Kidney stones are common, but many of the factors that…

Kidney stones are common, but many of the factors that increase the risk are within our control. When I speak to patients about prevention, I often begin with what I consider the five everyday strategies that make the biggest difference. These are simple habits, but together they can significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. 1. Optimize Your Fluid Intake The first and most important strategy is staying well hydrated. For most people with a history of kidney stones, I recommend aiming for about 3 litres of fluids per day. That does not mean drinking excessive amounts. Drinking 5, 6, or even 8 litres a day is not beneficial. Too much fluid can dilute essential chemicals in the body, particularly sodium, and can also place unnecessary workload on the kidneys. In general: Around 2 to 3 litres per day is appropriate for most people. If you are sweating heavily or spending long periods in hot w