How To Prevent Kidney Stones

By: Darrell Miller
Q: Several months ago I had a kidney stone removed. How can I prevent future kidney stones from forming?

A: In today’s culture you are ten times more likely to have kidney stones then at the turn of the 19th century, men and woman in today’s culture need to take preventative measures. Kidney stones are considered a urologic disorder that is very painful. Most kidney stone cases are preventable. Kidney stones are crystallized build ups of minerals like calcium and oxalic acid; these are your most common stones. Kidney stones can also be made up of uric acid and other minerals and amino acids. Since you passed a stone recently your doctor could tell you what the stone was comprised of by giving you a breakdown of the stones contents so you can form a prevention plan. There are general changes in your diet which can be beneficial no matter what the kidney stone was made of. Reduce your consumption of dairy products and animal proteins. Diets high in both of these products lead to an increased risk of kidney stones. To increase the absorption of calcium and reduce the risk of calcium stones one should consume a magnesium supplement which helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium can also have a relaxing effect on the body. Finding sources of calcium that are from green vegetables will help prevent calcium stones as well. Also, reduce the amount of refined foods you eat and replace them with whole grains and raw foods like un-cooked fruits and vegetables.

Most importantly, kidney stones form because the bladder isn’t emptied completely so it’s very important to drink plenty of liquid through out the day to help prevent stones. By drinking at least two quarts of liquid each day of purified water, juice or tea, your body will be able to flush your bladder more effectively eliminating those dreaded kidney stones. Recently, vitamin A deficiency has been linked to kidney stones as well, by eating lots of carrots, yams, peaches, and cantaloupe or supplementing with vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate or beta carotene can help reduce the risk or kidney stones. Several manufactures of Natural vitamin supplements offer kidney stone formulas you might look into as well to help ease existing pain or prevent future stones.

Kidney stones risk can also be reduced by consuming juniper berries or adding lemon juice to your water. Lemon juice helps prevent crystallization in the kidneys. Teas such as thyme tea and knotgrass tea are good for dissolving mineral build-up in the kidneys as well.

If you suspect that you’re at risk for kidney stones, a life style change in diet works the best as a preventative measure. The simplest life style change you can make is drinking more liquids, pure water is best. Drink at least two quarts of water every twenty four hours. If you have a family history of kidney stones, your family doctor can perform blood tests to see if you are at risk and help you determine what factors to change in your diet to reduce your risk. Stop into your local health food store or shop online for supplements like magnesium and kidney cleanses.

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