Can Better Hydration Really Lower the Risk of Kidney Stones?
If you have experienced kidney stones, you know they can cause excruciating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or side. At Texas Advanced Renal Health, we offer personalized care to provide you with prompt diagnosis and relief. There are things you can do as well to help keep kidney stones at bay, including staying hydrated. We are always here to answer your questions and to support your kidney health every step of the way.
How Do Kidney Stones Form?
Kidney stones are essentially crystalline deposits that form in the kidneys or the urinary tract. They are typically composed of a hardened mixture of salts and minerals, including calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Kidney stones can significantly vary in size, ranging from tiny specks that can be expelled without you ever noticing to larger stones that can cause intense pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Large stones can also become lodged in your urinary tract, leaving your health at risk.
But what are the causes of kidney stones? High intake of sodium, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods can significantly increase your risk of kidney stones. These include sugary drinks, excessive salt in processed foods, red meat, and foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate. Other factors, such as dehydration, certain medications or medical conditions, or a family history, can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
Telltale signs of kidney stones include severe pain in the side, lower back, or abdomen, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever or chills. Left untreated, kidney stones can result in serious complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). If you experience symptoms of kidney stones, it’s important to contact Texas Advanced Renal Health for prompt care and relief.
How Does Staying Hydrated Lower the Risk of Kidney Stones?
Dehydration can cause your urine to become concentrated. That causes minerals and salts, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, to clump together and crystallize, forming kidney stones. By drinking plenty of water, you increase the volume of urine, helping lower the concentration of crystal-forming compounds and making it harder for them to bond and grow into painful stones.
Aside from diluting your urine, high fluid intake can also help the body flush out microscopic crystals and minerals before they have a chance to grow any larger. If the urine volume stays consistently low, indicated by dark yellow urine, the kidneys struggle to eliminate waste efficiently, giving the crystals time to build up. Drinking at least 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day can help ensure a healthy flow, eliminating potential stone-forming material from your body and significantly reducing the risk of kidney stone formation and blockages.
What Are the Best Hydration Options?
While water is nature’s best drink for preventing kidney stones, other beverages can offer additional protective benefits, especially lemonade or other drinks rich in citrate. Citrate binds to calcium in the urine, preventing calcium oxalate crystals from forming. It also helps make the urine less acidic, making it less conducive to kidney stone formation.
It’s important to note that not all drinks help support your kidney health. For example, sugary sodas and high-calorie sports drinks often contain ingredients that increase your risk of kidney stone formation, counteracting the benefits of the additional fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water each day and adding a moderate amount of citrus drinks can help keep your urinary tract flowing freely and reduce the risk of crystalline buildup.
Kidney Stone Treatment and Care in McKinney, TX
If you have signs of a kidney stone, contact Texas Advanced Renal Health to schedule a consultation. Dr. Sadeddin will recommend the least invasive treatment option to provide you with relief. He will also offer personalized guidance to help prevent future kidney stones from developing. We invite you to call 972-548-4833 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today!