Patient Education · uRaology
Kidney Stone Prevention
Three simple pillars that lower your risk — hydration, diet, and a healthy weight.
Fluids
> 2.5–3 L / day
Diet
Mind the drinks & protein
BMI
Keep it in range
Diet · Beverages
Which drinks help, which hurt
Avoid
Phosphoric acid drinks
Dark colas are the main offender
- Colas & dark sodas
- Raise stone risk via phosphoric acid
Choose
Citric acid drinks
Citrate inhibits stone formation
- Lemonades & citrus waters
- Boost urinary citrate (protective)
Diet Pattern
The DASH Diet Approach
DASH Diet
A proven dietary pattern that also helps prevent kidney stones
Limit
Cut back on
- Salt / sodium
- Animal protein (non-dairy)
Eat more
Rich in
- Fruits & vegetables
- Low-fat dairy (moderate)
Nutrient Targets
↓ Salt
↓ Animal protein
Mod. Ca²⁺
↑ K⁺
Diet · The Mechanism
What happens inside
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Fructose metabolism
↑ Urinary Ca
+
↑ Uric acid
Non-dairy animal protein
Meat, poultry, fish
↑ Purine
→
↓ Citrate
→
↑ Uric acid
Patient education resource by uRaology — Dr. Akshay Rao. For general education — always consult your doctor for personal advice.