According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are made up of minerals and acid salts. These substances normally are diluted by the urine, but if the urine is too concentrated, the minerals can stick together to create a stone. Passing kidney stones is extremely painful, causing sharp pain that starts in the back or side and radiates into the groin. Still, in most cases they can be passed naturally. Drinking enough water and eating the right foods can help pass and break down the stones.
Increase Water Intake
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with kidney stones should boost water intake to 14 cups each day. This allows you to pass 2.5 quarts of water each day, which helps pass stones, and decreases the chances of developing them. If you live in a hot climate or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to drink more water.
When drinking fluids, the Mayo Clinic reports that water is the best choice. However, including a glass of lemonade each day may help break down kidney stones. Lemonade increases the citrate in your urine, which can also prevent stones from developing.
Diet Changes
If your doctor thinks stones are caused by oxalates, she may recommend restricting the consumption of oxalate foods. This includes limiting: collard greens, refried beans, sweet potatoes, almonds and soy products. The Mayo Clinic reports that a diet low in animal protein greatly reduces the likelihood of kidney stones. Switch to vegetarian options when available, and limit animal protein.
Don't worry about limiting calcium intake; the Mayo Clinic says it doesn't make a difference in most cases.
When to Call a Doctor
When passing kidney stones naturally, it's important to watch your pain level closely. If it becomes unmanageable, visit your doctor to get a prescription for pain medications. Also, make sure to filter your urine (a filter can be purchased at the drug store) so you can capture the stone. This will allow the doctor to determine if something in your diet is causing the stones.
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