Managing Kidney Stones

Not drinking enough water is the #1 risk factor for developing kidney stones. Without sufficient water, your urine will have higher concentrations of the substances that form kidney stones. It is suggested that most everyone should drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Use the color of your urine as a guide to check your hydration level. Urine should be pale to light yellow in color. If it is more yellow, then drink more water.

Makes 8 Servings (8 cups)

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup basil leaves
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 8 cups water

Preparation

1. Thinly slice cucumber and lemon.
2. Finely chop basil and mint leaves.
3. Add all ingredients to a pitcher, add the water.
4. Refrigerate overnight before serving,
5. with or without ice.

In addition to drinking more water, some studies suggest what you eat (and what you don’t eat) could also be important factors in preventing kidney stones. Talk with a registered dietitian -- an expert in nutrition -- if you have questions about your diet. 

Below is a healthy recipe that you can enjoy this summer with friends and family.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• Two 4-ounce salmon fillets (approximately 1-inch thick)
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 2 lemon slices
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 tablespoon capers

Preparation

1. Brush top and bottom of salmon fillets with olive oil and flavor with seasoning blend and chopped rosemary.
2. Place each piece of seasoned salmon on a piece of aluminum foil.
3. Top each piece with 1 lemon slice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon of wine and 1/4 teaspoon of capers.
4. Wrap up salmon tightly in the foil packets.
5. Place the foil packets on the hot grill and cook for 10 minutes, flipping once.
6. Serve in the foil packets.