Tips to Treat and Prevent Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is actually a crystallized mass of minerals that forms, as you might expect, in the kidneys. Stones can range from microscopic to almond size. The small ones pass through the bladder and out in the urine without incident. The larger ones can lodge in the ureters, the narrow passageways that can carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. About 10 percent of people develop kidney stones at some point in their lifetimes. Most of these unfortunate folks, about four of every five, by one estimate, are men. And once you pass one stone, there is a 50-50 chance that you will form another one within five to seven years. Here are some tips that you can consider to stop more stones from forming.

These are some of the larger passed fragments of a 1-cm kidney stone that was blasted using lithotripsy.

1. Take Care With Calcium

If your body does not metabolize calcium properly to begin with, you could make yourself more susceptible to developing kidney stones by eating a high-calcium diet. There are benefits to calcium, so you do not want to limit your intake excessively unless there is too much of the mineral in your urine. It is recommended consuming one portion of milk product each day: a glass of milk, a small wedge of hard cheese, a scoop of soft cheese, or a moderate amount of yogurt. Add that to the calcium you get from other foods, and you should be averaging 800 to 900 milligrams a day. That is a reasonable amount. What you do not want is excess.

2. Keep An Eye On Oxalate

If the amount of oxalate in your urine is high, you may be able to cut your risk of kidney stones by limiting your intake of high-oxalate foods. Among the foods you will want to avoid are beans, cocoa, instant coffee, tea, parsley, rhubarb, and spinach.

3. Be Fluent In Fluids

Never pass a water fountain without taking a drink. A big stone starts from a little pebble. If you are well-hydrated, you will pass the little pebble before it evolves into a big stone. How much fluid do you need? Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. If you feel as though you are becoming waterlogged, just remember that a high fluid intake can reduce your odds of a subsequent stone by 30 percent.

4. Beware the "Stone Belt"

There are certain regions of the country where kidney stones tend to be quite common. It is related to the mineral content of the local water supply and the amount of humidity in the air. It is recommended contacting a nearby hospital and asking if you are in a so-called stone belt. If the local water contains high amounts of calcium or certain mineral salts, you might be better off drinking bottled water.

5. Eat Less Meat

A diet high in animal protein predisposes you to the formation of calcium stones. So if you are prone to stones, it is a good idea to reduce your meat intake.

6. Ferret Out Fat

When dietary fat is not fully absorbed from the gut, it can contribute to the formation of kidney stones by binding with calcium. Now you have yet another good reason to keep your fat intake in check.

7. Shake The Salt Habit

A diet that is high in sodium can also set you up for stones. It is recommended not to add salt to your food. And you should avoid eating highly salted foods such as potato chips.

Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.