The kidneys are the hubs of the body's plumbing system. In any plumbing system, a steady supply of water keeps the whole operation flowing. In the kidneys, waste products carried by the blood are filtered out and converted into urine, which is sent on its way to the urinary bladder. There, it is stored until it is eliminated. Certain minerals in the waste products can accumulate in the kidneys, forming solid stones. The narrow urethra is not an ideal place for a sharp-edged stone to pass through. Anyone who has ever passed a kidney stone will assure you that it is wise to take precautionary measures to head off their formation. Fortunately, for most people, getting the equivalent of 8 to 12 cups of water a day should do the trick.

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