“Kidney stone development doesn’t have one direct cause, but prevention techniques, like dietary changes, can make a big difference,” says Zachary Collins, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian at Neighborhood Health Center.

Kidney stones are a common, often painful condition that occurs in approximately 13% of the US population. There are many factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones, and a number of dietary modifications one can make to help prevent and/or treat kidney stones:

Stay Hydrated - Try to drink three liters of fluids daily to help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Aim for pale colored urine.
 

Hold the Salt - High sodium diets cause kidneys to release more calcium in urine, leading to kidney stone formation. Limit your sodium intake to 1,500mg per day if you have a kidney stone and 2,300mg of sodium per day if you do not. 
The majority of the salt in our diets come from prepared and processed foods, so be sure to read labels on your food.
 

Maintain a Healthy Weight - Weight gain, and/or a high body mass index (BMI) have been linked to increased risk of kidney stones.
 

Watch your Supplements - Large doses of Vitamin C supplements can lead to build up of urine oxalate, which can lead to kidney stones. 

• Get your vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, and talk to your health care provider before you begin supplements.

Would you like more information? Talk to a dietitian at Neighborhood. Click here to learn more about our wellness services.