and the risk of stone formation increases.

2.Diet: High intake of protein, sodium and sugar may increase the risk. For example, too much salt in the diet increases the amount of calcium that the kidneys need to filter out, which significantly increases the risk of kidney stones.

3.Medical conditions: diseases such as urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, metabolic disorders and hyperparathyroidism.

4.Family history: The presence of kidney stones in the family history increases the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain in the side and back under the ribs
• Pain spreading to the lower abdomen and groin area
• Pain that rolls in a wave and varies in intensity
• Painful urination
• Urine is pink, red or brown in color
• Urine is cloudy or foul-smelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constant urge to urinate
• Fever and chills if you have an infection

Diagnosis:

• Imaging examination: computed tomography, X-ray or ultrasound to visualize the stone.
• Urine analysis: to identify minerals that form stones and to detect infection.
• Blood test: To identify substances that may contribute to the formation of stones.

Treatment:

1.Medication:

• Painkillers to relieve severe pain.
• Medications that help remove stones from the body.
• Drugs to prevent the formation of stones in the future (for example, thiazide diuretics for calcium stones, allopurinol for urinary stones).

2.Lifestyle and home remedies:

• Drink plenty of water: constant fluid intake helps to cleanse the urinary system.
• Dietary changes: reduction of sodium and animal protein intake.

3.Medical procedures:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (UUVL): With the help of sound waves, the stone can be divided into small fragments and excreted in urine.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin and flexible tube with illumination and a camera for detecting and removing stones.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A very large stone is surgically removed through a small incision in the back.
• Parathyroid surgery: If the stone is caused by hyperactivity of the parathyroid gland.

Prevention:

1.Hydration: Drink enough water to keep urine diluted.

2.Meal adjustment:

• Limit your intake of salt and animal proteins.
• Eat foods rich in calcium, but avoid excessive amounts of calcium supplements.

3.Medicines: If you are prone to the formation of certain types of stones, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control the levels of minerals and salts in your urine.

Conclusion:

Kidney stones are very painful and can cause serious complications if left untreated. Understanding the types, causes, and treatments of kidney stones can help you manage them and prevent the formation of kidney stones. If kidney stones are suspected, it is important to drink enough water, follow a balanced diet and consult a doctor. 

Brown rice vs. White rice: Nutritional Comparison and Health Effects

 Brown rice and white rice are both staple foods consumed worldwide, but they differ greatly in nutritional profiles and health benefits.

 

Differences in nutrition

1. Processing:

• Brown rice: This is a whole grain, which means it contains all parts of the grain, including bran, germ and endosperm. Bran and germ are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• White rice: This is a refined grain in which bran and germ are removed, leaving a predominantly starchy endosperm. This process significantly reduces its nutritional content.

2.Fiber content:

• Brown rice: High in fiber and contains about 3.5 grams per cup cooked. Fiber aids digestion, provides a feeling of satiety and regulates blood sugar levels.
• White rice: less fiber and is cooked about 0.6 grams per cup. Lack of fiber can lead to faster spikes in blood sugar.

3.Vitamins and minerals:

• Brown rice: Rich in magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, niacin and vitamin B6.
• White rice: It is often rich in iron and some B vitamins, but overall it contains less nutrients than brown rice.

4.Antioxidants:

• Brown rice: Contains higher levels of antioxidants due to the presence of bran and germ.
• White rice: Bran and germ are removed during processing, which results in significantly less antioxidants.

Health effects

1. Glycemic Index (GI):

•  Brown rice: Has a lower glycemic index (50 GI) compared to white rice, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
• White rice: A higher glycemic index (72 GI), which leads to a faster spike in blood sugar. This can be a concern for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

2.Weight management:

• Brown rice: Higher fiber content provides a feeling of fullness and helps in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
• White rice: Less filling due to low fiber content, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. 

3.Heart health:

• Brown rice: The presence of fiber, antioxidants and magnesium supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart function.
• White rice: Lacks these beneficial ingredients and does not offer the same heart health benefits.

4.Digestive health:

• Brown rice: Fiber helps digestion and prevents constipation.
• White rice: It is easy to digest for some people, especially those with digestive disorders, but it does not have the same digestive benefits as brown rice.

Considerations:

1.Arsenic content:

• Brown rice: Arsenic tends to accumulate in the outer layer of grains, so it may have higher levels of arsenic compared to white rice. When cooking to reduce the level of arsenic, it is recommended to rinse the rice well and use plenty of water.

2.Cooking time and texture:

• Brown rice: It takes time to cook and is chewy.
• White rice: It is fast to cook and has a soft and supple texture, which some people prefer.

Conclusion:

Brown rice is generally considered nutritious due to its high fiber, vitamin and mineral content, but even if white rice is particularly concentrated, healthy eating individuals should choose based on their nutritional needs, health status, and personal preferences. Incorporating a variety of whole grains, including brown rice, can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

High intensity exercise and hot flashes

High- Intensity Exercise and Hot Flashes Recent research has shed light on the relationship between high- intensity exercise and hot flashes, particularly in women experiencing menopause. Here are some crucial points from current findings  

Key Findings:

1. Triggering Hot Flashes: 

• High- Intensity Exercise: Intense physical activity can increase core body temperature, which might trigger hot flashes in some women. This occurs because the body’s attempt to cool down during and after violent exercise can mimic the physiological changes that cause hot flashes.
• Physiological Stress: High- intensity workouts can cause significant physiological stress, which may complicate the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some individuals. 

2. Alternative Exercise Recommendations:

• Low- Intensity Activities: Switching to lower- intensity exercises, similar as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates, may help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. These activities are less likely to cause a significant rise in core body temperature.
• Moderate Exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or light aerobics can still offer cardiovascular and overall health benefits without the same level of threat for triggering hot flashes.

3. Exercise Benefits:

• Overall Health: Despite the potential for high- intensity exercise to trigger hot flashes, regular physical exertion remains crucial for overall health. It can improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass, reduce stress, and promote internal well- being. 
• Symptom Management: Regular, moderate exercise can help manage other menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. 

Recommendations for Women passing Hot Flashes:

• Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of exercise activities and hot flash occurrences to identify potential triggers.
• Hydration: Ensure acceptable hydration before, during, and after exercise to help regulate body temperature. 
• Cooling Strategies: Use cooling towels, fans, or air- conditioned environments during exercises to help manage body temperature. 
• Clothing: Wear lightweight, moisture- wicking clothing to stay cool during exercise. 
• Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss exercise plans with a healthcare provider, especially if experiencing severe hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms. 

Conclusion:

• While high- intensity exercise can potentially trigger hot flashes in some women, modifying exercise routines to include lower- intensity activities can help manage these symptoms while maintaining overall health benefits. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust exercise intensity based on particular comfort and health needs.