Which lifestyle modification is most effective in preventing kidney stones?

Increasing fluid intake to promote hydration is the most effective lifestyle modification for preventing kidney stones. Proper hydration helps dilute the substances in urine that can lead to stone formation, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. When a person increases fluid intake, they produce more urine, which decreases the concentration of these stone-forming substances and reduces the likelihood of stone development.

Additionally, hydration helps flush out the urinary system, which further decreases the risk of stone formation. The recommendation is often to aim for at least 2-3 liters of fluid intake daily, depending on individual needs and factors such as activity level and climate.

By contrast, increasing protein intake can actually increase the risk of certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones. Reducing caffeine consumption has mixed evidence in relation to stone formation. Limiting calcium in the diet may seem logical, but in fact, dietary calcium can bind with oxalates and help prevent stones, so restrictive calcium intake is typically not recommended for stone prevention.