No doubt, if you have ever gone through this misery, you would rather avoid a repeat experience. The good news is that you may be able to prevent an agonizing reoccurrence. Research indicates that what you eat and drink can affect the development of kidney stones. Dietary recommendations depend on the type of stone that was passed. These stones also may contain oxalate, phosphate, or carbonate.
Calcium stones occur two to three times more often in men than in women.
Less common are struvite stones, which occur more frequently in women. These stones result from bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Water dilutes your urine, which can help prevent the formation of stones. In addition, if you or someone in your family has had a kidney stone, ask a doctor for specific dietary recommendations. If you have had calcium stones, your doctor might advise you to reduce sodium, avoid excessive protein, and eat whole-grain foods.