How Drinking Water Prevents Kidney Stones
- Elder Love USA
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Kidney stones can be painful and disruptive to daily life, especially in older adults.
Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of kidney stones is by staying well hydrated.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine contains high levels of certain minerals, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, which can crystallize and clump together. If your urine is too concentrated, meaning it has too little water to dilute these minerals, these crystals can grow into stones. These stones may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract, causing severe pain in the groin, blood in the urine, and other symptoms. Small stones can usually pass through the urinary tract without medical treatment. However, larger stones may require medical intervention because they don't pass on their own.
About 1 in 10 people in the United States will develop a kidney stone at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are most common in men in their 30s and 40s, but older adults are also at risk Older adults face higher risks of complications from kidney stones. A 2017 study found that elderly individuals experience increased rates of infection and even death related to kidney stones compared to younger groups. For older adults in particular, they face more risks of complications. A 2017 study found that that the elderly have a higher rate of death and infection as a result of kidney stones than other populations. Older adults also often take medications or supplements that can change how their body manages minerals, raising the chance of stone formation. Additionally, older adults frequently have other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or heart disease, which can further increase their risk
Symptoms of kidney stones can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, delaying care and increasing complications.
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Ulla Smart Hydration Reminder
Attaches to your water bottle and glows or chimes periodically to remind you to drink water
CIVAGO 64oz Glass Water Bottle Jug
Half‑gallon glass water bottle with time markers and a wide mouth for easy use
QLUR 32oz Motivational Time‑Marker Bottle Features time‑marked motivational quotes, leak‑proof flip‑top lid, and a straw for easy sipping
How Does Drinking Water Prevent Kidney Stones?
Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the substances in your urine that lead to stone formation. When urine is less concentrated, minerals are less likely to stick together and form stones.
Drinking water also helps flush out small crystals before they can grow into larger stones.
Experts recommend drinking enough fluids to produce at least 2 liters (about 8 cups) of urine daily. This generally means drinking around 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses everyday.
Other fluids like orange juice or lemonade contain citrate, which may help prevent stones by interfering with crystal formation. For example, drinking about half a cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water daily can raise urine citrate levels and lower kidney stone risk, Nonetheless, plain water remains the healthiest and best choice. A simple way to check hydration is by looking at the color of your urine. Pale or light yellow urine usually means you are well hydrated. Dark urine is a sign you need more fluids.
Try to avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine, as both can contribute to dehydration.
How Caregivers Can Encourage Older Adults to Drink more
Remind older adults to drink fluids steadily throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Thirst perception tends to decline with age, so regular reminders are important. Scheduling hydration breaks or setting alarms on phones or watches can help create a hydration routine
Monitor urine color as a hydration check.
Consult a healthcare provider about any dietary or medication changes needed based on the type of kidney stones.
Also remember that hydration is critical, but needs may vary.
Always consult a healthcare provider if you loved one:
Has a history of kidney stones
Takes medications that affect kidney function
Has conditions like heart failure or kidney disease where fluid intake may need to be limited
You can also make it more enjoyable . For example you can join them for a “drink break” so it feels like a shared, social activity, not a chore.
At Elder Love USA, we understand how important it is for older adults to stay healthy.
That's why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and affordable in-home care for older adults in the comfort of their own homes.
Our mission is to help older adults maintain their independence and live their best lives at home while receiving the care they deserve.
We proudly serve Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
If you’d like to learn more about how our services can benefit you or your loved one, contact us today.
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