The major cause of kidney stones is our diet and food intake. Usually, kidney stones are collections of mineral and salt reserves that develop in the kidneys in various forms and sizes. However, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been proven in research to lower the risk of kidney stones.
Normally, the best diet to prevent kidney stones is the one that provides enough fluids to your body. Because merely drinking liquids, mainly water, doesn't fulfill your requirements of fluids. It is also fulfilled through our diet. Moreover, the type of kidney stone even affects your diet requirements.
A dietitian who specializes in kidney stone preventative measures can assist you in planning a proper kidney stone diet chart to eliminate it.
So, let’s discuss all the types of kidney stones and a diet to be followed for each of them;
Calcium Oxalate Stones
It is the most common type of kidney stone found in many people. Oxalate foods are typically found in our daily diets such as peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, swiss chard, chocolate, and sweet potatoes. Consuming an excessive amount of such foods would result in high-oxalate levels which ultimately lead to kidney stones problems.
There is a misconception that calcium is the primary cause of calcium-oxalate stones. Despite that, a low-calcium diet increases the risk of developing kidney stones. Therefore, don't put a limit on calcium in your diet. Reduce your sodium intake and pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods in your meal. A calcium oxalate stones diet includes low oxalate food items.
You have to even restrict your intake of animal protein. Well, a better way to do so is simply to replace some of your typical meat and animal protein with beans, dried peas, and lentils, which are plant-based protein sources and low in oxalate levels.
Uric Acid Stones
This type of stone develops when your urine becomes excessively acidic. Purines are a natural chemical substance found in red meat, organ meats, and shellfish.
A high purine intake results in increased uric acid production and a greater acid load for the kidneys to eliminate. More acidic urine results from increased uric acid excretion.
Additionally, urine's rising acid concentration facilitates the formation of uric acid stones. To inhibit uric acid stones, consume less animal protein and more fruits and veggies. It even helps in preventing the formation of uric stones.
Struvite Stones
Struvite stones can form as a result of specific types of urinary tract infections in which bacteria produce ammonia, which accumulates in the urine.
Because struvite stones are caused by infections, diet may not even be effective in preventing them. However, certain fluids may help in your urinary tract less conducive to stone formation. They are; Lemonade, orange juices, cranberry juice, coffee, and tea. Also, try to drink plenty of fluids. In dilute (watery) urine, stones are less likely to form.
Cystine Stones
This is a rare type of kidney stone, and it is caused by a genetic condition known as cystinuria. Cystinuria is an ailment in which a person's urine contains a substance called cystine. If there is an excess of cystine, it can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Cystinuria affects approximately one in every 7,000 people.
Cystine is a product of amino acids and methionine, and amino acids are the core elements of protein. Hence, the easiest way to reduce cystine in your body is to limit your intake of proteins.
You have to pick and drop the foods as per their methionine content. Grains and fish usually contain high methionine content whereas pulses are low in methionine. Furthermore, it can be prevented by raising the pH level of urine. Some of the foods that help to increase the pH level are; fresh vegetables, vegetable juices, and fruits.
The Bottom-line
Well, the bottom line is that every type of kidney stone problem should be treated with its required diet to prevent kidney stones. You have to consult your doctor about your kidney stone’s diet chart and treatment.
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Syndication Link: Which Diet To Follow For Different Kidney Stone Problems?
