what to do for kidney stones - #25925
I am dealing with some really frustrating health issues, and I just don't know what to do for kidney stones. A few weeks ago, I started feeling this really sharp pain in my lower back and side, thought it was just a muscle strain or something. But then came the nausea and blood in my urine. Super scary, right? A trip to the ER confirmed I have kidney stones, and now I'm just freaked out about what to do for kidney stones. My doctor mentioned drinking lots of water, but honestly, I feel like I’m already drowning in it. I know they can be sooo painful, and I'm worried about the next episode hitting me out of nowhere. Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid or include? Like, do I really need to cut out calcium or anything? I’ve read about different remedies, but it’s kinda overwhelming trying to figure out what to do for kidney stones. Anyone here with advice? I'm just looking for some real-life experiences or tips because I feel like I'm on a roller coaster and just need good ideas on what to do for kidney stones. Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Kidney stones can indeed be a tricky ordeal, and finding the right approach to manage them is key. It’s good that you’ve already been in touch with your doctor and have started drinking lots of water—that’s really essential. Hydration helps to dilute substances in urine that could form stones. Try consuming water throughout the day rather than in one go—it’ll help evenly flush out the kidneys. Beyond water, let’s look at diet. It’s a misconception that you need to cut out calcium; in fact, having adequate calcium is important to help bind oxalate in your gut and prevent it from forming a stone. Instead, focus on reducing sodium intake since high sodium in your diet can increase calcium in your urine. Keep an eye on oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beets, sweet potatoes, and nuts; limiting these might help. Pair these foods with calcium-rich snacks to minimize stone formation risk. Be mindful about animal proteins too — red meat, shellfish, and eggs, which could contribute to stone formation. Consider adding lemon juice or lemonade to your diet (with minimal sugar) — the citric acid may help prevent new stones from forming. Regular activity low to moderate can aid overall urinary health, but listen to your body’s limits. Always follow up with your healthcare provider when any new or worsening symptoms appear, like fever with pain, which could indicate something more serious like an infection. And when severe pain hits, don’t hesitate to seek urgent care—pain control is part of the treatment plan for kidney stones.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.