Kidney stones form when minerals, salts, and other waste products in your urine build up over time and crystalize into solid deposits. Though some never cause a problem, others can get stuck on their way out of the urinary tract, blocking urine flow and triggering severe pain.
Our team at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center has extensive experience diagnosing and treating kidney stones. We offer a range of options for stones that don’t pass on their own, including laser lithotripsy and surgical removal when necessary.
Kidney stones send more than 500,000 Americans to the emergency room each year. Fortunately, a few simple changes in your daily routine can help lower your risk of developing them.
Drinking plenty of water helps dilute your urine and flush out minerals that could otherwise turn into stones. Be especially mindful of how much you’re consuming when physically active or spending time outdoors in hot weather, as sweating can deplete your fluid levels faster than you expect.
For an added benefit, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to your water. Citrus fruits contain a molecule called citrate, which may help prevent some stones from forming.
Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods, including spinach, nuts, and some grains. When you have too much oxalate in your body, the excess often ends up in your urine, where it can crystallize into calcium oxalate stones — the most common type of kidney stone.
Instead of cutting out all foods that contain oxalate, focus on getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium binds with oxalate in your gut, reducing the amount that your body absorbs. Try to incorporate two to three servings of calcium-rich foods into your daily meals.
Eating too much sodium causes your kidneys to excrete more calcium into your urine, increasing your risk of stones. Most adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
Limiting the amount of salt you add to your meals is a good first step, but the majority of dietary sodium comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Be sure to check nutrition labels closely and choose lower sodium options whenever possible.
A diet high in animal proteins, especially red meats, organ meats, and certain types of seafood, can increase the acidity of your urine. This creates an environment that encourages stone formation.
Protein is still an important part of your diet, but it doesn’t all have to come from meat. Replacing some animal products with plant-based sources of protein — such as beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds — may help keep kidney stones at bay.
Carrying excess weight contributes to insulin resistance and other metabolic changes that make stones more likely to develop. If you’re overweight, gradual weight loss through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can lower your risk.
Choosing forms of movement you enjoy makes it easier to stay consistent with exercise. Walking with a friend, swimming, dancing — any kind of movement counts toward your activity goals. Just remember to stay hydrated.
If you’re prone to kidney stones, our team can help you understand your risk factors and prevent future problems. Schedule an appointment at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center in Hemet, California, for personalized guidance and care.
