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5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones

Family Urology Associates Blog 5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones

Imagine going about your day as usual, when suddenly you’re struck by a wave of excruciating pain in your lower back or abdomen. This can be what it’s like to experience kidney stones, an often debilitating condition that affects around one in 10 people in the United States at some point in their lifetime.

At Family Urology Associates, skilled urologist Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD, also known as Dr. Haseeb, offers a variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for painful kidney stones. Dr. Haseeb and his team provide a compassionate, patient-focused approach to improving your urological health and helping you find lasting relief.

Whether you have a history of kidney stones or you simply want to avoid this unpleasant condition, there are simple ways to reduce your risk. Here, we take a look at five effective strategies to keep kidney stones at bay.

1. Hydration is key

Staying hydrated is the most effective way to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. When you’re well-hydrated, your urine is less concentrated, which makes it less likely for stones to form.

Remember to drink ample water throughout the day. Citrate-containing beverages, such as low-sugar lemonade or orange juice, can also help block kidney stone formation. 

How much fluid do you need? Your individual needs may vary based on factors such as your activity level, medications, and overall health. If you’re producing around 2 liters of clear or pale yellow urine daily, you’re likely well-hydrated.

2. Fewer oxalates, more calcium

Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in some vegetables and plant-based foods. When oxalates combine with calcium in your urine, they can form calcium-oxalate crystals — the most common type of kidney stone.

If you’re at risk for kidney stones, you can help prevent the formation of these crystals by limiting your intake of oxalate-rich foods, such as:

While it’s not necessary to completely eliminate these foods from your diet, you should consume them in moderation — and do so alongside calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, or salmon. Calcium binds with oxalates in the digestive tract, making it more difficult for stones to develop.

3. Cut the salt

While a certain amount of sodium in your diet is essential for bodily functions, consuming too much can increase your risk of kidney stones. A surplus of sodium causes your body to retain more water, concentrating your urine and making it more likely for crystals to form. To reduce your sodium intake, try:

Preparing more homemade meals goes a long way in helping you control the amount of added salt in your diet.

4. Shed excess weight

Obesity and being overweight can increase your risk of multiple health conditions, including kidney stones. The link between obesity and kidney stones may be due to the effects of obesity on inflammation, stress, and urine composition.

By combining the dietary changes listed above with regular exercise, you can set yourself on the right path to attaining a weight that’s healthy for you and reduce your chances of developing kidney stones. Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise about five times per week.

5. Seek expert care

If you have a history of kidney stones, you’re at high risk, or you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a qualified urologist. Dr. Haseeb and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney stones, providing tailored advice and treatment plans.

We can evaluate your risk factors, recommend lifestyle changes specific to you, and provide effective treatments, if necessary. Dr. Haseeb offers a range of treatment options, from noninvasive therapies that can help you pass the stone naturally, to minimally invasive surgical procedures for larger or more complex kidney stones.

Don’t let kidney stones disrupt your life. Call Family Urology Associates in Frederick, Maryland, or use online booking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haseeb today.