Steps to Prevent Kidney Stones

The hard deposits that are made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys is known as Kidney stone. It is also termed as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis according to urologists. A kidney stone is formed when too much of certain minerals in the body get accumulated in urine. And if the person is not well hydrated, his urine will become more concentrated with higher levels of these minerals. When these mineral levels are higher, it’s more likely to form a kidney stone. These stones can affect the parts of your urinary tract. Passing urine when having kidney stones is quite painful process. The pain can be unbearable, coming in waves until the tiny stone passes through your urinary plumbing and out of the body.

Preventing kidney stones isn’t complicated, but it does take some determination. And that process includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. So today, I am mentioning some important tips to avoid the Kidney stones.

1. Drink plenty of water.

This is the first and foremost step you can take to prevent kidney stone. Doctors usually recommend passing about 2 liters of urine per day for the people with a history of kidney stones.  And if the person lives in a hot, dry climate he needs to drink even more water to produce enough urine. If the urine is light and clear, the person is likely drinking enough water.

2. Eat fewer oxalate-rich foods. 

If you tend to form calcium oxalate stones, your doctor may recommend restricting foods rich in oxalates like beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, chocolate, black pepper and soy products.

3. Eat calcium-rich foods. 

Calcium rich food is good for your kidney health. So, continue eating them  unless your urologist advises otherwise. But you must be cautious with calcium supplements. Ask your urologist before taking calcium supplements, as these have been linked to increased risk of kidney stones.

4. Reduce sodium

High use of  salt or sodium in the diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. So a low-sodium diet is recommended for the stone prone. Best urology doctors suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg.

5. Limit animal protein

Eating animal proteins too much, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood etc boosts the level of uric acid and could lead to kidney stones. Instead you can choose non animal protein sources, such as legumes and it is a better option.

6. Avoid stone-forming foods

Beets, spinach, tea, chocolates and most nuts are rich in oxalate. Also colas are rich in phosphate and both of them can contribute to kidney stones. If you suffer from stones, best urology doctors may advise you to avoid these foods or to consume them in smaller amounts.

7. Medications 

Medications also can control the amount of minerals and salts in your urine and may be helpful in people who form certain kinds of stones. The type of medication your doctor prescribes will depend on the kind of kidney stones you have. 


Note: Further clarification of doubts can be cleared from the website of Dr. Krishna Mohan, Urology specialist in Calicut and he's also one among the top urologist in calicut and the best urologist in Kerala.