Kidney / Urinary Stone - Management Tips
Kidney/urinary stones can be managed with a little care and perseverance. The following are some simple tips for preventing stones -
- It is advisable to drink enough fluids everyday; 8-10 glasses of water is advisable for all adults. This helps to produce enough urine which in turn helps to flush out the excess minerals or crystals before they actually become stones within the urinary tract or kidney. Dehydration and low fluid intake are the most prominent risk factors that trigger kidney stone formation.
- Any type of healthy fluid is recommended, but experience has emphasized the role of citrate drinks in preventing stone formation. Lemonade, made with frozen concentrate or fresh lemon, is a drink highly recommended for its citrate content.
- People prone to develop stones are advised to go for a low protein diet. They are also advised to reduce fat content in their diet.
- Individuals who are prone to develop calcium stones are advised to lower their sodium in take. Otherwise most stone patients are advised a normal calcium diet without supplements. However the quantity of calcium in the patients’ diet is a controversial subject and different schools of thought exist.
- People who are prone to develop stones must avoid the specific food item that provides fodder for stone formation.
- Stone forming drugs must be avoided such as certain diuretics, probenicid or calcitrol.
