Each year, millions of people go to the emergency room because of kidney stones. Men have a higher lifetime risk of developing kidney stone disease than women, but cases have been on the rise for everyone. While many factors can lead to kidney stones, most are manageable with lifestyle changes. Following a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent them.
Kidney stones can be very painful, but with the help of an experienced medical team, you can manage the pain and take steps to prevent them from coming back.
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What are kidney stones?
Nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, renal calculi, and kidney stones are solid accumulations of salts and minerals that develop in the kidneys. When urine becomes highly concentrated as it moves through the kidneys, minerals like calcium and uric acid can crystallize, leading to the formation of kidney stones. These stones are usually about the size of a small pebble.
How does food impact kidney stones?
Eating certain foods in excess can lead to different types of kidney stones. Your diet may contribute to kidney stones if it causes dehydration or increases the amount of crystal-forming substances in your urine.
But not every food associated with kidney stones is harmful or must be avoided. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet, but you may also need more specific guidance from your doctor to prevent kidney stones while ensuring you get the right nutrients.
Calcium stones:
The most prevalent kind of kidney stone is composed of calcium oxalate and is linked to foods that are high in vitamin C, animal protein, salt, and oxalates. Foods like eggs, spinach, rhubarb, cashews, almonds, baked potatoes with skin, cocoa powder, beets, pork, okra, beef, and fish can contribute to these stones.
Another type, calcium phosphate stones, can form from a diet high in phosphates, which are found in dairy products, eggs, seafood, and many processed foods.
Uric acid stones:
This kind of kidney stone develops when your urine contains an excessive amount of uric acid. In addition to raising uric acid levels, eating a lot of red meat, shellfish, chicken, sugary drinks, and alcohol will lower your body’s citrates, which help prevent kidney stones.
Too much uric acid can also cause gout, a painful condition that affects the joints.
Cystine stones:
Cystine stones are different from other types of kidney stones because they are linked to genetics, not diet. However, if you’re prone to cystine stones, salty foods, processed meats, and other packaged foods can make them worse. Dehydration can also trigger this type of kidney stone if it runs in your family.
Are all kidney stones the same?
No, uric acid and calcium stones are the two most prevalent forms of kidney stones. Prevention involves personalized diet changes and medical treatment based on the type of stone to help stop them from returning. If your kidney stones are bothering you a lot you can seek a kidney stone specialist in Coimbatore to get rid of them.
Can you prevent kidney stones through diet?
Yes! Maintaining adequate hydration is one of the best strategies to avoid kidney stones. Drinking at least 3 liters of water daily can help stop stones from forming again.
A healthy approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medications (if needed) can also aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of kidney stones linked to obesity.
What can you follow as a diet to prevent kidney stones?
There aren’t specific foods or drinks that everyone with kidney stones should eat or avoid. Diet plans are tailored to the type of stone you have. If you have a stone in your urinary tract, your doctor will usually start with urine and blood tests to determine the type of stone before recommending a diet.
Calcium oxalate stones:
Reduce the amount of oxalates:
Oxalate is a major contributor to kidney stones. To help reduce oxalate levels in urine, it’s best to avoid certain foods, including:
- Spinach
- Legumes
- Wheat bran
- Nuts
Reduce the intake of sodium:
Consuming too much sodium can raise the risk of developing kidney stones. Sodium is commonly found in table salt, condiments, meats, canned and processed foods, as well as fast food. If you often add salt to your salads, consider cutting back or reducing the amount you use.
Adults should aim to keep their sodium intake below 2,300 mg per day, which is about the amount in one teaspoon of table salt (2,325 mg).
Increase calcium and vitamin D:
Oxalate levels in the body can increase if you don’t get enough calcium. Calcium is best obtained through diet rather than supplements. Good sources of calcium include yogurt, milk, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, soy products, seeds, tofu, cottage cheese, and diverse cheeses range.
Vitamin D is important because it helps your body absorb more calcium. You can get vitamin D from foods like fish, mushrooms, and cheese, or by spending time in the sun, which is a natural source of vitamin D.
Important Takeaway:
People with kidney stones often experience sharp, intense pain in their abdomen, usually on one side. Staying hydrated and avoiding foods high in sodium, salt, sugar, and oxalate can help prevent kidney stones. Including calcium-rich foods in your diet and cutting back on alcohol are also beneficial.
As you make these dietary changes, remember to take any medications your doctor prescribes. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor for more advice on what foods and drinks to include or avoid when dealing with kidney stones. Reach out to the Kidney Care Centre Coimbatore if you are experiencing any difficulties with kidney stones.
