How to Stop the Formation of Kidney Stones

As a chronic kidney stone sufferer since I was 16 years old, I've learned many different ways to avoid creating more stones or to at least minimize the amount you create. I won't guarantee this advice will stop all stones from forming but you can greatly reduce the risk and amount if you follow this advice closely. This advice is geared towards calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Water bottle
• Lemonade
• Exercise
• A plan on avoiding temptation

1. 
   liquidsculpture.com

   Water, water, water - as cliche and annoying as that word might be to kidney stone sufferers, it's true. The more water you drink, the less likely you will develop stones. Stone sufferers MUST go beyond the recommended 8 glasses a day. At least 10 and I've read up to 14 eight ounce glasses of water or other liquid is required. If you aren't a regular water drinker, start. At least hit the 8 glasses a day mark and increase it from there.

2. 
   dwell.com

   Frequent access to the bathroom - If you aren't used to drinking that much water, be prepared to let your body adjust. You will urinate frequently. I suggest you always wear a panty liner and have a stash. Unfortunately, you may have to run for it a few times while you get used to it. Also, always have extra underwear. This is especially important if your condition or some other condition causes incontinence.

3. 
   beyondwonderful.com

   Lemonade - Research shows drinking lemonade reduces your risk of forming stones. The purer the lemonade, the better. I personally choose organic lemonade but that is not a necessary requirement. The effectiveness of powdered lemonade mixes in questionable.

4. 
   weblogs.cltv.com

   Exercise - Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to produce kidney stones. And to lose weight, there is no way around it. You need to exercise. Work with a doctor, especially if you have a lot to lose. Losing weight quickly can cause you to form gall bladder stones.

5. 
   gamespot.com

   Avoid foods containing oxalate - Your urologist should give you a list of foods that contain this ingredient. Generally, avoid and eliminate chocolate and soda. Cut down on green leafy vegetables and berries and increase your fruit and vegetable intake with other kinds.
   
   Rather than haunt your mind with images of chocolate, I've picked a picture of a chocolate lab instead.

6. 
   docadvocate.com

   Keep up with your doctor visits - Kidney stones left untreated can lead to kidney infections, chronic urinary tract infections, chronic pain, and possible damage to your kidney.

7. 
   brevity.wordpress.com

   24 hour urine collection test - Your urologist should mention this to you. The test will help you and your doctor devise a plan on cutting your risk of developing stones based on your water consumption and diet.

8. 
   russelldavies.typepad.com

   Jump and Bump Method - I've read about this and tried it out of sheer desperation and I can't say it is a sure thing. However it is worth a try. The method seemed to lessen my pain. The link to the site is listed below.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't pass urine, have severe pain, and/or a fever, go to the ER.
• Always consult a doctor on what you should do.
• This is for information purposes only and is based on my own experience.

Resources

• Jump and Bump Method