Dr. Abhijit Gokhale is a highly experienced urological surgeon based in Pune, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various urological conditions, including kidney stones. With over 30 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in his field, providing comprehensive care to patients suffering from urinary tract issues.

A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in one or both of your kidneys when high levels of certain minerals are in your urine. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a healthcare professional.​

If you have kidney stones, drink lots of water unless otherwise directed by a health care professional. You may be able to prevent future kidney stones by making changes in how much sodium, animal protein, calcium, and oxalate you consume.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

The exact cause of kidney stones is not fully understood, but several factors can increase your risk of developing them:

1. Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake leads to concentrated urine, which increases the likelihood of stone formation. It is crucial to drink enough water daily to dilute the substances that contribute to stone formation.

1. Diet: A diet high in salt, animal protein, and sugar can elevate the risk of kidney stones. Foods rich in oxalate (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can also contribute to stone formation.

1. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase the levels of specific substances in your urine that lead to stone formation. Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and metabolic disorders can significantly raise your risk.

1. Medications: Some medications can increase calcium levels in urine or alter urine composition, leading to stone formation.

How To Prevent Kidney Stones:

While experiencing kidney stones may be unavoidable for some people, there are several techniques and lifestyle choices you can implement to lower your risk of developing them:

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the best ways to prevent kidney stones. Aim for at least eight glasses (about 2 litres) of water per day. Other fluids such as fruit juices (especially citrus juices), herbal teas, and vegetable juices are also beneficial.

2. Avoid High-Calcium Foods

High levels of calcium in the urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. While calcium is essential for bone health, excessive intake from dietary sources should be moderated if you are prone to stones. Limit high-calcium foods such as dairy products (milk, cheese), nuts (almonds), and certain green leafy vegetables (spinach).

3. Increase Your Intake of Citric Acid

Citric acid helps inhibit stone formation by breaking down calcium and other minerals in urine. Increase your citric acid intake by eating more citrus fruits—lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are excellent sources.

4. Increase Your Intake of Magnesium

Magnesium plays a role in reducing urinary calcium levels. Foods rich in magnesium include legumes (beans and lentils), nuts (almonds), seeds (pumpkin seeds), and green leafy vegetables (kale).

5. Avoid High-Oxalate Foods

Oxalate is a compound found in many foods that can contribute to kidney stone formation when present in high amounts. Limit foods high in oxalate such as chocolate, peanuts, spinach, beets, and rhubarb.

6. Increase Your Intake of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 has been shown to help reduce oxalate levels in urine. Include more poultry (chicken and turkey), fish (salmon), potatoes, bananas, and fortified cereals in your diet.

7. Limit Your Intake of Animal Proteins

High consumption of animal proteins can lead to increased uric acid levels and promote stone formation. Consider reducing your intake of red meat (beef and pork), eggs, and dairy products.

8. Increase Your Intake of Vitamin C

Vitamin C may help lower urinary calcium levels by converting it into a less harmful form that is excreted more easily. Citrus fruits (oranges), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwi are good sources.

9. Reduce Your Sodium Intake

High sodium levels can lead to increased calcium excretion through urine. To reduce sodium intake:

• Limit processed foods (canned soups, snacks).
• Avoid adding extra salt during cooking or at the table.
• Read food labels for sodium content.

10. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity has been associated with lower calcium levels in urine and overall better health outcomes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Take Action for Kidney Stone Prevention : 

In conclusion, preventing kidney stones is essential for maintaining urinary tract health and avoiding the painful symptoms associated with their formation. By implementing these ten strategies—drinking plenty of fluids, adjusting your diet to limit high-calcium and high-oxalate foods, increasing your intake of citric acid and magnesium, moderating protein consumption, reducing sodium intake, and engaging in regular physical activity—you can significantly lower your risk of developing kidney stones. Call Dr. Abhijit Gokhale at +91 9822063634  to schedule an appointment with our specialists.

By understanding what causes kidney stone treatment in Pune and implementing preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing this painful condition again while promoting overall urinary tract health.