Preventing Kidney Stones

Kidney stones affect about one out of 10 Americans. While they can be extremely painful, they’re also often preventable.

CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones develop from urine crystals that clump together inside the kidneys. Normally, urine contains chemicals that keep these crystals from forming. Kidney stones form when these chemicals fail to work. Doctors aren’t sure why certain people are more susceptible. Genes may play a role. Those with a family history of kidney stones have a greater chance of developing them. People with kidney disease or chronic urinary tract infections are also more likely to have kidney stones.

The first kidney stone often occurs between ages 20 and 40. In many cases, once you’ve had a kidney stone you’re prone to developing others. Men are more likely to form stones than women, and Caucasians are more prone to kidney stones than African-Americans.

HOW TO PREVENT THEM
You can take steps to lower your risk of developing kidney stones — whether you’ve already had one or not. Start by drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. This helps keep urine from becoming concentrated. Have another glass at bedtime and one more during the night. People who use the bathroom during the night seem less likely to have kidney stones.

It also helps to eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium-containing foods. Studies show the more calcium-rich foods you eat, the less susceptible you are to kidney stones. Experts recommend getting 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day.

If you’ve already had a kidney stone, you may be able to avoid another one if you follow the advice above. You should also take these measures:

• Don’t drink a lot of grapefruit juice, which may contribute to kidney stones. Men: Go easy on the apple juice for the same reason.
• Vary your sleep position. People who form stones may tend to sleep on one side.
• Limit processed foods and other salty foods. Eating a lot of salt may raise risk.
• Avoid over-the-counter cold remedies that contain guaifenesin — linked by research to kidney stones.

A PAINFUL PROCESS
As kidney stones move toward the bladder, they can cause excruciating pain. The first sign of a kidney stone usually is a sudden, cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen. Pain may later spread to the groin. Other symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• blood in the urine
• an increased need to urinate
• burning during urination.

Stones often pass without a doctor’s help. But call your doctor right away if you have fever and chills along with these symptoms.