To prevent further nephrolithiasis, what dietary recommendation should a patient follow?

Increasing fluid intake is a well-established recommendation for preventing nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones. Adequate hydration helps dilute the urine, reducing the concentration of minerals and substances that can crystallize to form stones. This is particularly important for patients who have a history of stone formation, as maintaining a high urine output can flush out substances that contribute to stone development.

In terms of dietary adjustments, it is recommended that patients aim for at least 2-3 liters of fluid intake daily unless contraindicated by other medical conditions. This increased fluid intake can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation by ensuring that the urine remains less supersaturated with stone-forming substances.

The other options, including decreasing dietary fiber, increasing salt intake, and decreasing calcium intake, do not align with current dietary guidelines aimed at preventing kidney stones. In fact, maintaining an adequate calcium intake is often advised, as low dietary calcium can lead to an increased risk of stone formation through increased absorption of oxalate. Reducing dietary fiber and increasing salt can lead to negative health consequences and potential increased stone formation, as certain salts (like sodium) can affect calcium excretion and the risk of stones.