143 Is water REALLY that important for kidney stones?

About this episode

Melanie Betz discusses the importance of water in preventing kidney stones in light of recent research findings.

A big paper was published in the Lancet last month that has been circulating in the media with some PRETTY egregious headlines suggesting water isn't that important for kidney stones. Melanie dives into what this paper actually found and helps us understand WHY drinking water remains KEY to kidney stone prevention. Melanie's response on social media to doctors misrepresenting this research Desai AC, Maalouf NM, Harper JD, et al. Prevention of urinary stones with hydration: a randomised clinical trial of an adherence intervention. The Lancet. 2026;407(10534):1171-1181. Borghi L, Meschi T, Amato F, Briganti A, Novarini A, Giannini A. Urinary volume, water and recurrences in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis: a 5-year randomized prospective study. J Urol. 1996;155(3):839-843. Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.

People in this episode

Host: Melanie Betz

Topics covered

• kidney stones
• hydration
• water importance
• health research
• preventive measures

Keywords

• kidney stones
• hydration
• water intake
• health
• preventive health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Lancet, The Kidney Dietitian

Books & works: Prevention of urinary stones with hydration: a randomised clinical trial of an adherence intervention, Urinary volume, water and recurrences in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis: a 5-year randomized prospective study

More episodes of Eat Away Kidney Stones

• 145 Why fiber is so important for kidney stones · April 29, 2026 · 30 min
• The Importance of Culturally Informed Nutrition for Kidney Patients [w/ Areli Gutierrez MS, RD, CSR, LD] · April 22, 2026 · 30 min
• 142 Are calcium supplements ok for kidney stones? · April 8, 2026 · 19 min
• 141 Stress, Kidney Stones & Divorce [w/ Megan Daw Sedivy RD, LDN] · April 2, 2026 · 46 min
• 140 3 Signs Your Kidney Stone Diet Isn't Working (or Won't Work) For You · March 25, 2026 · 18 min
• 139 How Often Should Urine Tests Be Repeated—and Why No One Talks About This · March 18, 2026 · 16 min