Kidney Stones are extremely painful. Unfortunately, they’re also common—one out of every 10 people will develop a kidney stone. Several factors cause kidney stones, including genetics, the weather, fluid intake, and your diet.

While you can’t change your genes or the weather, you can change your diet and lifestyle to lower your risk for kidney stones. Here are a few ways to prevent kidney stones:

1.     Drink A Lot Of Water

Water makes you urinate, and urinating prevents kidney stones from forming. It’s especially important to stay hydrated while exercising, because the more you sweat, the less you urinate. If you are prone to developing kidney stones, try avoiding activities and exercises that produce a lot of sweat. When you do exercise, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

2.     Drink Citrus Beverages, Too

Citrate prevents kidney stones from forming, so drink beverages high in citrate such as lemonade, limeade, and other fruit juices. Watch out for the high sugar content of some fruit juices—sugar can cause kidney stones. Instead, look for sugar-free drinks.

3.     DO NOT Avoid Calcium

Many people falsely believe that kidney stones are primarily caused by too much calcium. However, a calcium-deficient diet can actually increase your chances of developing a kidney stone. Instead of avoiding calcium, get an appropriate amount for your age and lifestyle.

4.     DO Avoid Sodium

Sodium causes a build-up of calcium in the urine, which causes kidney stones. But instead of avoiding calcium, you should avoid salt. Not only will a low-sodium diet prevent kidney stones, but it’s also good for your health as a whole.

5.     Monitor Your Oxalate Intake

Oxalate can cause kidney stones; however, cutting oxalate-rich foods out of your diet does more harm than good. Combine high-oxalate foods with high-calcium foods, as the two will bind together in your stomach and small intestines rather than your kidneys. Oxalate-rich foods include beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and nuts.

Diet and lifestyle changes can’t always prevent kidney stones. That’s why Urology Specialists of Georgia is here to offer treatments that get rid of kidney stones and get you back on your feet.