8 ways to avoid kidney stones

Here is a list of 8 ways to prevent the formation of kidney stones!

Kidney stones are made up of deposits of hard minerals inside the kidneys and may cause excruciating pain when passing through the urinary tract. This problem of kidney stones can be easily avoided unless you have a family history. Read on to know about the 8 ways to prevent kidney stones.

Hydrate well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate yourself well. Inadequate water consumption will lower the urine output and the concentrated urine hence formed will not be able to dissolve the salts well, which results in the formation of kidney stones. Citric beverages like orange juice and lemonade contain citrate, which prevents the formation of stones. Ideally, the urine should be clear or pale yellow in color, darker color of urine reflects that you need to increase your fluid intake.

High calcium foods. Low calcium diet increases the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis. However, calcium supplements increase the risk of stones and you should rather opt for low-fat options of cheese, milk, and yogurt to meet the calcium requirements.

Less sodium. High salt diet increases the risk of kidney stones as it prevents the calcium from getting reabsorbed in to the blood stream from the urine, which leads to the formation of kidney stones.

Eat less oxalate rich foods. Limiting the intake of oxalate rich foods such as chocolate, coffee, peanuts, spinach, sweet potato, beets, rhubarb, wheat bran, and soy products may prevent the formation of kidney stones made from oxalates.

Less animal protein. The foods with high animal proteins are acidic in nature and increase the formation of both types of kidney stones, that is, uric acid and calcium oxalate. So, one must limit the consumption of poultry, beef, pork, and fish.

Vitamin C supplements. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C supplements are studied to be associated with kidney stones.

Chanca Piedra. It is an herb and is also known as “stone breaker” that is thought to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Medication. Some medications may result in kidney stones and the longer you take them the higher will be the chances of its formation. You must consult a doctor to prescribe you a drug that is most suitable to your health status without leading to the formation of kidney stones.