How can I prevent kidney stones?
April 20, 2022 | 90,00 EUR | answered by Ben Busse
Dear Doctor,
my name is Hans Eiserfelder and I have been experiencing increasing problems with kidney stones lately. I have already had two kidney stone attacks and I am determined to prevent further stones from forming. These attacks were extremely painful and burdensome for me, and I am very worried that it could happen again.
Currently, I do not have any acute symptoms, but I generally feel unwell and am afraid that new kidney stones could form. I have read a lot about how the formation of kidney stones can be favored by various factors, such as unhealthy diet, insufficient fluid intake, or genetic predisposition.
I would like to know from you what specific measures I can take to effectively prevent kidney stones. What dietary recommendations are there specifically for people prone to kidney stones? How much should I drink daily to reduce the formation of kidney stones? Are there certain foods that I should definitely avoid?
I am also interested in whether there are medication options to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Are there special products that can help prevent the formation of kidney stones? Or are there other therapeutic approaches that you can recommend?
I would be very grateful if you could give me specific advice on how to improve my kidney health and effectively prevent kidney stones. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Hans Eiserfelder
Dear Hans Eiserfelder,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a urologist. I am sorry to hear that you have experienced kidney stone attacks in the past and that you are concerned about the formation of new stones. Kidney stones can indeed be very painful and burdensome, so it is important to take preventive measures to avoid their recurrence.
In order to effectively prevent kidney stones, it is important to consider various aspects. One key factor is diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with moderate consumption of animal proteins and salt, can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. In particular, it is important to ensure an adequate intake of calcium, as low calcium intake can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Furthermore, it is important to stay hydrated to reduce the formation of kidney stones. It is recommended to drink at least 2-3 liters of fluids per day, preferably in the form of water. Adequate fluid intake can help reduce the concentration of substances in the urine that can lead to kidney stones.
Certain foods should be avoided to minimize the risk of kidney stones. These include foods high in oxalates such as spinach, rhubarb, and cocoa, as oxalate stones are a common form of kidney stones. Similarly, reducing consumption of foods high in salt and sugary drinks is recommended.
Regarding medication for preventing kidney stones, there are various approaches. Your treating physician may prescribe specific medications that can help reduce the formation of kidney stones. These may include certain diuretics or medications to regulate uric acid or calcium metabolism. It is important to seek individual advice and choose the appropriate therapy in consultation with a specialist.
In addition to dietary and medication measures, other therapeutic approaches may be beneficial in preventing kidney stones. These include regular physical activity, stress reduction, adequate sleep hygiene, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
I hope these tips help you improve your kidney health and effectively prevent kidney stones. If you have any further questions or need additional support, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Ben Busse, Urologist
