Have you ever experienced a kidney stone? If so, there's a significant likelihood of recurrence. In fact, approximately 50% of individuals who have had kidney stones will experience another episode within seven years, unless preventative steps are taken. Kidney stones are crystalline deposits that form within the kidneys. When they travel the urinary tract to exit the body, they often induce excruciating pain. While certain risk factors for kidney stones, such as genetics and specific digestive disorders, are beyond your control, there are several lifestyle modifications you can implement to reduce your susceptibility to developing them.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Your dietary choices significantly influence your susceptibility to kidney stones. Engage in discussions with your healthcare provider or a dietitian to explore strategies for mitigating this risk. They may suggest:
- Hydration: Increasing water intake is crucial.
- Moderating animal protein consumption.
- Limiting foods abundant in sugar and sodium.
- Restricting intake of oxalate-rich foods, particularly if prone to calcium oxalate stones. Examples include spinach, rhubarb, wheat bran, tree nuts, and peanuts.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet, as they can aid in kidney stone prevention. However, this does not apply to calcium supplements or antacids containing calcium, which may exacerbate stone formation.
- Prescription medications: If dietary adjustments prove insufficient, your provider might prescribe medications tailored to your specific type of kidney stones.