Kidney stones are a common health problem. According to the American Urological Association, up to 12% of Americans are affected by kidney stones, and once you’ve had one kidney stone, you’re 50 percent more likely to get another within the next 10 years. This means there is about a 1 in 10 chance that you will develop kidney stones at some point.
Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys when urine becomes concentrated. In almost all cases, they do not cause permanent damage, but their symptoms can be very painful. Don’t worry, though! There are a number of ways to prevent kidney stones.
Risk Factors
Before diving into kidney stone prevention, check out these risk factors to determine whether you may already be predisposed to get kidney stones:
Genes - many of the people who get kidney stones have relatives who have gotten them, too.
Obesity - overweight people tend to get kidney stones more often.
Diabetes - like those who are overweight, people who have diabetes also tend to get kidney stones.
Gout - this condition happens when uric acid builds up in your blood, which makes crystals form in your joints or kidneys.
Intestinal surgery - if you’ve had certain types of gastric bypass surgery or other intestinal surgery, your risk of getting kidney stones may be increased.
Hyperthyroidism - this condition can raise calcium levels in your blood and trigger kidney stones.
Diet - even if you’re in good health, your diet may affect your chances of developing kidney stones.
Preventative Tips
In order to reduce your risk of kidney stones, especially if you are already at risk, try the following preventive measures:
Drink plenty of water - drinking plenty of fluids is generally recommended because they dilute and increase the volume of the stone-forming substances in urine, which makes them less likely to crystallize. If you exercise, sweat a lot, or have a history of cystine stones, you’ll need additional fluids.
Increase intake of citric acid - this organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables may help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones by binding with calcium in urine which reduces the risk of new stone formation and with existing calcium oxalate crystals, preventing them from getting larger.
Eat calcium-rich foods - dietary calcium binds to oxalate in your intestines, lowering the concentration of oxalate in the urine, so there is less chance it can bind to urinary calcium. Calcium supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones, though, so stick to calcium-rich food options like low-fat milk, low-fat cheese, and low-fat yogurt.
Reduce sodium - a high-sodium diet increases the amount of calcium in your urine, which can trigger kidney stones, so eating less salt helps keep urine calcium levels lower. One of the best ways to decrease your sodium intake is to cut back on packaged, processed foods.
Limit animal protein - foods high in animal protein are rich in purines, which are broken down into uric acid and can cause both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Animal proteins also may increase calcium excretion and decrease levels of citrate, the chemical in urine that helps prevent stones from forming.
Add more magnesium to your diet - it has been suggested that magnesium may reduce oxalate absorption in the gut, which may help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Good dietary sources of magnesium include avocados, legumes, and tofu.
Eat fewer oxalate-rich foods - Some kidney stones are made of oxalate, which can bind with calcium and other minerals, forming crystals that can lead to stone formation in the urine. Limiting oxalate-rich foods may help prevent the stones from forming. However, foods high in oxalate also tend to be very healthy, so consult your healthcare provider or dietitian to find out whether you may benefit from limiting your intake of oxalate-rich foods.
Avoid vitamin C supplements - some studies indicate vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements are associated with a higher risk of getting kidney stones because some vitamin C can be converted into oxalate within the body, increasing the probability of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones. Researchers don’t believe vitamin C from food carries the same risk.
Talk to your doctor about preventative medications - if you’re prone to certain types of kidney stones, certain medications can help control the amount of that material present in your urine.
There’s no guarantee these prevention methods will work, but they may reduce your risk.
Whether you have symptoms of kidney stones or want advice on preventing them, Norman Urology has answers, the most current treatments, and you can count on superior, specialized care from experienced, compassionate professionals. Even if you’re perfectly healthy, it’s never a bad call. Contact us today!