Kidney stones are considered one of the most painful medical conditions a person can experience. Generally, the bigger the stone, the more painful it is. Many have long considered it even to be comparable to childbirth pain. The good news is that some dietary changes can make a positive difference. Keep reading to learn about the best diet for kidney stone prevention by stone type.
What are the Kidneys?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering electrolytes, waste products, and excess fluid out of the body through urine. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, control the production of red blood cells, and support bone health.
Supporting kidney health through proper nutrition and hydration lowers the risk of developing kidney stones.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or both kidneys when the urine contains high levels of certain minerals such as oxalate, calcium, and phosphorus. The larger the stone, the more likely it will block urine flow and cause undesirable symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Below the ribs, kidney stones typically cause pain in the low back and sides. Other symptoms include pink, red, or brown urine, pain or burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Who is at Risk for Kidney Stones?
Individuals with a personal or family history of kidney stones are at an increased risk for developing kidney stones. From a nutrition perspective, dehydration, low calcium intake, and diets rich in animal protein, sodium, and sugar are linked with the formation of kidney stones.
Types of Kidney Stones
Several different types of kidney stones may develop.
Calcium stones are the most common kidney stone and include calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. Normally, extra calcium is excreted through the urine, but if there are high levels of oxalate and phosphorus in the urine, stones may form with the excess calcium.
Uric acid stones form when the urine contains too much acid. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down the amino acid purine, which is found in certain animal protein sources.
Cystine stones form because of a hereditary disorder called cystinuria. Cystinuria causes excess amounts of the amino acid cystine to build up in the kidneys and bladder, leading to stone formation.
Struvite stones typically form after a urinary tract infection. These stones develop suddenly and grow quickly. Surgical intervention is usually required to treat struvite stones.
The Best Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention by Stone Type
Nutrition recommendations are based on the type of stone. Dehydration is a common cause of all stones, so adequate hydration is recommended for all stone types. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.
Recommendations for Calcium Stones
Nutrition recommendations for calcium stones include reducing sodium intake, limiting animal proteins, and regularly incorporating calcium-rich foods. Reducing oxalate intake is specifically recommended for calcium oxalate stones. To cut back on sodium intake, focus on incorporating more whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh meats, and season with herbs and spices.
Processed snacks, canned soups and vegetables, fast food, frozen meals, and deli meats should be avoided to reduce sodium intake. Incorporate more plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, unprocessed soy, nuts, and seeds to lower your animal protein intake. Limit meat, fish, and poultry portions to 3-4 oz. Cut back on how many servings you do each day.
Recommendations for Uric Acid Stones
Nutrition recommendations for uric acid stones include increasing fruit and vegetable intake and limiting high-purine foods. Increasing fruits and vegetables provide potassium and other compounds to neutralize and decrease the acidity of the urine. Limiting foods high in purine will help to prevent excess uric acid production. High purine foods include red meat, organ meats, sardines, anchovies, shellfish, and meat-based gravies. Try to substitute some of these foods with a plant-based source of protein several times throughout the week.
Recommendations for Cystine Stones
The key recommendation for cystine stones is to stay adequately hydrated. Increasing the amount of fluid you drink will help to increase the volume of urine produced each day. Aim to consume at least half of your body weight in ounces every day. Spread fluid intake throughout the day and make water your primary beverage. Other beverages your dietitian may recommend include sparkling water, fruit-infused water, and herbal teas.
Recommendations for Struvite Stones
To prevent the formation of struvite stones, avoid excessive sodium intake. Reduce intake of Processed snacks, canned soups and vegetables, fast food, frozen meals, and deli meats. Focus on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and fresh meats, and season with herbs and spices. You are at an increased risk for kidney stones if you have a personal history.
All individuals should focus on staying hydrated and meeting fluid goals to lower the risk. Working with a dietitian to follow nutrition recommendations based on stone type will prevent reoccurrence.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post titled “The Best Diet for Kidney Stones Prevention By Stone Type.” Let us know if you found this advice helpful in the comments below.
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