Tips for Kidney Stone Sufferers

Kidney stone(nephrolithiasis) is a very common medical problem. About 500,000 people go to the emergency room each year due to kidney stones. About one in ten people will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. Here are some tips on treating/preventing this painful problem.

1. Drink fluids!!! At least 2 liters a day...approximately four water bottles a day.
2. Drink water and citrus drinks such as lemonade, orange juice, cranberry juice.
3. Take citrate either through lemonade or supplements (potassium citrate) to prevent formation of certain stones.
4. Maintain urine volume at greater than 2 liters per day.
5. Limit salt intake to 2 grams per day.
6. Cut back on red meat and animal protein to 8 ounces per day.
7. Avoid high oxalate foods to prevent calcium oxalate stones.

Foods high in oxalate include: Beets and beet tops, Black tea, Chocolate, Cocoa, Dried figs, Lambs, Nuts, Parsley, Poppy seeds, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Soybeans.

8. Continue to eat dietary calcium but be careful with supplements. Maintain calcium intake to at least 1000mg/day.
9. Avoid excessive vitamin C. The US recommended daily allowance is about 75-90mg per day. Excessive amounts of >1500mg per day increases oxalate formation thus increasing the risk for stones.
10. Limit soda, tea, and coffee.
11. Exercise.
12. Increase fiber intake and add flaxseed to the diet.
13. Avoid sugar.
14. A glass of wine can decrease stone formation if adequately hydrated.
15. Lose weight and decrease fat intake.

Talk to your healthcare professional for more information. Knowing the type of kidney stone can help with developing a plan to prevent recurrence of the stone.

Thanks.