The Institute of Medicine recommends that women drink about nine cups (2. 2 liters) of fluids per day. Men should drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of fluids per day. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Aim to drink enough water so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This is a sign that you are drinking enough liquids.
Avoid dark beers. These contain oxalates, which can contribute to future kidney stones. [5] X Research source
If you are dealing with a large, painful kidney stone, you may need to get a prescription-strength pain medication. Your doctor will be able to better diagnose the situation if this occurs.
Have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary tract infections can get worse when a kidney stone is introduced. [9] X Research source Have had a kidney transplant, have a compromised immune system, or currently possess only one kidney. Are pregnant. Treatment of stones during pregnancy usually depends on the trimester of pregnancy. You believe your kidney stone has been obstructing your urinary tract. Signs of obstruction include reduced urine flow, urinating at night, and side pain. [10] X Research source
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is ideal for kidney stones under 2 cm. This is not a good choice for pregnant women, as it requires an x-ray to locate the stone, and it may not work on very large stones. [11] X Research source For stones located in the ureter, your doctor may perform a ureteroscopy. This entails the insertion of a tiny camera into your ureter so the doctor can see the stone and then remove it by inserting a wire basket through your bladder and into your ureter, pulling the stone free. [12] X Research source If you have a large (larger than 2 cm) or irregularly-shaped kidney stone, your doctor may perform a percutaneous nephrolithotomy or a percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. [13] X Research source While you are under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in your back and remove (nephrolithotomy) or break up (nephrolithotripsy) the kidney stone. [14] X Research source If your kidney stones are the result of hypercalciuria, meaning your kidneys produce a high level of calcium, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, orthophosphates, bisphosphonates, or, more rarely, calcium-binding agents. If you are also suffering from gout, you may be prescribed allopurinol.
Some citrus-flavored sodas, such as 7UP and Sprite, contain high levels of citric acid. While you should avoid high-sugar beverages, the occasional clear soda may be a good way to increase your citric acid intake. [16] X Research source
Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity such as walking, jogging, or gardening. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Red meats, organ meats, and shellfish are high in a substance called purine. Purine increases your body’s production of uric acid and can cause kidney stones. [19] X Research source Eggs and fish also contain purines, although less than red meats and shellfish. Get protein from other sources, such as calcium-rich dairy or legumes. Legumes contain fiber and phytate, a compound that may help prevent kidney stones from forming. Be careful of soybeans, though, as they contain high levels of oxalate. [20] X Research source
Children four to eight years old need 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Children 9-18 should get 1,300 mg of calcium daily. Adults 19 and older require at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Women over 50 and men over 70 should take 1,200 mg of calcium a day. [22] X Research source Unless your doctor recommends them, avoid calcium supplements. While the calcium you get from your diet has no effect on kidney stones, consuming too much calcium from supplements may increase your risk of developing kidney stones.
Eat foods that contain oxalates at the same time as foods that contain calcium. The oxalate and calcium are more likely bind to each other before they reach the kidneys, reducing your risk of developing kidney stones from these foods. [24] X Research source Foods that are high in oxalate (10mg+ per serving) include nuts, most berries, wheat, figs, grapes, tangerines, beans, beets, carrots, celery, eggplant, kale, leeks, olives, okra, peppers, potatoes, spinach, sweet potato, and zucchini. Beverages that contain high levels of oxalate (more than 10mg per serving) include dark beer, black tea, chocolate-based beverages, soy beverages, and instant coffee. Your body may turn high doses of vitamin C — such as those from supplements — into oxalate. Unless recommended by your doctor, don’t take vitamin C supplements. [25] X Research source
That said, a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and limited lean proteins can be a great way to keep you healthy and prevent kidney stones.
