Kidney Stones: Your Prevention and Passing Guide
Medical-Surgical · Renal & Genitourinary
Kidney stones are hard pieces that form in your urine. Drinking more and changing a few foods help stop new stones, and knowing the warning signs keeps you safe while a stone passes.
Drink more every day
- Drink about 12 cups (3 liters) of fluid a day, mostly water, or the amount your provider sets.
- Your urine should look pale yellow, almost clear.
- Spread drinks through the day and evening. Drink more on hot days.
- Your fluid goal: ____________.
Eat less salt and meat
- Keep sodium under 2,300 mg a day. Read food labels.
- Cut back on canned soup, deli meat, fast food, and salty snacks.
- Eat smaller portions of meat, chicken, fish, and eggs. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Keep eating calcium foods
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese help prevent stones. Do not cut them out.
- Do not take calcium pills unless your provider prescribes them.
- Ask before taking vitamin C pills.
Follow your stone type
- Your stone type: ____________.
- Only if your provider says you have calcium oxalate stones: limit spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts. Eat them with a calcium food.
- Keep your follow-up visits and urine tests.
While a stone is passing
- Pour all your urine through the strainer.
- Save any stone in a clean, dry container. Bring it to your provider.
- Take your pain medicine as directed. If you take tamsulosin, stand up slowly.
Call your provider today if you have
- Pain your medicine does not control
- Vomiting that stops you from drinking: call right away
- Burning or cloudy urine without fever
- Blood clots in your urine
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Fever or chills with pain in your side or back
- Little or no urine
- Confusion, fainting, or fast breathing