When it comes to uric acid stones or kidney stones, prevention is better than cure. To prevent yourself from getting kidney stones again, you must be able to know more about your previous kidney stones. If you’ve passed a stone or have had a surgery to get them removed, request the doctor to share the analysis report with you. You may also get urine and blood tests done. These reports can help you known the levels of uric acid, creatinine, citrate, sodium, oxalate, calcium, and acidity, which can be the causes of the kidney stones. Once you know what causes the stones, you can work towards preventing them. Generally kidney stones are formed because of to much of calcium or uric acid. If your stones are as result of too much of uric acid, then you need to pay attention to your diet.

Uric acid stones diet

There are certain foods that increase the risk of uric acid stones, while there are another set of foods that can decrease the risk of uric acid stones. Your diet should comprise of foods that decrease the level of uric acid.

Foods to go slow on:

•    You need to avoid purines, which are found in high doses in meat, gravy, scallops, mackerel, herrings, sardines, and anchovies. Kidneys, sweetbread, and liver also have high level of purines. You can substitute these with proteins like lentils, whole grains,  legumes, and dairy products.

•    Alcohol can increase the level of uric acid, and can even cause gout. So try to keep away from alcoholic beverages.

Foods that are good for you:

•    Studies have shown that yoghurt and milk can lower the levels of serum uric acid.

•    Drink a lot of water and other fluids to flush out the extra uric acid as well as the toxins and stone-forming minerals. Apart from drinking 8-10 glasses of water everyday, you can drink soups and fresh fruit juices. The best way to drink fluids is to drink a tall glass of water before you eat a meal and then another after you have eaten. Sip water or soups along with your meals as well as with snacks. Keep sipping water while you’re working, commuting or watching television. Also eat fruits and vegetables like cucumbers and melons as they have a high fluid content.

•    Decrease the amount of caffeine in your daily diet.

•    Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.

•    Apart from the diet, focus on your lifestyle habits. Exercise regularly as this will not only make you healthier but it will also help to flush out the toxins from your body via perspiration.