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5 Simple Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones
Published: Oct 01, 2024
Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful, but the good news is that many cases are preventable. Here are five easy strategies to keep your kidneys stone-free.
1. Drink Up!
The most important step in preventing kidney stones is staying hydrated. Aim to drink enough fluids to produce at least 2 liters of urine per day. Water is the best choice, but other non-caloric beverages can help too. Think of your urine as a river - keeping it flowing strong helps wash away stone-forming minerals.
2. Watch Your Diet
Certain dietary changes can significantly reduce your risk of stones. Limit sodium intake to below 2300 mg per day. Increase fruits and vegetables, which are rich in stone-preventing potassium. Maintain adequate calcium intake through dairy or other calcium-rich foods. Avoid excessive animal protein, sugar, and high-oxalate foods like spinach and rhubarb.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of kidney stones, especially in women. Losing excess weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent stone formation. Think of it as giving your kidneys less work to do in filtering waste products.
4. Consider Medications
For people with recurrent stones, certain medications can help prevent new formations. These might include thiazide diuretics to reduce urinary calcium, or potassium citrate to increase urinary citrate (which inhibits stone formation). Always consult with a doctor before starting any new medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for 8-10 glasses, or enough to produce 2+ liters of urine.
Most are, but some people may have genetic predispositions.
Surprisingly, adequate dietary calcium may help prevent stones.
The Bottom Line
Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing painful kidney stones.
References
- Borghi L, et al. Comparison of two diets for the prevention of recurrent stones in idiopathic hypercalciuria. N Engl J Med 2002; 346:77.
- Taylor EN, et al. Obesity, weight gain, and the risk of kidney stones. JAMA 2005; 293:455.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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