Helping Prevent Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract. They can be made up of different substances, such as calcium or uric acid. Kidney stones are relatively common. Here are the steps a person can take to reduce their risk of getting kidney stones:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is the best action a person can take to prevent kidney stones. When urine contains more fluid, it is less likely that minerals and salts will cluster together and form stones. Doctors usually recommend drinking between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration, so ideally, urine should appear pale yellow.
• Reduce sodium intake: Sodium, or salt, can cause water retention and lead to dehydration. It is advisable to limit the consumption of foods that are high in sodium to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
• Follow a healthful diet: Depending on the type of kidney stone a person is prone to developing, there are specific dietary strategies they can follow:
  • Calcium oxalate stones: This is the most common type of kidney stone. To help prevent calcium prevent oxalate stones, a person should
    • Reduce intake of animal proteins
    • Eat less foods that are high in oxalate, such as nuts (including peanuts), rhubarb, beets, tahini, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, and spinach.
    • Eat more foods high in calcium, especially during the same meals where high oxalate foods are eaten. Dietary calcium helps bind dietary oxalate in the stomach and intestine and keeps it from going to the kidneys. Foods high in calcium include dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese. Calcium supplements (e.g., calcium tablets) may increase the risk for calcium oxalate stones so should not be used unless directed by the doctor. A dietitian can help identify good sources of dietary calcium.
    • Reduce intake of foods high in sodium.
  • Calcium phosphate stones: Consuming foods that are low in sodium can help reduce the likelihood of developing this type of stone. It is also recommended to limit animal protein intake and increase calcium consumption
  • Uric acid stones: To prevent uric acid stones, a person should reduce their consumption of animal protein. They may consider switching to plant-based sources of protein, such as legumes and soy foods
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for kidney stones. By maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and following a balanced diet, individuals can reduce their risk.
• Follow medical recommendations: If someone has a higher risk of developing kidney stones due to certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or persistent urinary tract infection, it is important for them to follow their doctor's recommendations for managing these conditions

It's worth noting that while these preventive measures may help reduce the risk of kidney stones, there's no guarantee that they will work for everyone. If someone has passed a kidney stone before or has specific medical conditions that increase their risk, it's important for them to consult with their doctor for personalized advice and guidance on preventing kidney stones.