Ask the Expert: How To Avoid Getting Kidney Stones

Kidney stones. We all know someone who’s suffered with them; some of us have endured the pain ourselves. 

And in the past decade, urologists are seeing more of them in people of all ages. 

So how do you avoid getting kidney stones? First, know what causes them.  

Dr. Joshua Thurman: “Kidney stones are caused by crystallization of certain minerals within the urinary system.”   

When the crystals enlarge and become stones, they can get stuck in the urinary tract, causing pain.

Preventing Kidney Stones

Preventing the formation of kidney stones or breaking them down starts with a simple healthy habit:

“In general, good hydration keeps the urine diluted, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. We generally recommend that people with kidney stones drink at least 2 liters of fluid each day,” says Dr. Thurman.



That’s about 68 ounces of water; which is easy to track with a smart bluetooth water bottle. 

Experts also recommend you eat healthier and get into an exercise routine since obesity can lead to diabetes, which also increases the risk for kidney stones.  

So drink up; water can bring you back on the path to wellness.   

About our Expert

Dr. Joshua Thurman, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and Professor of Medicine specializing in renal medical diseases and hypertension at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. He has been in practice for more than 22 years.