The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are part of your urinary tract.

There are four main types of kidney stones; but Calcium stones are the most common (70-80%) with Uric Acid stones the next most common (10%).

The kidneys filter your blood, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. They play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Here are the 5 top jobs healthy kidneys perform: remove wastes and extra fluid, control blood pressure, make red blood cells, keep bones healthy and control the acid levels in your body.

From the Mayo Clinic: You may reduce your risk of kidney stones if you: drink water throughout the day and eat fewer oxalate-rich foods examples of which include peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Choose a diet low in salt and animal protein, and eat calcium rich foods, but use caution with calcium supplements. See my blog on Sources of Calcium in Food.

Some urologists and nephrologists suggest drinking the juice of one lemon (2-3 tablespoonfuls depending on the size of the lemon) in water daily. Try it for a few days with no sugar, and you will get used to it that way. I tried it, and like the sugarless better now.

Preventing Uric Acid Kidney Stones
The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form. Instead: to prevent uric acid stones, cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, and follow a healthy diet that contains mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Confer with your physician, urologist (treats diseases and conditions of the urinary tract) or nephrologist (treats diseases and conditions of the kidney) before changing anything in your diet. They all treat kidney stones. A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine.

The single most important way to prevent kidney stones (and lots of other ailments) is to drink water all day long.