How to Keep Kidney Stones at Bay: Seeking Advice
Age: 33 Gender: Male Height: 6 feet Weight: 96 kg Ethnicity: Caucasian Location: Australia Whenever the query, ‘What has been the most excruciating pain you’ve ever endured?’ appears on Askreddit—happening roughly three times a week—the responses frequently cite kidney stones as a leading contender. This condition seems to invoke an intensity of suffering that I am desperately keen to evade! I've always prioritized hydration and am a committed water drinker. However, I do have a penchant for soda water and Coke Zero. While energy drinks are off my list, I indulge in approximately four cups of coffee each day. In addition, I engage in regular physical activity a few times weekly. I’m curious to learn what additional measures I can adopt to ensure that this dreadful pain remains a distant fear. I appreciate any guidance you can offer!
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 11:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
To help keep kidney stones at bay, it's great to hear that you're already prioritizing hydration. There are additional steps you can take to minimize your risk further and maintain overall kidney health.
Explanation
Kidney stones can indeed cause significant pain and discomfort. They form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated, creating crystalline structures. Adequate hydration is key in diluting these substances, but dietary choices and lifestyle habits also play crucial roles in prevention.
Next Steps for Prevention
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Continue drinking plenty of water. Aim for about 2 to 3 liters (about 8 to 12 cups) daily. Monitor the color of your urine; it should be light yellow. If it’s darker, increase your fluid intake.
-
Modify Your Diet:
- Limit Sodium Intake: High salt can increase calcium in urine, which may lead to stones. Try to limit processed foods and add salt sparingly to your meals.
- Reduce Oxalate-Rich Foods: If you have a history of forming calcium oxalate stones, limit foods high in oxalates such as spinach, beets, nuts, and tea.
- Watch Sugar Intake: While soda water is fine, limit beverages like Coke Zero that contain artificial sweeteners. They may not contribute directly to stone formation, but cutting down on sugar can be beneficial for your overall health.
- Moderate Protein Consumption: Limit intake of high-protein foods, especially from animal sources, as they can increase acidity in urine, promoting stone formation.
-
Limit Caffeine:
- While coffee can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, excessive caffeine may contribute to dehydration. Consider reducing your coffee intake to 1-2 cups daily.
-
Regular Exercise:
- Continue your physical activity. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of diseases that can lead to kidney stones.
-
Follow-Up:
- Although not currently necessary, consider getting a yearly check-up with a healthcare professional to monitor your kidney health, especially if you notice any urinary changes or discomfort.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones and maintain overall kidney health. Always stay attentive to your body's signals, and let me know if you have any more questions or need further details!
Related Questions
The Silent Threat: H. Pylori and Its Impact on Gallbladder Health
Let me summarize a lengthy experience into a more manageable account. During the summer of 2019, I started experiencing tachycardia and a range of other health complications. At that time, I was a dedicated athlete—having completed an Ironman and excelled in powerlifting—truly representing peak health for a 27-year-old. After enduring multiple health crises and grappling with the overwhelming confusion surrounding my symptoms, particularly during the chaotic COVID period, I discovered I had significant levels of H. pylori bacteria in my system. Fast forward to August 2025, I underwent quadruple therapy to eradicate the infection, which was a grueling experience—one I would not recommend lightly, though it was unfortunately necessary. Now, six months after completing that therapy, I found that my body had not fully returned to its previous state of wellness. After undergoing a special scan, I learned that my gallbladder is functioning at a mere 17% ejection fraction. My doctor was quick to refer me to a surgeon, but I requested a moment to reconsider. Given that there were no stones or sludge present, I postulated that my gallbladder's underperformance might be due to a disruption in nerve signaling stemming from years of vagal nerve issues related to my bacterial infection. To my relief, my doctor concurred and agreed to take a watchful approach. This leads me to wonder about the potential for recovery in gallbladder function. Currently, I’m supplementing with 100 mg of TUDCA and utilizing hydrochloric acid for digestion, as the quadruple therapy diminished my stomach acid levels. I’m curious to know others' experiences or insights regarding the possibility of my gallbladder regaining normal functionality. I’ve read contrasting opinions on the necessity of having a gallbladder, as many consider it dispensable, yet my research indicates otherwise. I aim to avoid surgery, if at all possible, and would appreciate any advice or perspectives you could share on this situation.
Seeking Advice on 9mm Kidney Stone Treatment Without Stenting
Hello everyone! I'm a 29-year-old female who discovered a 9mm kidney stone in my right kidney following a CT scan conducted for an unrelated issue. Fortunately, I'm not experiencing any symptoms at the moment. When I was 21, I successfully passed smaller stones. I’m curious why my doctor isn’t recommending the use of a stent, as most sources I've read suggest it's a common part of the treatment process. Is it standard procedure to forgo a stent in this case? I have some concerns about potential complications arising from not having one, despite my preference to avoid using a stent altogether. Additionally, I have a trip scheduled about a month and a half after the treatment. Do you think I will be fit to travel by then?
Exploring the Use of Tadalafil in Combination with Flomax for Kidney Stones
I came across research indicating that Tadalafil showcases a superior expulsion rate for kidney stones compared to Flomax. Interestingly, findings suggest that administering both Tadalafil and Flomax together may yield even more beneficial outcomes since each medication operates through different mechanisms. I'm considering reaching out to my urologist for his insights, but given that I reside in a rural area with limited access to medical professionals, appointments tend to be rushed. I might need to explore self-management options. As for my situation: - I am dealing with a 5mm kidney stone located in my distal ureter. - I do not smoke or consume alcohol. - Generally, my health is stable aside from GERD, and I've had my gallbladder surgically removed. - Lately, I've been experiencing persistent bladder pressure and discomfort daily, likely due to the stone being lodged near the bladder. - Thankfully, I am not running a fever, can still urinate, and feel relatively okay overall. - The stone has been in the distal ureter for about a month, during which time I have only consumed water, lemon water, and taken renal stone dissolution pills. - I weigh approximately 210 pounds.
Experiencing Unexplained Urinary Discomfort
To provide some background, I’m quite young, just 16 years old. I've undergone multiple tests for urinary tract infections, all of which have returned negative results. Despite receiving a course of antibiotics and consulting a gynecologist, I have not found relief; in fact, my symptoms have intensified. I’m not sexually active, and I’m currently awaiting an appointment with a pediatric urologist, but I thought I’d reach out here for any advice or insights you might have. Symptoms began about a year ago during the summer. I started to feel sharp discomfort whenever I urinated, coupled with a strong urge to go and increased frequency. After visiting the physician, who confirmed no UTI, I was advised to increase my water intake. This provided slight relief for a brief period. However, while traveling, my symptoms escalated significantly. I even experienced involuntary soiling for the first time in over a decade. My pain transitioned from only occurring during urination to happening before, after, and sporadically throughout the day. As it stands now, I'm grappling with urgency, frequent trips to the restroom, and intense pain, which sometimes comes with itching. The pain intensity fluctuates between a dull ache rated at 1 and severe stabbing sensations reaching 7 or 8 on the pain scale. Any thoughts or possible explanations would be greatly appreciated. The discomfort seems to have a pattern of coming and going, potentially disappearing for several days, only to return even stronger. At times, the pain feels as if it is linked to vaginal issues, other times purely urinary. It is challenging to pinpoint the exact problem, and I look forward to insights until I can consult with a pediatric urologist. If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts!
Nocturnal Urinary Issues: A Young Man's Concern
A young man, recently turned 20 this January, who does not smoke or consume alcohol, stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 65 kilograms. He is not currently taking any medications. This issue predominantly occurs at night. As he attempts to fall asleep, he experiences a strong urge to urinate, which compels him to get up and relieve himself. It’s not merely an urge; he actually needs to go. This recurring problem interferes with his ability to drift off into sleep. Occasionally, he finds that his urination seems concentrated, leading him to believe that it may be urine mixed with semen. He has noticed that these occurrences are intensified during the two to three days following masturbation. Additionally, he experiences unusual sensations in his left testicle. There is a worry in his mind regarding the necessity of surgery and a growing fear of prostate cancer. These nocturnal issues have persisted for quite some time—around seven to eight months—fluctuating in severity. A few months back, he experienced slight pain in his left testicle and consulted a pharmacist, who also practiced medicine. This acquaintance, known to him through his father, examined the testicle and prescribed medication for epididymitis, advising that he undergo an X-ray if symptoms did not improve. Although the pain subsided, the urinary problems returned just weeks later and have persisted consistently for the last five to six months.