Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. Passing them through your urinary tract can cause excruciating pain. There is no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially if your family has a history of stones.
Even though kidney stones may recur, a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, as well as some medications, can reduce your risk.
We spoke to Dr. Ibrahim Kothawala, Consultant Urologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, about ways to prevent kidney stones from coming back.
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Dr. Ibrahim Kothawala said, “Kidney stones are very common and painful and also one of the greatest difficulties lies in the fact that they recur. The risk of recurrence is high even after treatment; be it during surgery or medication. Almost half of the patients are likely to form stones in the kidneys or ureter. Such an inclination to repeat the formation of the stones is termed a stone-forming tendency.”
Here are some expert-approved ways to prevent recurrence of kidney stones.
4 Ways to mitigate the risk of recurrence of kidney stones 1. Drink plenty of water
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One of the most important ways to prevent the recurrence of renal stones is to drink plenty of water everyday. The urologist suggests drinking at least three liters everyday, especially those who sweat more and are prone to developing kidney stones.
Dr. Ibrahim Kothawala said, “The best preventative step is taking sufficient water. Flushing the kidneys and avoiding the formation of crystals, hydration aids. Averagely, a human being needs to take at least three litres of water per day. The amount of intake should be increased, i.e., up to four or even five litres, to those who sweat a lot or exercise outside.”
He added, “One of the basic instructions is that your urine must be crystal clear or light in colour at least once a day. That means that your kidneys are getting flushed.”
2. Do not hold urine in for long hours
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Dr. Kothwala also recommends urinating regularly throughout the day and avoiding holding urine in for long hours as it can cause kidney stones.
Dr. Kothawala explained, “Long-term retention of urine predisposes to the existence of stones. In the work place or when traveling many avoid going to the washroom for 8-12 hours. This habit should be changed. Frequent urination will keep the urinary system cleansed of detachments that may create stones.”
3. Clean up your diet
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According to the expert, diet plays a key role in managing kidney stones. He says those who have levels of uric acid must avoid certain foods.
Dr. Kothawala elaborated, “Diet is very important to avoid stone recurrence particularly in individuals who have high levels of uric acid. Restrict those foods with a high level of uric acid, including non-vegetarian food and red meat. These are supposed to be consumed in lesser quantities than the rest of the population.”
He continued, “Junk foods should be avoided particularly high foods in cheese and preservatives like burgers and pizzas. Reduce the use of carbonated beverages, which predispose to the risk of stones.”
4. Get checked for kidney abnormalities
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Another reason kidney stones can recur is the structural abnormalities in the kidney. The urologist suggests seeking medical intervention to rectify this condition.
Dr. Kothawala said, “In some cases, the presence of recurring stones could be associated with structural or functional dysfunction of kidneys. They may be congenital (they were since birth) or they may be acquired as a result of infections or previous stones.”
“It is vital to consult a urologist and find a way to treat such problems. Proper repair of the anatomy provides normal urine flow and decreases the formation of stones,” he added.
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