How to Pass a Kidney Stone & 5 Simple Tips to Prevent Them

If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, you know it’s an experience you wouldn’t wish on anyone. The pain can be excruciating, and once you’ve had one, there’s a high chance they could return—unless you take steps to prevent them. At Eden Critical Care Hospital, we understand how distressing kidney stones can be, so we’re here to guide you on how to manage them and prevent them from coming back.

Where Do Kidney Stones Come From?

Kidney stones develop when minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid become highly concentrated in your urine, forming small crystals. Over time, these crystals grow into stones. About 80–85% of kidney stones are made of calcium, while the rest are usually uric acid stones, which are more common in people with acidic urine.

Once these stones form, they can travel down the ureter—the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder—causing intense pain, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t ignore them! Visit your doctor or come see us at Eden Critical Care Hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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How to Pass a Kidney Stone

The good news? Once the stone reaches your bladder, the worst pain is usually over. From there, it typically exits your body through urination. However, passing a stone can take weeks or even months, depending on its size.

Here’s how you can manage the pain and help the stone pass faster:

✅ Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to flush out the stone.
✅ Take pain relievers – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can ease discomfort.
✅ Try alpha blockers – These medications (prescribed by a doctor) can relax your ureter, helping the stone pass with less pain.

If the stone is too large or causing severe pain, a medical procedure may be needed. At Eden Critical Care Hospital, we offer ureteroscopy—a minimally invasive treatment where a small camera is inserted through your urinary tract to locate and remove the stone using a laser.

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5 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

Even though kidney stones are common, you can reduce your risk by making a few simple lifestyle changes:

1️⃣ Drink More Water 💧

Staying hydrated is the best way to prevent kidney stones. Aim for at least 2 liters (8–10 glasses) of water per day. If your urine is clear or light yellow, you’re on the right track!

2️⃣ Eat Calcium-Rich Plant Foods 🥦

It may sound strange, but getting enough calcium can actually help prevent stones. Instead of relying on supplements, try getting calcium from yogurt, soy products, beans, lentils, and seeds.

3️⃣ Add Lemons to Your Diet 🍋

Lemon juice contains citrate, which binds to calcium and helps prevent stone formation. Drinking half a cup of lemon juice diluted in water daily can lower your risk. Try swapping soda or sugary drinks for a refreshing lemon-infused water!

4️⃣ Cut Back on Salt 🧂

Too much sodium increases calcium in your urine, raising your risk for stones. Try to limit your sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day—that’s about one teaspoon of salt!

5️⃣ Reduce Animal Protein 🍖

Eating too much meat, eggs, and seafood can increase uric acid levels, which contribute to stone formation. If you’re prone to kidney stones, limit your meat portions to the size of a deck of cards per meal.

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When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing severe pain, difficulty urinating, or recurrent kidney stones, don’t wait—seek medical attention. At Eden Critical Care Hospital, our experts are here to help you find relief and prevent future kidney stones.

Stay hydrated, eat smart, and take care of your kidneys! If you need guidance, visit Eden Critical Care Hospital—we’re always here for your health.