Prevent Kidney Stones

PREVENT KIDNEY STONES

Tips To Prevent Kidney Stones

Preventing kidney stones requires a tailored approach. Measures which may be appropriate for one person may not necessarily be appropriate for someone else.

While it is possible, in many cases, to prevent kidney stones there are some groups of people who may find it extremely difficult to entirely prevent the formation of kidney stones.

In particular, people with inherited genetic disorders, which increase their risk of developing kidney stones, find it much more difficult to completely avoid kidney stones formation. They can, however, take steps to avoid exacerbating their risk of developing kidney stones.

Outlined below are some general recommendations for preventing kidney stones. It should be noted, however, that these are just general guidelines. Anyone affected by persistent recurring kidney stones and who wishes to develop a prevention plan should consult a competent healthcare professional.

Some Things That Can Be Done To Help Prevent Kidney Stones

Reduce consumption of animal protein

Animal protein causes the body to excrete calcium... that can result in excessive amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid in the kidneys.

The build-up of these substances in the kidneys can lead to the formation of kidney stones. It is better to use white meat rather than red meat, as a source of animal protein.

Consume a diet high in raw foods

This should include a daily serving of at least 5 fruits and vegetables. Your diet should contain raw vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and, seeds. You may also use fish as a source of protein.

While it is not necessary to become a vegetarian, in order to prevent kidney stones, people who consume a diet high in raw foods have a much lower risk of developing kidney stones than those who consume lots of meats and processed foods.

Drink adequate amounts of water

This is probably the single most important thing that can be done to help prevent kidney stones formation. Most of the body's biological functions require water in order to operate properly. Dehydration causes a concentration of minerals in the kidneys, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

In strict terms, the amount of water required by each person on a daily basis should be determined by their body's composition. As a broad guide, however, one should try to drink at least 1 glass of water every two to three waking hours.

Reduce intake of phosphates

Regular table salt tends to have high levels of phosphates.

It is better to avoid regular table salt and use a good salt substitute instead. Also, if possible, avoid carbonated soft drinks altogether.

Avoid refined sugars

Sugar causes the pancreas to release insulin, which causes extra calcium to be released into the urine. The build-up or excess calcium can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

To help prevent kidney stones formation, it is better to limit the use refined sugar and use a sugar substitute instead, such as Stevia or Fructose. Honey can be used as well.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercises have many health benefits and can also contribute to preventing kidney stones.

Exercise helps to pull calcium from the blood into the bones, where it should be. It also helps to prevent the build-up of high levels of calcium in the bloodstream.

Regulate body weight

Persons who are obese should take measures to regulate their body weight. Obesity is not only a cause of kidney stones, but many other health problems as well.

It is a good idea to seek the assistance of a dietitian or other competent health care professional to help formulate an appropriate diet and exercise program that will help to achieve and maintain one's ideal body weight. They should be able to recommend a safe program that is individually tailored, to help achieve one's target body weight.

Persons with a history of kidney stones or who have relatives with this condition should seek professional medical help, to determine how best to prevent kidney stones. In addition to some of the measures outlined above, a doctor may prescribe other specific measures to maximize the chances of preventing kidney stones. Factors such as one's hereditary disposition, the type of kidney stones to which one is susceptible and other personal medical issues are likely to be taken into consideration. If stones still form after taking prevention measures, appropriate kidney stones treatment should be promptly administered.

The single most important thing that can be done to prevent kidney stones, however, is to drink adequate amounts of fluids (especially water) on a daily basis.

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