Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys. When they pass through your urinary tract, they can cause extreme pain — and if you’ve experienced kidney stone pain before, you might be wondering what you can do to prevent recurrence.
About 80% of people who have kidney stones will develop them again if they don’t make any changes to their lifestyle. But the good news is that there's a lot you can do to lower your risk of kidney stones, and our team at Advanced Urology is here to help.
Read on to learn more about why kidney stones form and how proactive measures and lifestyle adjustment can reduce your risk of kidney stone recurrence.
Kidney stones form inside your kidneys when certain minerals and substances in your urine get too concentrated and crystallize. A few of the most common substances that make up kidney stones are calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.
Dehydration is one of the most common factors that leads to this concentration, because it reduces your urine volume and allows minerals to crystallize more easily. Other contributors include dietary habits, genetic predisposition, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like gout or hyperparathyroidism.
Kidney stones move into your urinary tract when they dislodge from your kidneys, often due to the flow of urine. As they travel, they can irritate or block the narrow passages of your urinary system, causing significant pain. The pain, known as renal colic, is often sharp and intense because the stones stretch and inflame the passages.
If you’ve experienced kidney stone pain before, it’s understandable that you want to avoid recurrence. Fortunately, you can significantly lower your risk of kidney stones with a few different preventive measures.
Our team offers personalized treatment plans for kidney stones. We can evaluate your specific risk factors and recommend tailored lifestyle changes or medical interventions, which can include:
One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones is by drinking plenty of water every day. Staying hydrated dilutes your urine, which reduces the risk of stone-forming minerals crystallizing.
Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water per day, though your exact needs may vary based on your activity level and climate. Sometimes, we might also recommend incorporating beverages like lemonade or orange juice, because they contain citrate, which is a substance that helps prevent stone formation.
Your dietary choices play an essential role in kidney stone prevention. Depending on the type of stones you’re prone to, you might need to limit certain foods.
For example, excess sodium can increase calcium in your urine and lead to stone formation. Limiting your salt intake by opting for fresh foods and avoiding processed snacks can help lower your risk.
Spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate are high in oxalates, which can bind with calcium to form kidney stones. Consider limiting oxalate-rich foods or pairing them with calcium sources during meals to reduce their effect. Calcium-rich foods can help prevent stones by binding to oxalate in your digestive tract.
Finally, high amounts of red meat, eggs, and seafood can increase uric acid levels and contribute to stone development. Limit red meats and choose plant-based proteins like legumes when possible.
Certain medical conditions, like gout or hyperparathyroidism, can increase your risk of kidney stones. Taking a proactive approach to managing these conditions can help lower your risk of kidney stones, too.
As part of your kidney stone treatment plan, our team can evaluate any underlying conditions and help you find the support you need to manage them effectively.
In some cases, we might recommend medications or supplements to lower your risk of kidney stones. These might include diuretics, citrate supplements, or drugs to reduce uric acid levels. Always discuss any supplements or medications with your doctor to ensure they align with your health needs.
Kidney stones are painful — but experiencing them once doesn’t mean you’re destined to get them again. By making intentional adjustments to your hydration, diet, and overall health management, you can significantly lower your chances of getting kidney stones in the future. Schedule a consultation with our team at Advanced Urology to get a proactive prevention plan.
Call us at 310-670-9119 or request an appointment online to get started. We have offices in Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, and Culver City, California.
