Kidney stones are small, solid deposits form kidneys. They grow when urination or an increase in certain substances, such as minerals and salts. Changes in diet can help prevent it.
Kidney stones can cause severe pain and occur in about 9% of women and 19% of men in the United States, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
In this article, we will outline some of the ways in which a person can reduce his risk of kidney stones, including what he should eat and avoid.
What is kidney stone diet?
People who wish to prevent kidney stones from growing for the first time or to reduce the risk of recurrence once they have the stones should follow these basic steps:
drink plenty of water
Limit their intake of protein and animal protein
avoid foods that contain high levels of oxalates
get enough calcium
There is no single dietary system for all types of kidney stones, as they can build up due to the composition of various minerals in the body. However, many dietitians and obstetricians, or nephrologists, recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet for people with kidney stones.
These diets have been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones and to improve the overall quality of life, such as lowering blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
The DASH diet encourages people to eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat milk. The plan also recommends cutting down on salt, sugar, and red meat.
However, changes in diet have a major impact on people at risk for these types of kidney stones:
calcium oxalate stones
calcium phosphate stones
uric acid stones
cystine stones
People should talk to their health care provider to find out what type of kidney stones they have, if any, to support healthy food choices. The National Kidney Foundation recommends reducing sodium in the diet rather than reducing calcium intake.
Food to eat
Because kidney stones vary depending on the minerals they contain, dietary recommendations will also vary.
One should talk to his or her doctor about what foods make the stones help them decide what to eat and what not to eat to help prevent future stone formation.
The following are some suggestions on what to include in your diet to prevent kidney stones from forming.
Water
Adding extra water to your diet can help prevent kidney stones, as they often occur due to dehydration. The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends drinking 6-8 glasses daily.
Drinking more fluids and water is acceptable. However, it is important to check the sodium levels in this beverage, as many beverages are high in salt.
It is also best to avoid sugary drinks in particular, such as sugary juices and soda.
Calcium and oxalate foods
A person should include foods rich in calcium, especially if they eat a lot of foods high in oxalate, such as spinach. High-calcium diets increase the risk of kidney stones. Calcium and oxalate bind together in the intestines, disrupting the formation of stones.
Other foods you can include are:
low-fat or low-fat dairy products
calcium-rich foods, such as sorghum, bread, and juices
beans
calcium-rich vegetables, such as broccoli
seaweed, such as kelp
Here, learn more about calcium and its available food sources.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a particular diet. Increasing the amount of vegetables in their diet can help one to prevent stone formation. Fruits can be dried, frozen or cleaned.
Fruits with high levels of citric acid, such as oranges and lemons, have also shown a positive effect on protecting kidney stones according to a 2014 study review.
People should be familiar with fruits and vegetables with high oxalate content, including spinach, and try to reduce the amount in the diet. Alternatively, people can associate themselves with foods that contain high levels of calcium.
Plant-based proteins
Small amounts of animal-derived protein are safe to use. However, too much animal protein can increase a person's risk of kidney stones.
Nutritionists recommend the inclusion of plant-based protein sources in the diet of kidney stones. Examples include beans, peas, and lentils.
People should discuss their protein needs with a doctor or dietitian, as the need will vary from person to person.
Food to limit or avoid
The choice of which foods to lose depends on the type of developing stone in the human body.
Foods to be restricted, including:
high-sodium diets, including processed, processed foods and fast food foods
certain animal proteins, including eggs, fish, pork, and beef
If a person has calcium oxalate stones, they may wish to limit their following foods, which are high in oxalate and may increase the risk of recurrence:
nuts
peanuts
spinach
wheat bran
rhubarb
Everyone is different, and individual needs and food needs will be different.
The most important aspect of dietary management when looking to prevent recurrent kidney stones is talking to a doctor or dietitian. They will be able to identify the type of kidney stone growing and ways to reduce or stop its growth.
What is that stone?
Kidney stones form when a person's urine is reduced, and when the kidneys contain large amounts of certain minerals that stick together and form stones.
Common types of kidney stones include:
calcium oxalate stones
calcium phosphate stone
struvite stones
uric acid stones
cystine stones
A variety of factors can cause kidney stones, including the following dietary factors:
foods high in oxalate in certain foods
high protein foods
too much sodium
dehydration or low fluid intake
Foods high in oxalate, such as nuts, seeds, beets, spinach and buckwheat flour, can help in the formation of calcium oxalate stones, or this may mean that people need to eliminate them from the diet altogether.
A high protein diet can help build calcium phosphate stones. High sodium and dry foods can help with uric acid and cystine stones.
How does food work?
Some foods contain chemicals or compounds that can affect kidney stones, especially if one eats them regularly in high amounts.
By reducing the intake of these foods, the risk of kidney stones is reduced.
Can food alone contain kidney stones?
For some people, changes in diet are not enough to prevent kidney stones from developing.
In some cases, additional treatment may be needed, including antidepressants or surgery to remove the stones.
If the stones become too painful, it is best to consult a physician or a gynecologist so that they can recommend the best course of action.