Kidney stones are not just an occasional ache. They strike about 1 in 10 people, and if you have already experienced one, your chance of getting another is around 50% higher within a span of 10 years. Kidney stones are a painful and often recurring medical condition which is caused by the crystallization of minerals and salts in the urinary tract. Kidney stones are on the rise due to several factors, like poor lifestyle habits, genetics, dehydration, and high-salt diets. Men are more often affected than women, with the issue peaking between the 20 to 50. A well-planned diet can greatly help in averting recurrence, whether it’s calcium oxalate, uric acid or any other type. Small changes in daily diet regimen can make a huge difference.

Here we have listed foods you should avoid to safeguard your kidney health and prevent the recurrence of stone formation.

Foods To Avoid

Oxalate-Rich Foods

Foods that are rich in oxalates combine with excess calcium in the urine, leading to crystals that form hard, painful calcium oxalate stones. This is the most common type of kidney stone. Foods that are rich in oxalates that need to be restricted include spinach, beets, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, nuts, and dark chocolate.

Also Read: Also Read: Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Kidney Stones

Red Meat

Animal protein and red meat are tasty, but they are also rich in purines, which contribute to uric acid stones. Excessive consumption of red meat increases uric acid levels, lowers the pH of urine, making it more acidic and lowers citrate levels, which is a natural stone inhibitor. Avoid red and organ meat products; instead, go for plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, chickpeas and moderate amounts of lean meat.

Salty Foods

Remember, excess salt is never good for your kidneys, whether you have had stones or not. Overconsumption of salty foods promotes calcium excretion into urine, which is a vital trigger for calcium stone formation. Foods to limit include packaged snacks, fast food, canned soups, processed meats, and pickles.

Pro-Tip: Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day or lower if you have a history of stones.

Also Read: Low-Oxalate Diet: Here’s Is What You Should Eat And Avoid To Prevent Kidney Stones

Sugary Drinks/ Sodas

Soft drinks, especially those with high fructose corn syrup, can worsen kidney stone risk. Fructose is known to increase uric acid production and calcium excretion. Carbonated drinks, which contain phosphoric acid, may also promote stone formation.

A healthy choice is to hydrate yourself with water, herbal teas, or lemon-infused water, which contains citrate that helps prevent stones.

Excessive Dairy Products

Calcium is a vital mineral for augmenting bone health and overall well-being; however, excessive intake from dairy products or supplements may be dangerous. High calcium levels in urine can lead to calcium-based stones.

Always maintain the recommended daily intake of 1000-1200 mg of calcium per day and avoid over-supplementation.

High-Purine Foods

High intake of purine-rich foods increases uric acid levels in the body. Excess amounts of uric acid can crystallise into uric acid stones or other mixed types of stones.

Foods to restrict include organ meats, shellfish, shrimp, sardines, anchovies, and alcohol, mainly beer.

Refined/ Processed Foods

Refined and processed foods are known to increase the risk of several combinations of stones. This is due to the presence of triggering factors like excess salt, sugar, and preservatives in these foods, which hinder mineral balance and increase the risk of stone formation.

Are All Kidney Stones The Same?

No, there are different types of stones, and the most common type is calcium stones, followed by uric acid stones. Dietary modification and proper medical treatment are customised based on the stone type to prevent recurrence of stones.

Simple Measures To Prevent Kidney Stones

Drink 2–3 litres of water daily to dilute stone-forming substances.

Balance calcium intake and get calcium from food and supplements only if required.

Lemon, oranges, and leafy greens (low in oxalate) increase citrate levels in urine, which helps prevent stone formation.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasising the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Risk of Kidney Stones: Influence of Dietary Factors, Dietary Patterns, and Vegetarian–Vegan Diets

Pietro Manuel Ferraro 1,2,†, Matteo Bargagli 1,†, Alberto Trinchieri 3, Giovanni Gambaro

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146511/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4525130/

https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-stone-diet-plan-and-prevention