Chocolate Increases Risk Of Kidney Stones

The kidney’s role is to get rid of the waste products in the body. This process takes place through the passage of urine, though the urine is important in dissolving the waste and removing it away from the body. It is not very correct at doing this and mostly what is being left starts forming clumps blocking the urinary tract. This then makes it possible for stones to come up through the formation of the central core and it is diagnosed through scanning. Studies have it that kidney stones are more likely found among men than in women mostly between the ages 20- 40 years.

Once certain chemicals are too focused in the urine to form a crystal-like sharp, then it results in kidney stones formation. This crystal-like shape that is being formed grows into bigger stones which get stuck in the urinary tract. This blocks urine which leads to serious pain. This sting most at times can be unbearable; it comes in waves until the tiny stone passes through your urinary plumbing.

what causes kidney stones

However, from past studies, it is observed that several kidney stones are not a straightforward thing, but actually, half of the people that experience this, it can be up to 7 years or so to have a preventive measure. Most kidney stones could be small enough to be passed out in the urine but once the stone gets big this could be very risky as it will most possibly get stuck or result to an infection, Doctor’s recommendation will be very important for the required treatment. Some specialists may recommend treatment such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, here “shock” waves are sent into the stone in order to break it up into tiny fragments which could be easily passed out in the urine. This is not a new experience for someone that has had kidney stones before. Preventing kidney stones is not complicated, but this does take determination.

This brings up the question that does chocolate increase the risk of kidney stones?

Chocolate is one of nature’s most delicious treats by way of the cocoa bean from which it’s made. One bite makes you crave for another, then another, and another, it has several known helpful components, and helps the ability to reduce or lower one’s blood pressure. For people living with high blood pressure, it helps develop your mood which is by it increases your serotonin and endorphin levels, provides some vital nutrients to your body including antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. I would have you note that chocolate, or the compounds within it, has no known negative effect on your kidney function. However, if you have already been diagnosed with a kidney illness, you are required to limit your consumption in chocolate intake majorly owing to the high content of potassium or other minerals in it.

Kidney Stones; Dark chocolate as tasty and inviting as it may seem could increase your chances of having kidney stones. According to a research carried out at the University of Maryland Medical Center, it was discovered that dark chocolate has some oxalates in it. The oxalates in them cause an increase in urinary oxalate excretion, which in turn could increase your risk of creating kidney stones, particularly if you are liable to kidney stone development or if you have had a kidney stone in the past.

Most kidney stones occur when calcium combines with one of two substances which are oxalate or phosphorous, therefore it is vital for you to avoid oxalate consumption in various procedures, which is largely gotten from dim chocolates.

For patients who are at the advanced phase of a kidney infection, doctors or dietitians would recommend you to dodge the consumption of chocolate because of its potassium content which is not good for kidney patients. Also, according to the National Kidney Foundation, if potassium gets too high in you, it may cause you to have an irregular heartbeat or eventually, heart attack. patients who have chronic kidney infection should have a checkup with their doctor to see if you are allowed chocolate in your diet, which would be decided based on your potassium laboratory value. Normal potassium is between 3.5 and 5.0 milligrams per deciliter.

In a nutshell, chocolate is highly beneficial to your body if you haven’t got kidney disease and it is dangerous and yes increases kidney stones. With this conclusion, I would advise you eat it in moderation or simply stay away from chocolate as much as possible. Follow your Doctor or Dietitians advice.