By Anastu Regita Nareswara

Hydrate with water. Be sure to keep well hydrated, especially when doing exercise or activities that cause a lot of sweating. You should drink 2-3 quarts of liquid or 8-12 cups per day to produce a good amount of urine. Lower your sodium intake by choosing fresh low sodium foods which can help to lower calcium leakage in the urine and will also help with blood pressure control if you have high blood pressure. Limiting intake of oxalate that is found naturally in peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, chocolate, sweet potatoes, many berries, wheat bran, and tea. Cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, beer/alcoholic beverages, meat-based gravies, sardines, anchovies, and shellfish. Follow a healthy diet plan that has mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those that have high fructose corn syrup. Also, limit alcohol because it can increase uric acid levels in the blood, and avoid short-term diets for the same reason. Decreasing animal-based protein and eating more fruits and vegetables will help decrease urine acidity and this may help reduce the chance of uric acid stone formation. Three servings of dairy per day will help lower the risk of calcium stone formation. Eat with meals, calcium supplements should be individualized by your physician and registered kidney dietitian.