SUBSCRIBE
Friday, May 16, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

Don’t let kidney stones weigh you down

A kidney stone is a hard object that is made from chemicals in the urine and can cause excruciating pain. They can be prevented however, and to start with Mzansi, keep hydrated and avoid shakes and supplements that aren't prescribed by a doctor

by Vateka Halile
10th March 2023
in My Health
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
Kidney health is important. To avoid kidney stones, you should be mindful of what you consume. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Kidney health is important. To avoid kidney stones, you should be mindful of what you consume. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Kidney stones may be brought on by a number of different things, including a poor diet, being overweight, having a medical condition, or using certain supplements or shakes.

Kidney stones may cause problems in any portion of the urinary system. Stones often develop when urine concentration is high enough to enable minerals to crystallise and clump together.

‘Ugh, I hated dealing with kidney stones!’

From 2007 to 2008, Thina Daniel, from Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, was diagnosed and treated for kidney stones. She first felt discomfort in her back and abdomen. It required many visits to multiple physicians before it was finally determined that she had kidney stones.

Thina Daniel suffered from kidney stones for years. Photo: Supplied/Health for Mzansi

“My lower back would hurt so badly that I was first associated with being pregnant. The affected organ might change depending on the source of the discomfort. The direction of the attack varied; sometimes it would come from the left, and other times the right.”

Daniel tells Health For Mzansi that physicians advised her to be mindful of her body’s demand for water. There is a wide variety of water forms, particularly those that result from the foods we eat.

“Water is my daily intake officially, and I consume mostly liquid foods.”

She adds that excessively salty meals are a no-no, and since then she has reduced her salt intake.

“Every once in a while, I’d get this terrible pain, this excruciating pain from my back to the abdomen, it will worsen in a few weeks. When it arrived, it was hard to do anything.”

Health For Mzansi reader Thina Daniel

Who is at risk?

According to Mthatha’s Dr Mxolisi Xulu, anybody who does not drink enough water is at risk for developing kidney stones.

Alcohol is one of the issues because alcohol users urinate a lot, and when they do, they don’t drink water, leaving the body parched, says Xulu.

“Countless kidney disorders and stones affect adults beginning around age 45.

“Certain diets, consuming a diet heavy in protein, sodium (salt), and sugar may make you more susceptible to developing some kidney stones. This is particularly valid when consuming an excessive amount of salt.”

Dr Mxolisi Xulu

Symptoms and treatment options

There are many distinct types of kidney stones, including calcium, struvite, cystine, and uric acid stones, says Xulu.

Dr Mxolisi Xulu
Dr Mxolisi Xulu, a medical intern in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Photo: Supplied/Health for Mzansi.

“Caesium stones, often in the form of calcium oxalate, make up the majority of kidney stones.”

Having kidney stones surgically removed may heal them. However, even if your kidney stones have been removed, you are still at significant risk of developing them again, he adds.

Xulu says surgery may be required if urinary tract stones get stuck, relate to an infection, or cause complications.

A kidney stone that becomes stuck in the ureters may restrict the urine’s flow, inflame the kidney, and cause the ureter to spasm, all of which can be excruciatingly painful.

You can then encounter the following signs:
  • Severe, stabbing pain below the ribcage on the side and back radiating discomfort in the groin and lower abdomen.
  • Wave-like pain that changes in intensity.
  • During urinating there may be pain or burning.
  • Urine that is foul-smelling or pink, red, or brown.

When to visit a doctor?

If the symptoms persist, Xulu advises seeking medical attention. If this does not help, it is recommended to contact a doctor or hospital for a kidney examination.

“See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing extreme pain that makes it difficult to sit still or find a comfortable posture.”

Dr Mxolisi Xulu

Persons living with diabetes, as well as those who have had several surgeries on their large intestines, are at risk, Xulu explains.

“If your blood glucose levels are high, the acidity in your blood rises, which in turn causes the acid levels in your urine to rise.”

To avoid kidney stones, you should be mindful of what you consume. Xulu suggests examining the nutritional content of all foods before purchase.

“Excessive calcium supplementation, particularly when taken between meals, may cause the formation of kidney stones. Despite its bad notoriety, calcium is not the enemy.”

Xulu states that the use of supplements and shakes without a doctor’s prescription is occasionally a danger factor for kidney development and cancer.

ALSO READ: Finding a happy medium: Divorce vs co-parenting

Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.

Tags: kidneys
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

Related Articles

Pregnancy
My Health

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

by Vateka Halile
9th May 2025
Thyroid health: When weight gain isn’t just about food
My Health

Thyroid health: When weight gain isn’t just about food

by Vateka Halile
24th April 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

Rooibos
Trending

Hey brew! Gen Z and Millennials fuel rooibos tea trend in SA

by Ivor Price
16th May 2025

Mzansi's younger generations just love rooibos! From traditional brews to innovative energy drinks, rooibos is the caffeine-free champion capturing the...

Read moreDetails
Buthelezi EMS

‘Unlawful’ contracts: FS ambulance firms must pay back the money

15th May 2025
Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

15th May 2025
Immune booster

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

13th May 2025
Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

12th May 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

Hey brew! Gen Z and Millennials fuel rooibos tea trend in SA

‘Unlawful’ contracts: FS ambulance firms must pay back the money

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers