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How To Prevent Kidney Stones?
If you've ever had a kidney stone, you surely remember it. The pain can be unbearable, coming in waves until the tiny stone passes through your urinary plumbing and out of your body.
For many, kidney stones aren't a one-time thing: in about half of the people who have had one, another appears within seven years without preventive measures.
Preventing kidney stones isn't complicated, but it takes some determination.
Kidney stones form when certain chemicals become concentrated enough in the urine to form crystals. The crystals grow into larger masses (stones), which can make their way through the urinary tract. If the stone gets stuck somewhere and blocks the flow of urine, it causes pain.
Most stones occur when Calcium combines with one of two substances: oxalate or phosphorus. Stones can also form from uric acid, which forms as the body metabolizes protein.
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Get A Second Opinion5 Simple Steps for Preventing Kidney Stones
Drink Plenty of Water
- Drinking extra water dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones. Strive to drink enough fluids to pass 2 liters of urine a day, which is roughly eight standard 8-ounce cups.
- It may help to include some citrus hydrating beverages, like lemonade and orange juice. The citrate in these beverages helps block stone formation.
Get the Calcium you Need
- Getting too little Calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise and cause kidney stones.
- To prevent this, take in an amount of Calcium appropriate to your age.
- Ideally, calcium should be obtained from foods since some studies have linked taking calcium supplements to kidney stones.
- Men 50 and older should get 1,000 milligrams (mg) of Calcium per day, along with 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D to help the body absorb the Calcium.
Reduce Sodium Intake
- A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of Calcium in urine. Therefore, a low-sodium diet is recommended for those who are stone-prone.
- Current guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg. If sodium has contributed to kidney stones in the past, try to reduce your daily intake to 1,500 mg.
- Less intake of sodium will additionally help you maintain healthy blood pressure and a healthy heart.
Limit Animal Protein
- Overeating animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, boosts the level of uric acid and could lead to kidney stones.
- A high-protein diet also reduces levels of citrate, the chemical in urine that helps prevent stones from forming.
- If you are prone to stones, limit your daily meat intake to a quantity that is no bigger than a pack of playing cards. This is also a heart-healthy portion.
Prevention of Kidney Stones Naturally
Avoid Stone-Forming Foods, which include:
- Beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and most nuts are rich in oxalate, and colas are rich in phosphate, both of which can contribute to kidney stones.
- If you have kidney stones, your doctor may advise you to avoid these foods or to consume them in smaller quantities.
- For everyone else, particular foods and drinks are unlikely to trigger kidney stones unless consumed in extremely high amounts.
Some studies have shown that men who take high doses of vitamin supplements are at a slightly higher risk of kidney stones. That may be because the body converts vitamin C into oxalate.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Drinking water can help prevent kidney stones by diluting substances that form stones in the kidneys. It helps flush out minerals and salts before they can crystallize and form stones. Aim to drink enough water to produce about 2 liters of urine per day to reduce the risk.
To prevent kidney stones while taking calcium, ensure adequate fluid intake (at least 8 glasses daily), limit sodium and oxalate-rich foods (like spinach), and spread calcium intake throughout the day rather than in one large dose. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
To help prevent kidney stones, aim to drink enough water to produce at least 2 liters (about 8 cups) of urine daily. This helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of stone formation. Factors like climate, activity level, and individual health may require adjustments to this guideline.
Yes, staying well-hydrated by drinking water can help prevent kidney stones. It dilutes substances in urine that can form stones and helps flush them out. Aim for about 8-10 glasses (2-2.5 liters) of water daily, or more in hot weather or during physical activity.
Beer has been suggested to potentially reduce the risk of kidney stones due to its high water content and ability to increase urine production. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which may contribute to kidney stone formation. Moderation is key.
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