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Kidney stones – a hard mass developed from crystals that separate from the urine within the urinary tract – are one of the most painful of the urologic disorders. Most kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention by a physician. However, the chances of developing kidney stones are even higher for someone who already had one in the past. So what can you do to help prevent kidney stones from developing?

There are several risk factors for new and recurring kidney stones, some you can control and others you cannot.

1)      Fluids. The most common cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough water. Water actually keeps your urine clear and if you can drink 8-10 glasses a day, you should be in pretty good shape.

2)      Diet. You have to be careful with the amount of vitamins that go into your body. In fact, if you take more than the daily recommendations of Vitamin C and D, you increase your risk of developing kidney stones. In addition, diets that are high in protein, sodium, and oxalate-rich foods such as beans, chocolate, or beer can increase your risk as well. On the contrary, diets with low-sodium and low-protein, along with the recommended amount of calcium can decrease your risk of kidney stones.

3)      Weight. Weight gain can result in increased calcium in the urine which can then increase the likelihood of kidney stones.

4)      Activity level. The less exercise and activity you participate in also increases the chances for kidney stones.

5)      Medicine. There are specific medications that can allow kidney stones to develop. A few examples include acetazolamide (Diamox) or indinavir (Crixivan).

6)      Age & Gender. Men between the ages of 30 and 50 have the highest risk to get kidney stones, while postmenopausal women with low levels of estrogen do as well.

7)      Other risk factors.

a.       Family history of kidney stones

b.      If you have ever had a urinary tract infection.

c.       Prolonged bed rest.

d.      Bladder problems caused by spinal cord injury.

e.      Insulin resistance.

If you pay attention to these risk factors and discuss the potential with your doctor, you may decrease the possibility of ever getting a kidney stone.

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