Kidney Stones and pH

The pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measurement scale for determining the amount of acidity in urine. The level of pH plays a role in balancing the likelihood of kidney stone formation.

Significance

Kidney stones develop through an accumulation of chemicals that fail to be excreted via the urinary system. Eating and drinking certain types of foods often increases the possibility of developing stones.

Diet

Consumption of large amounts of dairy products, citrus fruits or vegetables increases urine pH while eating meat products or cranberries contributes to a drop in urinary pH.

The pH Test

A pH test measures urine acidity. "It may be done to see if you are at risk for kidney stones," reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Acidic urine is associated with xanthine, cystine, uric acid and calcium oxalate stones."

Protein

Diets heavy in protein lower urinary pH and result in the production of uric acid, a substance that contributes to the formation of uric acid stones.

Medications

Physicians may prescribe medication to balance urinary pH. "Alkalinization of the urine with potassium citrate to keep the urine pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is optimal," according to UroStoneCenter.com. "Diamox (Acetazolamide) may be given at night to keep urine alkaline. Sometimes, Allopurinol is given if urinary uric acid remains high."

References

• UroStoneCenter.com: Kidney Stone Prevention
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Kidney Stones in Adults