In the United States, about 11% of men and 7% of women experience at least one kidney stone, and data show those numbers are rising. Some people develop kidney stones only once, but others have them on a regular basis, along with pain and other symptoms.
In this post, the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center explains why kidney stones recur and how to lower your risk of painful stones in the future.
Your kidneys are your body’s filter, removing waste from your blood that’s eliminated in your urine. Sometimes, waste builds up and forms hard concretions called kidney stones.
Kidney stones can range in size. Tiny stones may pass without you noticing, but larger stones can get caught as they travel through your urinary tract, causing symptoms like:
While most stones eventually pass through your urine, some larger stones need medical intervention to break apart for removal.
The four primary types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Each is composed of different chemicals. Reducing excessive amounts of these chemicals in your diet and body may help prevent future stones from forming.
If you have recurrent kidney stones, these tips may help prevent them in the future.
One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones of any type is to drink plenty of water every day. Stones are more likely to form when the waste in your urine is concentrated, and drinking plenty of water prevents that.
Watching what you eat can also help. Calcium oxalate kidney stones are the most common type, but you can reduce your risk of these stones by making a few dietary changes.
Avoid oxalate-rich foods like nuts, leafy green vegetables, soy, potatoes, and beets. Watch your sodium levels, and don’t exceed the recommended amount of protein, which is associated with uric acid stones.
Kidney stones are more common among people who are overweight. If you’re carrying extra pounds, losing weight and being more active could help prevent stones in the future.
Certain medications, like diuretics, can increase your risk of stones, as can kidney problems. If you have recurrent kidney stones, our team performs a thorough evaluation, including lab tests, to determine if you have an underlying problem contributing to your stones.
If you have a close family member who’s had kidney stones, you’re more likely to have them. You can’t change your genes, but knowing your family risk of kidney stones can help you make decisions about your lifestyle and other factors under your control.
Finally, expert care is critical to prevent future kidney stones and improve your overall kidney health and function. If you have recurrent kidney stones, we can help determine the type of stones and the steps you can take to reduce your risks.
If you have recurrent kidney stones, we can help. Request an appointment online or over the phone today with one of our four Houston Kidney Specialists Center locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas.
