How do I Prevent Kidney Stones?

It is often necessary to consider the type of kidney stones that a person is at risk of developing if he wishes to prevent their formation. Once she has this information, she can modify her diet accordingly or take the appropriate medication. Drinking a substantial amount of water can also help to prevent kidney stones. It is important to realize, however, that even if several preventative measures are undertaken the problem may still be unavoidable.

One very important measure that people should take to help prevent kidney stones is to drink large amounts of water. Kidney stones form as a result of chemical buildup. When an individual drinks a substantial amount of water, the chemicals may be too diluted to form stones. Furthermore, the chemicals will be flushed from the body on a more regular basis. It is commonly suggested that a person should drink 64 ounces of water per day. The suggested daily water intake for preventing kidney stones, however, is about 96 ounces per day.

Diet modifications can also help to prevent kidney stones. It has been found in many cases that the stones in peoples’ kidneys are composed of calcium. This has led medical professionals to suggest low-calcium eating plans for individuals who are prone to kidney stones. Reducing the amount of calcium consumed generally involves reducing the amount of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, in a person’s diet. It is also important for individuals who are prone to calcium kidney stones to reduce their sodium intake.

A diet low in oxalate is also recommended for those who want to prevent kidney stones. A low-oxalate diet can require a person to reduce his consumption of certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and draft beer. Foods that should be avoided or limited include chocolate, leafy green vegetables, and sweet potatoes.

A medicinal therapy may be necessary to prevent kidney stones. It should be understood that there are two categories of medications used for kidney stone treatment. There are those used to treat the pain that results from kidney stones. Then there are those that are supposed to inhibit formation of the stones.

Potassium citrate is an example of a medicine that may be used for prevention of kidney stones. Its purpose is to prevent uric acid crystals from developing in the urine. The connection between medicines and kidney stone prevention operates in much the same fashion as diet modification. There are several types of medicinal options, but their suitability is determined by considering the types of stones.