Measures to...
Prevent Kidney Stones?

The measures needed to prevent kidney stones could vary from one individual to another. It all depends on each individual's risk factors for developing kidney stones.

Outlined below are some general recommendations for kidney stones prevention. It should be noted, however, that these are general guidelines.

It is advisable to discuss your personal situation with a competent medical professional. They can better assess your exposure and risk factors and recommend measures that are appropriate to your circumstances.

What can be done to prevent kidney stones?

• Reduce consumption of animal protein. Animal protein causes the body to excrete calcium... that results in excessive amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid in the kidneys. The build-up of these substances in the kidneys can lead to the formation of kidney stone. If you must eat animal products, it is better to use white meat rather than red meat.

• Consume a diet high in raw foods. This should include a daily serving of at least 5 fruits and vegetables. Your diet should contain raw vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and, seeds. You may also use fish as a source of protein. While you do not necessarily need to become a vegetarian, people who consume a diet high in raw foods have a much lower risk of developing kidney stones, than those who consume lots of meat.

• Drink adequate amounts of water. This is probably the single most important thing that can help to prevent kidney stones. Most of the body's biological functions require water in order to function properly. Dehydration causes a concentration of minerals in the kidneys, which can lead to formation of kidney stones.

The amount of water required by each person on a daily basis, is determined by body composition. As a guide, however, you should try to drink at least 1 glass of water every two waking hours.

• Reduce your intake of potassium and phosphates. It is better to avoid regular table salt and use a good salt substitute instead. Avoid carbonated soft drinks altogether.

• Avoid all refined sugars. Sugar causes the pancreas to release insulin, which causes extra calcium to be released into the urine. The build-up or excess calcium can lead to the formation of kidney stones. As a sweetener, it is better to use a sugar substitute, such as Stevia or Fructose. Honey can be used as well.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to pull calcium from the blood into the bones, where it should be. It also helps to prevent the build-up of high levels of calcium in the bloodstream.

• Persons who are obese should take measures to regulate their body weight. Obesity is not only a cause of kidney stones, but many other health problems as well. It is a good idea to seek the assistance of a health care professional to determine your ideal body weight. They should also help you to decide which measures are appropriate to achieve your target weight.

Persons with a history of kidney stones or who have relatives with this condition should seek professional medical help, to determine how best to prevent kidney stones. In addition to the measures outlined above, the doctor may prescribe other specific measures, based on the cause of the stones.

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