5 Ways To Help Prevent Kidney Stones

Anyone who’s passed a kidney stone before can tell you that they would not wish that kind of pain on their worst enemy! Patients’ motivation to prevent future stones is typically highest soon after passing one or after surgery. What can be done to prevent having stones in the first place or having a recurrence?

Let’s start with the basics. Your kidneys work hard to filter your blood before expelling minerals and fluids as urine. When too much mineral waste and not enough fluid is passed through your kidneys, however, these excess minerals can build up and harden into stone-like deposits. This can result in a kidney stone which may either pass some day or require surgical intervention.

Some people are more prone to the condition than others. For example, you’re more likely to develop kidney stones if you have a family history of this condition. Other people at risk include those who cannot afford to drink much water or fluids at work, those who work outside in the heat (and, thus, predisposed to dehydration). In addition, other risk factors include obesity, diets high in animal protein and/or salt, and those with digestive problems leading to fluid losses (chronic diarrhea, bariatric surgery, etc.).

If you’re worried about developing kidney stones, here are five ways you can help prevent this issue from occurring in the first place.

• Drink more water: Kidney stones can form when urine is more concentrated. Drinking water will dilute your urine and is the most significant thing you can do to help prevent kidney stones. It’s recommended that you drink at least two liters of water each day in order to produce 2-3 L of urine/day to lower your risk of stone formation.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Kidney stones are more common in overweight or obese individuals. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can help limit your risk for this condition.
• Eat less sodium: Ingesting high amounts of sodium can lead to higher levels of calcium in your urine. This increased “supersaturation” of calcium can lead to calcium crystals that can turn into kidney stones. Avoid excess added salt, canned foods and excess fast-foods to limit your overall sodium intake.
• Limit excess consumption of animal proteins: If you’re a carnivore, you might want to invest in protein-rich, non-animal based alternatives. This is because animal proteins are rich in uric acid. When urine acidity increases, so does the risk for kidney stones. Try balancing your protein intake by eating plant-based lentils, chickpeas or other protein-rich vegetables instead.
• Discuss medications/supplements with your urologist: Sometimes, kidney stones form because of a new medication or supplement. Taking too many TUMSTM, for example, can lead to high urinary calcium levels. Women on calcium supplements for osteoporosis or anyone taking high doses of Vitamin C can also be at risk for stone disease. Such patients who either have a history of stone disease or who develop a kidney stone are encouraged to see a urologist to undergo further testing to help reduce the risk of stone formation in the future.

No one should have to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by kidney stones. If you or someone you know is suffering from recurrent kidney stones, give us a call to find out what we can do to help. Dr. Durrani specializes in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones and would be happy to see you. Contact us today for more information at www.durranimd.com or call us at (281)589-7175.