Composed of minerals and acid salts, kidney stones are hard crystals that form in the kidneys. If they get large enough, they are difficult to expel and can cause severe pain. If you have suffered from this disorder in the past, you can understand how to prevent new stone formation.
Steps
Step 1. Drink more fluids
Liquids help eliminate the substances that cause kidney stones to form.
- Water, the most useful liquid to consume in these cases, helps prevent kidney stones by keeping the kidneys clean without adding additional elements, such as sugar, sodium or other ingredients found in various types of drinks. Drink 8 to 10 glasses a day.
- Ginger ale, lemon or lime flavored drinks, and fruit juices are good alternatives, but avoid caffeine as it can cause dehydration.
Step 2. Determine what kind of kidney stones you have had
Since you have suffered from kidney stones in the past, your doctor should know the type to help you find a way to keep them from reforming.
- Calcium stones are caused by unused calcium collected in the kidneys and not eliminated with the rest of the urine. Over time it combines with other waste elements to form a "pebble". The most common type of calcium stone is calcium oxalate.
- Struvite stones can form after a urinary infection and are composed of magnesium and ammonia.
- Uric acid stones are caused by too many acids. By eliminating the meat, you can stop the formation of this type of kidney stone.
- The formation of cystine stones is not common and tends to be hereditary. Cystine is an amino acid and some people inherit it in large quantities.
Step 3. Reduce the chance of new calcium stones developing, the most common type of kidney stones
- Limit foods that are high in oxalate if you have suffered from calcium oxalate stones. Spinach, chocolate, beets and rhubarb all are rich in oxalates. Beans, green peppers, teas, and peanuts also contain oxalate.
- Contrary to popular belief in the past, consuming more calcium-containing foods, such as milk, calcium-enriched orange juice and yogurt, can break down kidney stones. However, taking calcium supplement pills is not recommended if you are prone to developing calcium stones.
- Avoid using too much salt and sugar and increase your intake of magnesium and potassium.
- Avoid using antacid tablets containing calcium and vitamin D.
- Eat more fiber. Some research indicates that insoluble fiber combines with calcium in the urine and is excreted in the stool. This can help decrease the amount of calcium deposited in the urine.
Step 4. Consult your doctor about the use of medications to prevent kidney stones
- Hydrochlorothiazide decreases the amount of calcium released in the urine, helping to keep it in the bones, and helps reduce the likelihood of developing calcium stones. This drug works best when you also limit your salt intake.
- You can help expel cystine stones by taking medications that reduce the amount of cystine in the urine.
- Antibiotics help control infections that can cause struvite stones to form.
Step 5. Check for calcium stone formation with surgery if you have hyperparathyroidism
Calcium stones can pose a risk if you have this dysfunction. Usually, by removing one of the two parathyroid glands present in the neck, this dysfunction can be cured and the risk of suffering from kidney stones is eliminated.
