Learning About Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are small "pebbles" that form in your kidneys. They're made of salts and minerals in the urine.
Stones may not cause a problem as long as they stay in the kidneys. But they can cause sudden, severe pain. Pain is most likely when the stones travel through the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Kidney stones can cause bloody urine.
Kidney stones often run in families. You are more likely to get them if you don't drink enough fluids, mainly water. Certain foods and drinks and some natural health products may also increase your risk for kidney stones if you consume too much of them.
How can you prevent kidney stones with your diet?
The following tips may lower your chance of getting kidney stones or from getting them again.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter C138 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention".
Adaptation Date: 2/22/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services