What Are the Recommended Diet for Kidney Stones ? Are There Things to Avoid?

Among urinary stones, especially upper urinary stones such as kidney stones and ureteral stones, it is important to prevent recurrence. Fluid intake, eating foods with calcium and avoiding certain foods based on your kidney stone type is important.

Fluid Intake

One of the most important ways to prevent kidney stones is to prevent dehydration. A dehydrated state is a set-up for kidney stone formation. Hence, you want to aim for a daily urine output of more than 2.5 liters per day. Even though solid foods also contain fluid, it is recommended you drink at least 2.5 liters of fluid per day, which is a bit over a 1/2 gallon of fluid per day. During hot weather, such as in summer, be particularly careful of dehydration and ensure adequate hydration.

Foods Rich in Calcium

The most common component of urinary stones is calcium oxalate (90%). Consuming increased calcium intake reduces the absorption rate of oxalate by binding calcium and oxalate together in the digestive tract. Therefore, consuming foods rich in calcium has been shown to lower the rate of kidney stone recurrence.

Foods to avoid

Oxalate-containing foods

Spinach, many berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, tea and rhubarb should be eliminated from your diet intake if you have calcium oxalate stones. Beverages high in oxalate include green tea, black tea, coffee, and cocoa.

Purine-containing foods

To prevent uric acid stones, moderate or avoid foods high in purines. Foods high in purines include meat, seafood, and dried foods. Additionally, alcohol may contain purines, and it triggers the liver to produce purines.

Excessive salt intake

High sodium increases calcium in the urine which can worsen kidney stone formation. Furthermore, excessive intake of salt can is not good for your blood pressure and overall kidney health.

Protein

High protein consumption leads to the production of calcium, which can then lead to more oxalate stones.