5 Things to Know Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce the Risk of Stones
Dr. Gary Curhan is a nephrologist at Brigham and Women’s
Hospital and an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology
at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health in
Boston. He has conducted some of the most extensive research
into the causes of and risk factors for kidney stones, with the
goal of improving prevention strategies. “Lifestyle changes can
dramatically reduce the risk of stones,” Dr. Curhan said. Here
are five things he believes everyone should know about kidney
stones. 1. If you pass a stone, try to retrieve it. That way it
can be analyzed to find out what type of stone it is. The most
common type is a calcium oxalate stone, followed by calcium
phosphate stones and uric acid stones. “Not knowing the
composition of a stone handicaps us,” Dr. Curhan said. 2. Drink
more fluids. Stones can be prevented if you’re willing to make
changes to your diet and lifestyle. Randomized trials have found
that making changes in