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Genes, obesity, intestinal surgery: people get kidney stones for a variety of reasons. And while the majority of kidney stones pass without causing serious damage, the associated pain can be excruciating. If you are looking for ways to minimize your risk of kidney stones, it may be time to examine your diet — especially with regard to your sodium intake. Below is more information on the correlation between kidney stones and a high-sodium diet.

A Guide to Kidney Stones

How Does Sodium Cause Kidney Stones?

The more sodium you consume, the higher your urine’s calcium concentration will be. When these levels reach a certain point, excess calcium spills into the urine, making it easier for kidney stones to develop. Although you can minimize the risks by increasing your water intake, switching to a low-sodium diet is often recommended.

How Much Sodium Should You Eat?

The human body requires sodium to function, but too much can be harmful. When it comes to regulating your sodium intake, experts recommend 1500 mg daily to avoid complications such as kidney stones, bone disease, and high blood pressure.

How Much Sodium Are You Eating?

urology specialistThe easiest way to regulate your sodium intake is by reading the nutrition label of the foods you consume. Be mindful of sodium per serving and servings per container when calculating your total. For example, according to the nutrition label, a can of Campbell’s® tomato soup includes 2.5 servings, each of which includes 480 mg of sodium. If you were to consume the entire can — 1200 mg — you would have only 300 mg left before hitting your recommended daily total of 1500 mg. 

 

If you have questions or concerns recording kidney stones in High Point, NC, Medical Center Urology is the place to turn. Serving patients for over 25 years, Dr. Puschinsky and his team of medical professionals specialize in a full range of conditions, including prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Learn more about their practice online or call (336) 882-0220 to schedule an appointment.

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