Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and cause intense pain, urinary tract infections, and other complications. While there are medical and surgical treatments available to treat kidney stones, it is better to prevent them than treat them after they occur. One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones is through diet. Adopting a healthy diet that is low in certain minerals and high in fluids will reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
Let us explore the best foods to eat and foods to avoid to prevent kidney stones.
Foods to Eat
Water:
Drinking plenty of water is essential for preventing kidney stones. Water helps flush out toxins and minerals from the kidneys, reducing the risk of stone formation. Experts recommend drinking at least 12 glasses of water a day, or enough to keep your urine light yellow or clear.
Citrus fruits:
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits contain citrate, a chemical that can help prevent kidney stones. Citrate prevents calcium from binding with other minerals in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Drinking citrus juices or adding lemon or lime to your water can increase citrate levels in the urine.
Vegetables & Fruits to include:
Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and some of them can help prevent kidney stones. Vegetables like such as carrots and bitter gourd contain minerals that inhibit formation of stones. Bananas contain vitamin B6, which breaks down oxalic acid and pineapple contains enzymes which bread down fibrins. Both are very good for preventing stones. Learn about foods that contain a high amount oxalate. You should limit their intake or combine them with foods that are rich in calcium.
Whole grains:
Whole grains like oats, brown rice, barley and quinoa are high in fiber and contain stone inhibitors that help prevent kidney stones.
Low-fat dairy:
Low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and other minerals. Calcium is necessary to keep oxalate levels under control and prevent formation of oxalate stones. However, people with a history of kidney stones should choose low-fat dairy products to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
Foods to Avoid
Salt:
A high-salt diet can increase the risk of kidney stones by increasing calcium excretion in the urine. People should limit their salt intake. People with a history of kidney stones should take even lesser amount of salt. Avoid packaged foods that have a very high sodium content.
Animal protein:
Animal protein like red meat, poultry, and seafood can increase the risk of kidney stones. Animal protein increases the amount of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to stone formation. People should aim to limit their intake of animal protein and choose plant-based proteins like legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Oxalate-rich foods and vegetables to avoid:
Oxalates are compounds found in some foods that can increase the risk of kidney stones. Foods high in oxalates include chikoo, grapes, palak, tomato, beets, cashew nuts, and chocolate / cocoa. People with a history of kidney stones should limit their intake of oxalate-rich foods but not exclude them from their diet altogether. When you eat foods with oxalate, be sure to include calcium rich foods to prevent stone formation.
Foods rich in uric acid/ purine:
High uric acid and purine content increase the risk of kidney stones. Avoid cauliflower, brinjal, mushroom and pumpkin or limit their intake to prevent kidney stones.
These are just broad guidelines that can help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Consult our urologist for an evaluation and individualised treatment for kidney stones. Let’s prevent kidney stones for a pain-free life.
