Urologist urges to follow these 5 things to live kidney-stone-free
ET Online |
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Stop stones before they start
Kidney stones recur because minerals concentrate in urine. Once you've had one, your odds of another jump significantly. Good news: these five deliberate habits address root causes without complicated protocols. Consistency matters more than perfection.
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Drink water, not just once or twice
Sip 2.5 to 3 litres daily, spread throughout waking hours. Constant hydration keeps urine dilute, preventing mineral crystals from clumping. Skip sugary drinks and colas. Lemon water boosts citrate, which naturally blocks stone formation. This single habit cuts recurrence risk in half.
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Cut salt, save calcium balance
High sodium forces kidneys to shed calcium into urine, triggering stone formation. Aim for under 2,300 milligrams daily. Skip packaged snacks, fast food, and restaurant meals. Cook at home so you control salt. Your kidneys will thank you within weeks.
Skipping dairy after one stone is a mistake—low calcium worsens things. Eat three servings daily (milk, yoghurt, cheese) with meals. Calcium binds oxalate in digestion, preventing it from reaching urine. Spinach, nuts, chocolate are fine if paired with calcium-rich foods.
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Eat less red meat, more plants
Animal protein raises uric acid and acidifies urine, breeding grounds for stones. Limit red meat, chicken, seafood to twice weekly. Replace with beans, lentils, tofu. Add five servings of fruits and vegetables daily for potassium and citrate—powerful stone-busters. (Disclaimer: This story is strictly for educational purposes only and does not substitute any professional medical advice and should not be considered as professional medical advice.)