Protocol · Urological Health
Kidney Stone Prevention Protocol
Potassium Citrate and Magnesium are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Kidney Stone Prevention.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Potassium Citrate | Amount listed: 30–60 mEq daily in divided doses (prescription; supplements have lower doses) | Increases urinary citrate (stone inhibitor); alkalinizes urine; prevents calcium and uric acid stones | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–500 mg daily (citrate form preferred) | Inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation; binds oxalate in gut | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily (do not exceed 100 mg) | Reduces oxalate production; may help prevent calcium oxalate stones | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU with oxalate-degrading strains | Certain strains (Oxalobacter formigenes) degrade oxalate; may reduce oxalate absorption | Not graded yet | ||
| Fish Oil (Omega-3) | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | May reduce urinary calcium and oxalate excretion; anti-inflammatory | Not graded yet | ||
| Lemon/Citrus Juice | Amount listed: 120 ml (4oz) lemon juice in water daily | Natural source of citrate; increases urinary citrate; pleasant way to increase fluid | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. About 10% of people will have a kidney stone, and without prevention measures, 50% will have another within 5-10 years.
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES:
- Calcium Oxalate (70-80%): Most common; form when calcium combines with oxalate
- Calcium Phosphate (10-15%): Associated with high urine pH
- Uric Acid (5-10%): Form in acidic urine; associated with gout
- Struvite: Associated with infections
- Cystine: Rare genetic disorder
RISK FACTORS:
- Family history
- Dehydration
- High sodium diet
- High animal protein diet
- Obesity
- Certain medical conditions (hyperparathyroidism, gout, diabetes)
- Some medications and supplements (excess vitamin C, vitamin D)
SYMPTOMS:
- Severe pain (flank, abdomen, groin)
- Blood in urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Fever (if infected)
MOST IMPORTANT PREVENTION:
1. HYDRATION - 2.5-3 liters daily (urine should be light colored)
2. Dietary modifications based on stone type
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Reduce sodium (<2300mg/day)
- Moderate protein intake
- Normal calcium intake (NOT low calcium!)
- Limit high-oxalate foods if calcium oxalate stones
- Reduce sugar and fructose
WHAT TO AVOID:
- High-dose vitamin C supplements (>1000mg) - converts to oxalate
- Excess vitamin D
- High-oxalate foods (spinach, rhubarb, nuts) if prone to oxalate stones
Potassium citrate* is the most effective supplement for prevention.
Magnesium* helps inhibit stone formation.
B6* may reduce oxalate production.
Expected timeline: Prevention is ongoing. Stone analysis guides specific recommendations.