How to Avoid Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are serious, painful medical condition. A kidney stone is a small, solid piece of material that forms in the kidney. It is made from substances in the urine--often partly calcium. A stone may stay in the kidney, break away and travel down the urinary tract or pass all the way out of the body without causing too much pain. Some people are prone to these stones, but they can be avoided.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Drink more water. Water flushes out the substances in your body that create kidney stones.

2. Limit caffeine-heavy beverages. Drinks such as coffee, tea and cola contain caffeine that can rid your body of important fluids.

3. Ask your physician what type of kidney stone you have had in the past, and what you can eat or avoid eating in your diet to prevent future stones. There are several types of stones, and depending on the type, your diet may be an excellent way to prevent stones from forming.

4. Try medications offered by your physician to prevent kidney stones.

Tips & Warnings

• Many kidney stones will pass without pain.
• If you pass a kidney stone, attempt to catch it in a strainer so that you doctor can send it away for testing. Determining the type of stone can be a great way to prevent future ones.
• Talk with your physician about other ways to avoid stones.
• Seek care immediately if you experience extreme pain in your side or back that will not go away.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you find blood in your urine.

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