Most people who pass a kidney stone once vow to never repeat the experience, but not everyone succeeds in maintaining the necessary lifestyle changes. Mt Auburn Nephrology is aware of the difficulties but encourages their Cincinnati patients to keep trying—determination is key. 

In addition to taking your prescribed medication, your local nephrology practice also recommends doing the following:

Consume Oxalates & Calcium Together

A commonly spread half-truth is that people prone to kidney stones need to avoid calcium and oxalate-rich foods. It is true that you may need to limit your intake on one or the other, but you could be doing yourself a disservice in avoiding them altogether.

Many of these foods, such as fruits, grains, vegetables, and nuts, are healthy—and avoiding calcium can actually cause an increase in stone formation. Instead of completely avoiding these foods, consume oxalates and calcium-rich foods together, so that the oxalates and calcium can bind prior to entering the kidneys. Ask your doctor about which calcium or oxalate levels are appropriate for you.

Drink Plenty of Water

The easiest thing you can do is stay hydrated the old-fashioned way: drinking water. This is especially important when you exercise regularly or sweat a lot; sweating actually causes you to urinate less and allow minerals to build up in your system. It’s no cause for alarm, but it is a reminder that an active lifestyle requires adequate H2O.

Limit Animal Protein, Sugar, & Sodium

To prevent the formation of uric acid stones, avoid consuming red meat, shellfish, organ meats, poultry, eggs, and foods containing high sugar or sodium. That’s a lot of foods, but avoiding them will greatly reduce your chance of developing kidney stones.

Ultimately, listen to your doctor for personalized advice about kidney stone prevention and disease treatment. To schedule an appointment at Mt Auburn Nephrology, give them a call at (513) 841-0222. Visit them online to find a Cincinnati nephrology practice near you.