Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. There are many reasons for buildup of kidney stones in the body like- lack of water, mineral imbalance, gout , improper diet etc. A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms from crystals in the urine. The most common types of kidney stones are made of Calcium and Oxalate. Oxalate is a waste product made by the body and has no function in humans. Stones usually affect people between the ages of 20 and 40 . You may also be at risk if you have a family history of kidney stones . If you had kidney stones earlier , you are more likely to get them again . But by following this eating plan you may prevent the kidney stones.
Types of kidney
stones:-
Calcium stones :- It is very common and found in two forms like calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.
Uric acid stones:- It forms due to excessive eating of meat, fish
etc.
Struvite stones:- It results from kidney infection. Antibiotics are
used in order to address the infection.
Cystine stones:- It results from a genetic disorder. These are very
rare.
So first step is to diagnose which type of stones you have ,
because the diet which helps to remove calcium stones will not work in uric acid
stones.
Diet in
calcium oxalate stones:-
Do not reduce calcium and oxalate totally from your diet. It is not good for your health. It is good to
take calcium and oxalate rich food together. In doing so oxalate and calcium
are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before the
kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones will form.
Have
spinach, tomatoes,and chocolates in moderate quantity.
we cannot
totally eliminate tomato from our daily diet as it adds taste in our food. You
can use tomatoes by removing its seeds.
Salty foods:- Avoid taking more of salty foods. As you know
salt contains sodium that increases the level of calcium into urine by kidneys.
Vitamin C :- Oxalate
is an end product of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) metabolism.
So avoid taking vitamin C supplements or things rich in vitamin C.
Some more foods
to be avoided
:- Guavas, peanuts, legumes,
beetroots, sweet potatoes.
You can
enjoy by eating these low oxalate foods:-
Fruits and
vegetables:-
Apple juice, Pineapple juice, peaches, pears, grapes(seed
less),grape fruit, bananas,
Lemonade , Cherry juice, Mangoes, Melons ,Papaya ,Green and
yellow plum, litchi
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Mushroom , Pea , raddish
Dairy
products:-
Low fat milk(cow’s and goat’s) and buttermilk,
Energy
food:-
Macroni, pasta, white rice, barley, corn
Condiments:-
Saffron, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, canola oil
Lean meats:-
Meats with relatively low fat content like skinless chicken, turkey
etc.
Diet in
calcium phosphate stones:-
Nearly every food contains some phosphorus. As a general rule
foods high in protein are also high in phosphorus. So avoid eating too much
meat, fish and poultry. Proteins from dairy products are ok.
Foods that raise the urinary Ph increase the rise of calcium
phosphate stones. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons have citrate - an
alkaline substance that raises the pH of urine . As the urine pH rises so does
the risk of calcium phosphate stones. Avoid oranges, lemons and juices made
from this. Some diet sodas contain higher amount of citrate . Consuming these beverages may increase the
risk of kidney stones. Cranberry juice
is very effective in this.
Diet in
uric acid stones:-
People at risk for the development of uric acid stones are
those with gout and also those who have a purine rich diet. A high purine diet
includes foods like red meats, especially organ meats. High fats such as whole
fat milk, cream, ice-cream, cookies, cakes , beans, mushrooms should be
avoided. Reduce sea foods also , as they
are rich in purines. The high purine
level in the body increases the production of uric acid leading to uric acid
stones.
Low fat dairy products, tofu, egg whites can be preferred.
Limit sugar sweetened foods and drinks.
Limit sodium as this can dehydrate you and make your urine
more concentrated.
Eating more fruits( increase your consumption of antioxidant
rich foods like cherries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, pineapples) and
vegetables will help reduce in uric acid
kidney stones.
Drink water about 2.5 litre to 3.5 litres in a day. The color
of the urine should be pale white and not yellow. As this means that your fluid
intake is adequate. Do remember that drugs such as multivitamin can make the
urine appear yellow even if you are drinking enough water.
About 35% to 50% of people will have another bout with kidney
stones within 5 years unless
lifestyle
changes
are made.
1)
Do not
underestimate the power of your sweat . Exercise is good for your health but they also
may lead to kidney stones. Because loss of water will lead to less urine
production which allows for stone causing minerals to settle and bound in the
kidney and urinary tract . Drinking enough fluid is the most important thing a
person can do to prevent kidney stones.
2)
Lemonade
high in natural citrate prevents the stone formation. Beware of the sugar
because it can increase kidney stone risk.
3)
As you know
having tea makes us dehydrated. So try to drink it less.
4)
Drinking
watermelon juice will help in flushing out stones from the kidney.
5)
Have 1 teaspoon
Basil juice (Tulsi) with honey daily in the early morning. It helps in the
expulsion of stones from urinary tract.