Some issues you can’t change, such as genetics and certain medical conditions, increase your risk of kidney stones. So, you can’t always prevent them. However, you can make simple changes in your daily life that help keep them at bay.
Our team at Chesapeake Wellness Center in Cecilton and Elkton, Maryland, specializes in comprehensive primary care services for families in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties in Maryland.
From chronic disease management to routine physicals to preventive care, we focus on helping you live your healthiest life.
Here’s what our team wants you to know about kidney stones and steps you can take to help prevent them.
Kidney stones are mineral and salt deposits that develop in the kidneys. They form when substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine become too concentrated, creating crystals that clump together.
While many stones are small enough to move painlessly through the urinary system, others can grow pearl-size or larger. Excruciating pain and other health complications develop when stones lodge in the urinary tract and block urine from exiting the body.
Symptoms of kidney stones include:
Our Chesapeake Wellness Center team recommends contacting the office if you develop any concerning symptoms.
Try these five lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments to help prevent kidney stones:
Dehydration increases your risk of kidney stones since your body counts on plenty of fluid to flush waste components from the kidneys.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to dilute urine and prevent crystal formation. Aim for 8-10 glasses daily, more if you’re active or the temperature climbs.
Limit salt intake since sodium can increase calcium in the urine, promoting stone formation. Current guidelines recommend 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon of salt) or less daily. Check labels since many packaged or prepared foods contain significant amounts of salt.
Other dietary recommendations include reducing oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate since the high intake of these foods can increase your risk of calcium-oxalate stones.
We also recommend balancing your calcium intake by consuming calcium-rich foods like dairy in moderation rather than calcium supplements. That helps the calcium bind with oxalates in the digestive system rather than landing in the kidneys, where stones form.
Limiting animal protein (meat, eggs, etc.) and avoiding sugary drinks help decrease your risks.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and other habits that help you maintain a healthy weight can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Certain dietary supplements and medications, like diuretics or calcium-based antacids, can increase your risk of stones. Never stop prescribed medicines without your doctor’s consent, but we can review your medicines if kidney stones are a concern.
Conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout, or recurrent urinary infections can increase your risk. Proper management of these conditions is crucial.
Schedule a visit at Chesapeake Wellness Center today for all your health care needs, including more details on preventing kidney stones. Call the office or request an appointment online.
