Nearly one in ten people has had a kidney stone, and every year, more than 300,000 people nationwide visit an emergency room for a kidney stone-related problem. Those who have had a kidney stone might be able to prevent another one from forming by drinking more fluids and making some dietary changes.

Increased fluid intake spread throughout the day can decrease stone recurrence by a least half with virtually no side effects.

People who already drink the recommended amount of liquids or for whom increased fluid intake is contraindicated should not increase their fluid intake.

The “recommended amount” of fluid intake for a person who has had a kidney stone is enough to produce at lest two liters of urine per day. If an increase in fluids does not reduce stone formation, one should start homeopathic medicines for kidney stones.

As for dietary changes, reduce foods known to increase oxalate in the urine, such as chocolate, beets, nuts, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tea and wheat bran; cutting down on dietary animal protein and purines (high-purine foods and drinks include beer, sugary soft drinks, fatty foods and others).

A kidney stone forms when tiny crystals in urine stick together. Studies show the recurrence rate of kidney stones within five years of an initial stone ranges from 35-50 percent without treatment.