Some people are at risk of forming kidney stones than others. You are more likely to get a kidney stone if:
you are CaucasianIf you are at risk of forming stones, here are tips and ways on how to prevent kidney stones that you can do at home. Kidney stone prevention should also be practiced by people who have had kidney stones before.
you are a male
you are 40 or older
you have had a kidney stone before.
Drink lots of water. Try to drink 12 full glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water helps to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys. In addition, water also helps to keep the urine diluted or less concentrated of mineral salts and waste products. Less concentrated urine decreases the likelihood of substances from sticking together to form stones in the urine. You can also drink ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices. But water is best.
** If you have other medical conditions such as hypertension, you should consult your doctor before increasing your water intake.
Limit your coffee, tea, cola to 1 or 2 cups a day. The caffeine contents of these drinks may cause you to lose fluid too quickly. Losing fluid too quickly would result in an increase in urine concentration of salts and waste products. An increase in urine concentration may increase the likelihood of these wastes to stick together and form stones.
Eat less meat, fish and poultry. People who are likely to form stones may want to cut back on these foods because they increase the amount of acid in the urine. Acid is one of the key factors in crystal formation, thus stone formation. People with uric acid stone, may be asked by their doctor to eat less meat, because meat breaks down to make uric acid.
Limit or avoid foods and drinks containing oxalate. People prone to forming calcium oxalate stones should limit or avoid certain foods containing oxalate if their urine contains an excess of this substance. This is best determined by your doctor. Some foods and drinks that contain oxalate include rhubarb, beets, spinach, and chocolate. Visit The Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation web site for a list of foods and drinks containing oxalate.
Include dairy products and foods high in calcium in your diet. In the past people who form calcium stones were told to avoid diary products and other foods with high calcium content. However, recent studies have shown that foods high in calcium, including dairy products, may help prevent calcium stones. A diet low in calcium for long periods is not advised because this can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is loss of bone mass. Your doctor or registered dietitian can determine how much calcium you need.
Avoid calcium in pill. This may increase the risk of developing stones. Talk to your doctor about medications or herbal supplements that you are taking.
Medications. For some, following a special diet may just be enough to prevent them from forming new stones. But some people may need medications in addition to changes in their diet. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help prevent calcium and uric acid stones. These medicines help control the amount of acid or alkali in the urine, key factors in crystal formation.
Most of the tips presented in this article can be done at home, but before taking medications or making any dietary changes, you should consult your doctor or dietitian first. They can help determine what special diet or medications is right for you. Someone who is at risk for developing stones may need certain blood and urine tests to determine which factors can best be altered to reduce the risk.
If you have had kidney stones before, talk with your doctor about other ways to avoid forming more stones.
| Kidney and Kidney Stones (KKS) has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by Kidney and Kidney Stones. |
Source: Scientific background provided by The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. NIH Publication No. 07-4154, April 2007, NIH Publication No. 08-61865, October 2007, NIH Publication No. 08-2495, October 2007.
View the
Online Resources page of this Web Site.
