Kidney Stones

"Kidney stones can form when substances in the urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus—become highly concentrated. The body uses food for energy and tissue repair. After the body uses what it needs, waste products in the bloodstream are carried to the kidneys and excreted as urine. Diet is one of several factors that can promote or inhibit kidney stone formation. Certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, but scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible. Other factors that affect kidney stone formation include genes, environment, body weight, and fluid intake. (NIDDK)"

According to a recent study posted in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, it has been found, that compared to sedentary women, active women were 16-31% less likely to develop kidney stones. The study concluded that: "More Americans, especially women, have been developing kidney stones in recent years, probably because of increased rates of obesity" (Berkeley Wellness). If you have had or may be experiencing kidney stones currently, you may want to consider your lifestyle and ask yourself if your activity level may have played a part in your ailments.

Tips for preventing kidney stones

• Limit sodium intake
• Drink a lot of water
• Try to limit your intake of Oxalate. Oxalate can be found in peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes
• Get plenty of calcium.
• Limit animal protein
• Exercise three hours a week

Resources:
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/fitness/active-lifestyle/article/kidney-stones-and-exercise
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/conditions/kidney-stones
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/kidneystonediet/index.aspx
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-steps-for-preventing-kidney-stones-201310046721