Jeffrey Salazar
Kidney stones are very painful to pass and can recur if not prevented. Fortunately, diet can be an effective tool in managing and preventing kidney stones. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding certain foods that are high in salt and sugar are important elements of a kidney stone diet. Eating a healthy diet with mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
How to Reduce Stones Diet Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water Intake | Drink 6-8, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Aim for at least 80 ounces per day. |
| Sodium Intake | Reduce sodium intake to 2,300 mg daily. |
| Calcium Intake | Consume 1000-1200 mg of calcium per day. |
| Animal Protein | Limit meat intake to 8 ounces a day. |
| Uric Acid | Cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and alcohol. |
| Oxalate | Avoid or limit foods high in oxalates such as nuts, soy products, and certain vegetables. |
| Vitamins | Avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements. |
| Medication | Consult a doctor about medication options if you have recurrent stones. |
| Diet Plan | Consult a dietitian or healthcare professional for a specialised diet plan. |
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What You'll Learn
Drink more water to reduce stone formation
Drinking water is an effective and economical way to prevent kidney stone formation. Staying hydrated increases urine volume and reduces the concentration of calcium, oxalate, and other salts in the urine, thereby slowing down the formation of kidney stones.
The recommended daily water intake varies across sources. While some suggest drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, others recommend a minimum of 2 litres of water per day, and yet others suggest 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day. The exact amount depends on factors such as body weight. It is important to note that the type of water does not seem to matter as much as the act of drinking enough water.
In addition to water, eating hydrating foods can also help increase fluid intake. Examples of hydrating foods include lettuce, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, skim milk, yogurt, broths, and soups.
It is worth noting that while hydration is crucial, it may not be sufficient on its own to prevent kidney stones. Dietary changes, such as reducing sodium intake and limiting animal-based proteins, are often recommended in conjunction with increased fluid intake to effectively reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
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Avoid high-purine foods to prevent uric acid stones
To prevent uric acid stones, it is important to cut down on high-purine foods. Purines are compounds that the body produces naturally, but they can also be absorbed through certain foods and drinks. When purines are broken down in the digestive system, they form uric acid. Eating too many purines can cause a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals and kidney stones.
High-purine foods to avoid include red meat, organ meats, beer and other alcoholic beverages, meat-based gravies, sardines, anchovies, and shellfish. These foods are rich in purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Alcohol, in particular, prevents the kidneys from eliminating uric acid, causing it to accumulate in the body.
In addition to avoiding high-purine foods, it is recommended to follow a healthy diet plan that includes mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Vegetables and fruits are generally low in purines and provide valuable nutrients. Whole grains, such as rice, pasta, and cereals (except oats), are also recommended. It is important to limit sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, as they can increase uric acid production.
By reducing the consumption of high-purine foods and adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, individuals can effectively lower their risk of developing uric acid stones and improve their overall health and well-being.
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Reduce sodium intake to lower calcium in urine
A diet high in salt can deplete calcium in the body. When sodium intake is too high, the body gets rid of the excess sodium via urine, taking calcium with it. This leads to depleted calcium stores in the body and increases the risk of kidney stones.
To reduce the risk of calcium-based kidney stones, it is important to lower sodium intake. Sodium and calcium share the same transport system in the kidney, so a high-sodium diet will increase calcium loss in the urine. This is known as sodium-induced calciuria.
Sodium-induced calciuria can lead to osteoporosis, especially in those with low calcium intakes, as their bodies may be unable to increase calcium absorption to compensate for the increased loss. Therefore, it is important to reduce sodium intake and increase calcium intake to prevent kidney stones and osteoporosis.
To reduce sodium intake, it is recommended to:
- Check the Percent Daily Value (%DV) for sodium on food labels. Low-sodium foods contain 5% or less, while high-sodium foods contain 20% or more.
- Keep track of daily sodium consumption, especially when eating out.
- Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients.
- Avoid processed, canned, and fast foods, as these often contain high levels of sodium.
- Look for foods labelled as "sodium-free", "salt-free", "very low sodium", "reduced sodium", or "light in sodium".
- Be aware of hidden sources of sodium, such as baking soda and baking powder.
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Eat calcium-rich foods to prevent calcium oxalate stones
While it may seem counterintuitive, eating calcium-rich foods can help prevent calcium oxalate stones. Low-calcium diets may increase your risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis. The recommended calcium intake to prevent calcium stones is 1000–1200 mg per day, which can be achieved through eating three servings of dairy products with meals. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, low-fat cheese, and low-fat yoghurt.
It is important to note that calcium supplements may increase your risk of kidney stones. However, taking calcium supplements with meals may help reduce that risk. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian for advice on calcium supplements and vitamin C, vitamin D, and fish liver oil supplements, as some of these can increase the chances of stone formation in certain individuals.
To prevent calcium oxalate stones, it is also crucial to reduce your sodium intake. Sodium and calcium share the same transport system in the kidneys, so a high-sodium diet can increase calcium loss in the urine, increasing the risk of stone formation. Aim to consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is equivalent to about one teaspoon of table salt. Check food labels for the Percent Daily Value (DV) of sodium, with low-sodium options being 5% or less and high-sodium options being 20% or more.
In addition to dietary changes, staying adequately hydrated is essential for preventing kidney stones. Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, ensuring a total fluid intake of at least 2.5 litres per day.
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Limit animal protein to reduce kidney stone risk
Consuming animal protein is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. This is due to the higher purine content of animal protein, which leads to increased serum and urine uric acid levels. Beef, for example, has been found to be associated with lower serum uric acid than chicken or fish.
To reduce the risk of kidney stone formation, it is recommended to limit the intake of animal protein. This includes reducing the consumption of red meat, as each 100-gram increment of red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. It is important to note that processed meat has an even stronger association with kidney stone risk.
While limiting animal protein, it is crucial to ensure that you are still consuming adequate protein. This can be achieved by incorporating plant-based sources of protein into your diet. Legumes, such as beans, dried peas, and lentils, are excellent alternatives as they are high in protein and low in oxalate. Additionally, soy foods like soy milk, soy nut butter, and tofu, as well as nuts and nut products, can be good substitutes.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian specializing in kidney stone prevention to determine the appropriate amount of animal protein for your individual needs and to plan meals accordingly. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific circumstances and help you make the necessary dietary changes to reduce your risk of kidney stones.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the type of kidney stones you have and the dietary changes you need to make. However, some general recommendations include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, reducing your sodium intake, limiting animal protein, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Staying hydrated by drinking water helps to dilute the substances in urine that can lead to kidney stones. It is recommended to drink at least eight 8-ounce cups of water per day, but you may need more if you work or live in a hot environment.
It is recommended to limit or avoid foods high in sodium (salt), animal protein, and oxalates. Sodium is found in canned, packaged, and fast foods, as well as condiments, seasonings, and meats. Animal protein includes red meat, poultry, and eggs. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, chocolate, and tea.
Yes, calcium-rich foods can help prevent kidney stones by blocking other substances in the digestive tract. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount of calcium for your diet. Additionally, vitamin D-rich foods can aid in calcium absorption, and citric acid from fruits like lemons and oranges can help prevent stone formation.
