Kidney stones are hard masses that develop and collect in the urinary tract that separate from the urine. They develop from different minerals, like calcium. They are more frequent in men; however, as women grow older, the incidence is higher. Once you have a kidney stone, you are more likely to develop more, so there are certain ways that you can help prevent them.
Drink More Fluids
It sounds simple, but drinking more fluids is important for urinary tract health and in the prevention of kidney stones. The National Kidney and Urologic Disease Clearinghouse (NKUDC) recommends that persons with a high risk drink enough water to produce two quarts a day of urine. Drinking fluids means drinking non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages like water.
Dietary Changes
If the stones you are producing are oxalate stones, your doctor may recommend you limit certain foods, including rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, tea, chocolate and soy products, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eat food low in salt. The NKUDC recommends a limit of 2,400 mg a day. Reduce your animal protein intake in order to reduce the uric acid buildup in your body. The NKUDC reports calcium in food helps prevent kidney stones and is good for the bones. Fiber-rich foods have a component called phytate, which may help protect against kidney stones.
Medications
Your doctor might order a particular medication to reduce the amount of alkalinity or acidity in your urine. This is determined by the type of stone you are producing. Diuretics, medications to reduce uric acid, antibiotics or medications that increase the alkalinity in urine are examples of medicines available. The NKUDC recommends that you discuss it with your doctor before taking high doses of vitamins like D and C.
Stress Management
The New York Times reports of a link found between kidney stones and stress. Decreasing stress and remaining physically and emotionally healthy is important for all the systems in your body. Some examples of how you can relieve stress are to take a walk, exercise, spend time with a friend or do something you enjoy.
Treat Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, kidney stones are precipitated by another condition. Some examples, according to the New York Times, include hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis and certain cancers. If these conditions are controlled, sometimes the kidney stone formation can be deterred.
