Kidney Stone Prevention

Even if you’ve never had them – you’ve probably heard horror stories about painful kidney stones...

Contrary to popular belief – you don’t have to be older to get them. People in their 20s and 30s are especially at risk. They’re caused by excess salt and minerals in your system and there are a few things you can do to prevent them.

• Drink LOTS of water – especially in the hot weather.

• Lemon juice has citric acid which is a stone inhibitor. Squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a glass of water every once in a while. Lemonade made with real lemon helps too.

• Berries, spinach and some nuts are rich in oxalate – and they can lead to calcium stones forming.

• Too much red meat can increase risk of uric acid stones.

People with a family history of kidney stones are more prone to developing them. These types of stones are called cysteine stones. They’re inherited at birth and unfortunately there’s not much you can do to prevent those.