How to Prevent Kidney Stones: Diet and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Kidney stones are quite common and are most prone to happen in people with certain health conditions, like diabetes. That being said, they can also occur without any known underlying cause.

There are a lot of misconceptions about what causes kidney stones and how to get rid of them. Let’s take a look at what a kidney stone is and some recommendations on how to prevent them from occurring.

What Is a Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones are pieces of material that have accumulated in a person’s urine. They often are made up of salt, the waste products of protein, and potassium. Sometimes a stone can be broken down to pass harmlessly through the urinary system but other times, when they pass, they can be extremely painful. Most kidney stones are formed made of calcium oxalate and are formed when oxalate, a byproduct of certain foods, binds to calcium as urine is being produced by the kidneys.

Diet Recommendations for Kidney Stones

Eating a healthy diet is crucial for keeping kidney stones at bay. By changing a few specific things in your diet, you can help prevent them from forming. Let’s take a look at a couple of suggestions.

Drink Plenty of Fluid

Drinking fluids is essential to flush your kidneys with fresh, clean water. The more water you drink, the less chance you’ll have of forming kidney stones. Sports drinks containing electrolytes are another way to replenish hydration. They will also help the kidneys function properly and keep materials that can cause kidney stones out of the body. Maintaining hydration is especially important for people who have chronic conditions like diabetes.

Eat a Moderate Amount of Protein

Excess protein intake, including red meat, poultry, and eggs, can boost the levels of uric acid, which can lead to kidney stones. A high-protein diet can also decrease the levels of urinary citrate in the body which is the chemical in your urine that can help prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place. Aim to have a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, fish, and grains.

Limit Foods With High Oxalate Content

Oxalate foods are often a problem for people who have kidney stones. Oxalic acid is a substance that’s very common in the human body but it’s also found in many foods as well. Foods that have the most oxalates include green leafy vegetables, soy, almonds, potatoes, tea, rhubarb, cereal grains, and beets. Try to limit yourself to three servings daily. While these foods offer great nutritional benefits, they aren’t always the best for those trying to prevent kidney stones.

Schedule A Consultation

Kidney stones can be very painful when they form in the body and are passed through the urinary tract but with some changes to your diet, you can prevent them from occurring.

If you struggle with kidney stones or other kidney issues and are looking for help, Dr. Tandon and our team of professionals at the Kidney Clinic of North Florida are more than happy to help you figure out what’s wrong and to provide a customized treatment plan that fits your needs.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Jacksonville, FL office at +1 904-593-5333 or use our online scheduling form.