How to Prevent Kidney Stones From Returning

Kidney stones can be incredibly painful, and if you’ve experienced them once, the last thing you want is to go through that again.

Kidney stones develop when certain substances in your urine crystallize and clump together, creating solid masses that can block urine flow and cause intense discomfort. 

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of kidney stones returning. 

At Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California, our board-certified specialists have helped countless patients prevent kidney stones from coming back. 

If you’re looking for practical ways to reduce your risk, keep reading as we share our top tips to keep kidney stones at bay.

Stay hydrated

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent kidney stones from returning is by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the substances in your urine that can lead to stone formation. 

The standard recommendation is to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, but if you’ve had kidney stones before, we may recommend drinking even more.

Adjust your diet

Different types of kidney stones are caused by different substances, so your diet plays a major role in kidney stone formation.

The dietary changes that are best for you may depend on the type of stone you’ve had. For example:

Calcium oxalate stones

Avoid foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate. Pairing high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods can help reduce the absorption of oxalate.

Uric acid stones

Limit intake of purine-rich foods, such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and certain fish (sardines, anchovies).

Calcium stones

Although calcium stones are common, we usually don’t recommend reducing calcium in your diet. Instead, focus on balanced calcium intake and avoid excessive sodium, which can increase calcium in your urine.

We can guide you in making the right dietary changes based on your specific type of stones.

Watch your sodium intake

Too much sodium in your diet can contribute to kidney stone formation by increasing calcium in your urine, which is a primary cause of calcium-based stones. 

Reducing your sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams a day, or even down to 1,500 mg if you’ve had calcium oxalate stones, can make a big difference in preventing future stones.

To lower your sodium intake, avoid processed and packaged foods, and be mindful of how much salt you add during cooking or at the table. 

In addition, look for lower-sodium options when you shop, and try using herbs and spices to flavor your meals instead of salt.

Get enough calcium

While it might sound counterintuitive, getting the right amount of calcium is important for kidney stone prevention. 

A common misconception is that people prone to calcium oxalate stones should avoid calcium-rich foods. 

But calcium actually binds to oxalate in your intestines, preventing it from being absorbed into your bloodstream and forming stones.

Aim for around 1,000 mg of calcium a day (1,200 mg if you’re over 50) from dietary sources like leafy greens and fortified foods. 

If you’re considering calcium supplements, consult with our team, as we may recommend specific guidelines to reduce the risk of stone formation.

Balance your protein intake

High animal protein intake can increase the risk of certain types of kidney stones, especially uric acid stones. 

This is because protein raises the level of uric acid in your urine and reduces citrate, a substance that helps prevent stones.

Rather than cutting protein entirely, focus on maintaining a healthy balance. Consider incorporating more plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils, and tofu, into your meals. 

We can help you determine the right amount of protein for your diet without increasing your risk of kidney stones.

Ask about medications

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent kidney stones from returning, medications may be necessary. 

Depending on the type of stone you’ve had, we may prescribe medications that help prevent stone formation by:

• Lowering the levels of substances that form stones (like uric acid or calcium)
• Increasing the substances that prevent stones (like citrate)

We evaluate your specific situation and determine whether medication is appropriate for you. 

Get personalized recommendations

Preventing kidney stones from coming back isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. 

At Urology Associates Medical Group, we take the time to understand your specific health history, the type of kidney stones you’ve had, and any contributing factors to develop a personalized plan for you.

If you’re concerned about kidney stones, or if you’ve had them in the past and want to prevent them from returning, schedule an appointment at Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California.