Figures estimate that the first episode of kidney stones usually appears between 30 and 50 years of age. The probability of recurrence is 30-50% in the 5 years following the first episode and 80% in the following 10 years. For this reason, and many others, adopting measures to prevent the first appearance of kidney stones and/or subsequent ones will be key to improving quality of life.
Preventive treatment for recurrent stones should begin with conservative measures:
- Increase fluid intake to dilute urine, as the degree of urine saturation is decisive for the formation or non-formation of stones.
- Follow a varied and balanced diet with contributions from all nutrient groups, but avoiding excesses.
- Control urine pH, because good control of its levels will influence the solubility and crystallization of the different components present in the urine, which will promote or prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Following this, the specific treatment will be based on the type of stone, for which it is very important to collect the stone fragment during its expulsion with urination and a thorough study of it:
- To prevent the recurrent formation of calcium phosphate stones, it is recommended to increase the intake of protein-rich foods and moderate the consumption of vegetables and carbonated drinks (sodas). The objective is to achieve acidification of our urine and thus maintain urinary pH long-term between 5.5-6.2.
- To prevent the recurrent formation of calcium oxalate stones, it is recommended to increase the intake of foods rich in phytates (cereals, legumes, nuts) and avoid those with a high content of oxalate (vegetables) and vitamin C.
- To prevent the recurrent formation of uric acid stones, it is recommended to follow an alkalizing diet, increasing the consumption of vegetables and limiting the consumption of animal protein-rich foods, and adjusting fluid intake to 2-2.5 liters per day. In addition, it is essential to alkalinize the urine to the point of maintaining it at a pH between 5.5-6.2.
- To prevent the recurrent formation of cystine stones, it is recommended to increase fluid intake to 3-4 liters throughout the day, increase the consumption of vegetables and reduce protein-rich foods (meats, seafood, fish…). The objective of this is to alkalinize the urine and always maintain it at urinary pH values above 7.0-7.5.
One of the most novel alternative treatments is based on measuring and controlling urinary pH, recommended for people with a tendency to form kidney stones, among other conditions related to the acid-base balance of urine. These new alternatives allow for simple and precise self-monitoring of urine pH, in addition to having dietary supplements that help increase or decrease this pH. In this way, it is possible to control several urological conditions, in this case kidney stones, related to the acid-base balance of urine.
