Kidney stones are the formation of solid crystal aggregates in the kidneys. Besides medical treatments, diet plays a crucial role in controlling the condition, reducing the risk of recurrence, and aiding in the expulsion of stones. So, what to eat when having kidney stones and avoid when having kidney stones?
The Importance of Diet for People with Kidney Stones
A healthy diet combined with adequate water intake helps:
- Dilute substances that can form stones, preventing crystallization.
- Adjust the pH of urine, reducing the risk of crystal deposits.
- Provide nutrients that support kidney health and the stone treatment process.
A healthy diet is crucial in the treatment of kidney stones
General Dietary Recommendations for People with Kidney Stones
- Drink plenty of water: The most crucial factor. Drinking enough water (2-3 liters daily) increases urine output, dilutes concentrations of stone-forming substances, and aids in expelling small stones.
Types of Beverages for Kidney Stone Patients
- Water: The best choice.
- Celery juice, watermelon juice: Have mild diuretic effects.
- Lemon water: Contains citrate, which helps prevent calcium crystallization.
- Eat plenty of green vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery are good sources of fiber and alkaline substances beneficial for kidney stone patients.
Adjusting Nutrition According to Kidney Stone Types
Besides general principles, kidney stone patients need to pay attention to the type of stones to follow an appropriate diet:
Calcium Stones
- Calcium-rich foods: Milk, yogurt, cheese, etc., though seemingly to be limited, are recommended in moderate amounts. Dietary calcium binds with oxalate in the intestines, reducing oxalate absorption into the bloodstream and its excretion in urine.
- Limit salt (sodium): High salt intake increases calcium excretion in urine, raising the risk of stone formation.
- Avoid high-oxalate foods: Beets, strong tea, chocolate, etc. (Provide a list of high-oxalate foods).
Uric Acid Stones
- What to avoid: Limit foods high in purines, which form uric acid (red meat, organ meats, certain seafood).
- Increase fruits and vegetables: Help alkalize the urine, reducing the risk of uric acid crystallization.
- Cystine, Struvite Stones: Less common, require specialized advice from doctors and nutritionists
What to eat when having kidney stones?
Recommended Foods
- Green vegetables: Spinach (moderate amount), broccoli, celery, asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, etc.
Actively supplement fiber-rich foods for kidney stone patients to support digestion and waste elimination
- Fruits – what to eat when having kidney stones: Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, apples, pears, watermelon, cucumber, etc.
- Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread, etc.
- Proteins: Fish, chicken, legumes, etc.
- Dairy products – what to eat when having kidney stones: Low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese (for calcium stones).
- Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, nuts, etc.
Foods to Limit – what to eat when having kidney stones
- Red meat: Beef, pork.
- Organ meats – what to eat when having kidney stones: Liver, kidneys, heart.
- High-oxalate foods: Beets, strong tea, chocolate, spinach, asparagus, radishes.
- Salt: Limit salty foods.
- Carbonated drinks – what to eat when having kidney stones: Soft drinks, beer, alcohol.
- Fast food, processed foods: Harmful to overall health.
Additional Tips for Kidney Stone Patients
- Monitor daily urine output to ensure adequate water excretion.
- Keep a food diary to track food intake and the body’s reactions.
- Regular check-ups as advised by the doctor.
Expert Advice
- Good food for kidney stones only supports the treatment and control of kidney stones and cannot replace medication or medical interventions.
- Drinking enough water is always crucial for any type of kidney stone.
- Actively supplement fiber-rich foods for kidney stone patients to support digestion and waste elimination.
Common Questions About “what to eat when having kidney stones”
Can kidney stone patients drink soft drinks or coffee? No. Soft drinks and coffee can increase calcium excretion in urine, contributing to calcium stone formation. Some soft drinks also contain high oxalate, which is a component of some types of kidney stones. It’s best to limit these beverages, replacing them with water, and beneficial vegetable and fruit juices.
What should kidney stone patients drink? How much water is needed daily? Drinking enough water is paramount. The recommended amount is 2-3 liters daily, helping dilute urine and reduce the risk of crystallization. The best choice is water. Some juices like watermelon and celery juice have mild diuretic effects, supporting waste elimination. Diluted lemon water increases citrate in urine, reducing the risk of calcium crystallization.
The recommended amount is 2-3 liters daily, helping dilute urine and reduce the risk of crystallizatio
Can kidney stone patients eat meat? Limit red meat (beef, pork), and organ meats. These are high in purines, increasing uric acid in urine and contributing to uric acid stone formation. Opt for protein sources lower in purines like fish, chicken, and legumes. Use in moderation and prefer cooking methods like boiling and steaming, avoiding deep-frying.
Can calcium stone patients eat spinach? Limit high-oxalate vegetables like spinach, amaranth, and beets. These vegetables are high in oxalate, increasing the risk of calcium oxalate crystallization in urine, contributing to calcium stone formation.
Can kidney stones be completely cured with diet? An appropriate diet plays a crucial role in controlling kidney stones, reducing the risk of recurrence, and supporting the treatment process. However, foods beneficial for kidney stones cannot completely replace other medical treatments such as medications, lithotripsy, or surgery in some cases. Depending on the condition, the doctor will advise on the appropriate treatment plan.
Scientific Evidence on what to eat when having kidney stones
- Drinking enough water:
Journal of Urology: Research shows that people who drink less water have a 50% higher risk of kidney stones than those who drink enough water. Drinking enough water (2-3 liters daily) increases urine output, dilutes stone-forming substances, and aids in waste elimination.
- Low-oxalate diet:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: A meta-analysis shows that a low-oxalate diet reduces the risk of recurrent calcium kidney stones by 75%. Limit high-oxalate foods like spinach, beets, chocolate, and strong tea.
This article provides information on “what to eat when you have kidney stones” and related knowledge. Hopefully, the article will be useful to you.
Reference:
Kidney stones – self-care: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus·1
5 Foods that help to Prevent Kidney Stones | Lifespanlifespan·2
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