Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are a common problem in the general population.  That said, stones can be quite painful for any patient when the stone is passing.

Click here for a website with great information about kiney stones including a video of how stones are made and how to prevent stones, including dietary information.

If you pass a kidney stone it is important that you undergo a complete evaluation as to the type and likely cause of the stone.  It is possible to prevent another stone from developing and/or passing.

At Metabolism Associates, we diagnose and treat all forms of kidney stone,
with an emphasis on prevention of future stones.

Calcium oxalate stones are by far the most common type of kidney stone accounting for 90% of all kidney stone types.  Uric acid stones account for the majority of the remaining stone types.  A more rare  type of stone  is a cysteine stone.

The Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation has a lot of information about oxalate stones and food content of oxalate.

Your care team may ask you to collect your urine over a 24 hour period to determine what type of stone you most likely have.  A passed stone can also be analyzed to determine what type it is if you can collect the stone after you pass it.

You may be asked to alter the amount of oxalate or uric acid you ingest to help prevent another stone from developing.  Here are links to information on diets low in oxalate, uric acid and cysteine:

Oxalate

Uric acid (low purine diet)

Cysteine