Passing kidney stones hurts, and it’s a deep, visceral pain you’ll want to avoid. As well as medical treatment, there are lifestyle changes you can make that will help you sidestep the excruciating pain of future kidney stones.
As kidney stone specialists, the team at Associated Urologists of North Carolina can help with diagnosis, medication, treatment, and advice. Visit us today, before your next stone appears. In the meantime, here is our top five list of things you can do to prevent kidney stones.
Kidney stones form from several minerals and salts in your body. Knowing the formulation of your stones helps in developing strategies to prevent new stones.
There are four types of kidney stones, each with its own sources. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common overall. Uric acid stones form more frequently in men, and people with a history of urinary tract infections have a greater risk of forming kidney stones composed of struvite.
Cystine kidney stones are the least common, forming from a genetic defect in the kidneys. We can analyze your stones and develop an individualized strategy to reduce the risk of future stones.
Cutting back on calcium may seem logical if you’re diagnosed with calcium-based stones. However, reducing your calcium intake is more likely to raise your risk of developing other health problems than it is to prevent additional kidney stones.
Talk to us about making dietary changes that work for preventing calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. You may need to limit oxalate-rich foods, including spinach, chocolate, and beets.
High sodium diets are common in the United States. The typical US diet exceeds the recommended intake of sodium on a daily basis. Salt causes the body to excrete calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Aim for a sodium intake of 1,500 milligrams or less daily when you have an elevated risk of kidney stones. Choose fresh foods over prepared meals and read food labels closely. The more you control your diet, the more you can control salt intake.
Your kidneys need water to function efficiently. Water and clear fluids dilute your urine, preventing the concentration of minerals and salts that form stones.
Aim for eight cups of water throughout the day, and compensate for fluid loss through sweat on hot days or during physical exertion. Any level of dehydration, from mild to major, increases your risk of kidney stones.
There’s no need to go vegetarian, but adjusting the proportions of plant-based foods upward over animal proteins is an all-around good strategy that pays off in kidney stone prevention, too.
Eating a diet high in animal protein raises your risk for developing uric acid kidney stones. Red meat, poultry, eggs, and even fish increase uric acid levels.
The half-plate method is an easy way to visually adjust portions. Aim for 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% lean protein, and 25% starches or whole grains. Enjoy the same foods, but in a different balance that eases the demands on your kidneys.
For an effective strategy for treating and preventing kidney stones, schedule a visit at one of our three offices in Houston and Cypress, Texas. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
Contact Associated Urologists of North Carolina for information about or treatment for kidney stones. Call our nearest office directly to schedule your appointment today.
