Are there any natural remedies to prevent kidney stones

"One way to markedly reduce the likelihood of subsequent kidney stones is to drink more fluids, mainly water, to increase your 24-hour urine output to 2.5 quarts," says Michael Davis, MD, who is board certified in internal medicine at Baptist Medical Associates.

How much do you need to drink to accomplish this? The amount varies with the individual – based on factors such as activity level, climate and medications. But most people need to drink at least 14 cups of water a day to reach this level of urine output. Include a glass of lemonade every day, too. Lemonade increases the levels of citrate in your urine, and citrate helps prevent stone formation. Dr. Davis recommends avoiding lemonade if you have diabetes.

A diet low in salt and very low in animal protein can greatly reduce your chance of developing kidney stones.

How does drinking more fluids help?

"It decreases, or dilutes, the concentration of substances that can contribute to the formation of new kidney stones or to the enlargement of existing kidney stones," explains Dr. Davis.

What happens if you drink this much water? Your urine will likely be almost clear or a faint yellow color. Also, you will probably have to get up at least once a night to urinate.

"If you have another medical condition, consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake," Dr. Davis adds.