Your healthcare provider may recommend a number of options to manage your kidney stones and prevent further kidney stones. Decide with your healthcare provider what will be best for you.

Drinking enough fluid

• The most important thing you can do for kidney stone prevention and management is making sure you drink enough fluid.
• Water is the best fluid to drink. It is recommended that you drink between 2 L to 3 L of water each day, or 8 to 10 cups.
• Limit the amount of sugary drinks you have.
• If you have other health conditions, such as problems with your heart, your healthcare provider may suggest drinking smaller amounts of fluid. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes.

Managing your pain

• Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medicine to relieve your pain, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Your healthcare provider may also recommend other medicines to help you manage your pain.

Eating to manage and prevent kidney stones

• Your healthcare provider may suggest a diet that helps manage and prevent kidney stones (PDF).
• You may be asked to see a dietitian.

Active living and healthy lifestyle

• Physical activity and healthy eating can help you stay at healthy body weight, which can help lower your risk of kidney stones.
• Your healthcare provider will recommend what is best for you for physical activity. For most adults, 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of moderate to vigorous​ intensity aerobic activity is recommended every week.
• If you haven’t been active lately, start slow. Set manageable and realistic goals for yourself.