Diet is one of several factors that can promote or inhibit kidney stone formation. Certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, but scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible.Other factors that affect kidney stone formation include genes, environment, body weight, and fluid intake.
Importance of fluid intake:
People can help prevent kidney stones by making changes in their fluid intake. Drinking enough fluids each day is the best way to help prevent most types of kidney stones. Healthcare providers recommend that a person drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid a day. Though water is best, other fluids may also help prevent kidney stones, such as citrus drinks.
Recommendations based on the specific type of kidney stone include the following:
Calcium Oxalate Stones
- Reducing sodium
- Reducing animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and fish
- Getting enough calcium from food or taking calcium supplements with food
- Avoiding foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and wheat bran
Calcium Phosphate Stones
- Reducing sodium
- Reducing animal protein
- Getting enough calcium from food or taking calcium supplements with food
Uric Acid Stones
- Limiting animal protein
Losing weight: Studies have shown that being overweight increases the risk of kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones.
DASH diet: Studies have shown the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can reduce the risk of kidney stones. The DASH diet is high in fruits and vegetables, moderate in low-fat dairy products, and low in animal protein.
Why kidney stones are formed is not exactly known, but treatment and prevention of further stone formation is possible.
The body uses food for energy and tissue repair. After the body uses what it needs, waste products in the bloodstream are carried to the kidneys and subsequently excreted as urine. Kidney stones typically form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than what the fluid in your urine can dilute.
#Thinkhealth blog 