5 Ways To Prevent Kidney Stones

Kidney stones rarely leave any permanent damage, but the pain can be unbearable. If you have kidney stones, it can be difficult to even get out of bed. Obesity, a high-sodium diet and dehydration can increase a person's risk of developing kidney stones. The good news is that it is possible to avoid these stones. Here are five ways to prevent kidney stones.

Limit Sodium in Your Diet

A high-sodium diet increases calcium in your urine, making you more susceptible to kidney stones. If you want to decrease your risk of developing kidney stones, you should limit sodium from your diet. Try to stay away from high-sodium foods such as chips, cured meat, pickles, instant soups, and pretzels. 

Drink A lot of Water

One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water can actually dilute the concentration of solid crystals in your urine, lowering your risk of kidney stones. Try to drink enough water to pass two liters of urine every day. 

Do Not Eat Too Much Animal Protein

Another way to reduce your risk of kidney stones is to limit animal protein from your diet. If you consume a lot of animal protein, too much uric acid will be excreted through your urine. When the excess uric acid crystallizes, kidney stones can develop. If you are at a high risk of developing kidney stones, try getting your protein from other sources such as beans, spinach, quinoa, nuts, tofu and eggs.

Reduce Your Stress

If you are overly stressed, you can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. That is why you should try to reduce stress in your life as much as you can. Exercise regularly and participate in stress relieving techniques such as yoga and meditation. If you are still stressed, you should consider speaking to a therapist.

Include Phytate-Rich Foods in Your Diet

Including phytate-rich foods in your diet can decrease your chances of developing kidney stones in the future. If you include phytate-rich foods in your daily diet, you can prevent calcium from crystallizing in your urine. Foods that are rich in phytates include legumes, rice bran and tree nuts.

If you follow these helpful tips, you will be much less likely to deal with kidney stones in the future. However, if you still develop kidney stones, you should see a doctor at places such as Better Family Care Practice as soon as possible.

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