Bottoms up!

[caption id="attachment_357" align="alignright" width="200"]<a href="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/iStock_000057921342_Small.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-357" src="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/iStock_000057921342_Small-200x300.jpg" alt="Water does more than hydrate. It may reduce your risk for kidney stones" width="200" height="300" /></a> Water does more than hydrate. It may reduce your risk for kidney stones[/caption]

Drinking more water may help reduce your risk of kidney stones.

High water intake may help you keep kidney stones at bay, according to an analysis of several studies. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) physicians reviewed data collected from the studies called a meta-analysis and reported their findings at the 2015 <a href="https://www.kidney.org/news/more-water-less-kidney-stones">National Kidney Foundation </a>spring clinical meeting.

So what is considered high-volume? At least 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day, says the researchers. That amount is an effective way to reduce one’s risk of kidney stones in half, said researchers involved in the study. But remember too much of anything -- including water – is not a good thing. Also diet is an important factor in kidney stone risk reduction.

Talk with your physician about what’s appropriate for you.