Dardashti article #1 / 7/24/06

What can I do to prevent kidney stones?

There are several types of stones and many reasons why people form kidney stones. The two most common are Calcium Oxalate, and Uric Acid Stones. Stones form when urine becomes saturated with components of stone, and stone crystals form. Once formed only uric acid stones may be dissolved with the help of medication.

There are two ways of avoiding stones. One is increasing the volume of urine; another is decreasing the components in the urine.

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid, especially in hot weather, to stay adequately hydrated. Lemonade is especially good since the citrate helps prevent calcium stones. If stones form, a special urine test can tell which stone component is high, and diet recommendations can be made accordingly. Stones can also form with certain conditions of the kidney, or the parathyroid gland, and are more common in people with a family history of stones.

Kambiz Dardashti, M.D., F.AC.S.

Diplomate, American Board of Urology

Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.