Diet and Kidney Stone Prevention
The most critical strategy to prevent stone formation is constant hydration. At an atomic level, kidney stones are formed from discrete molecules coming together to crystallize and precipitate out into stones. By spreading out these molecules by maintaining a well-hydrated state, one can prevent the formation and growth of kidney stones. Kidney stone formers should aim for a fluid intake of approximately 64 oz daily, or enough to lead to at least 2.5L of urine output.
In addition, several dietary changes can help prevent most types of stones, such as consuming a moderate amount of calcium, reducing salt intake and animal protein intake. More personalized recommendations, based on one’s type of stone and urine composition, can be elucidated with specialized testing.
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