The [Kidney] Stone Cold Truth

Every year more than a half million people rush to emergency rooms due to problems with kidney stones, a condition considered to be one of the most common and most painful of urinary tract disorders. Kidney stones are hard deposits of mineral and acid salts that grow in the kidneys. Small stones may pass through the body without problem – but larger ones can be extremely problematic.

Here are some tips to help you prevent this painful condition.

DRINK MORE WATER: I'm sure you've heard it before: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. And if you have a history of kidney stones, some experts recommend you increase that to 14 glasses or more per day. Don't worry though, if you need some flavor, lemonade made with real lemons (not powdered mixes) can help increase levels of the acid citrate in your urine, which helps deters kidney stone formation.

LIMIT CAFFEINE: Studies show caffeine consumption may increase risk of forming certain kinds of kidney stones. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can cause you to be dehydrated and reduce the healthy flow of urine.

ALTER YOUR DIET: A person who has formed one kidney stone is be more likely to form another in the future. The stones are most commonly caused by an excess of either calcium or uric acid in the kidney. So if you are prone to the condition, you may consider altering your diet depending on which type you are likely develop.

Calcium Stones: Calcium stones are the most common. To prevent these, try to avoid foods high in oxalates like beets, almonds, sweet potatoes, spinach, chocolate or soy products.

Uric Acid Stones: If you form uric acid stones, try eating less meat, as meat breaks down to make uric acid.

For more information on kidney stones visit our CNN Health Library.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.