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Medicanet 
conditions and treatments
kidney stones
Diet and Kidney Stones |
Diet and Kidney StonesIf you have kidney stones you may require to follow a special kidney stone diet.
Before all that you should have yourself checked up to determine what kind stones do you have. In this way the doctor can now recommend what type of foods to avoid and to eat. The types of minerals that create kidney stones vary.
Uric acid, cystine, calcium salts, and struvite constitute kidney stones. Calcium stones are more common in men; the average age of most men who get this are at the age of 30.
The average rate of new stone formation in patients who have had previous stone is about one stone every 2 to 3 years. Try to reduce or avoid oxalate rich foods.
Uric acid stones are also common in men. Half of the patients suffering from uric acid stones also develop gout.
Lithiasis, however, is usually hereditary and may develop even without the presence of gout. In urine uric acid crystals are red orange in color because they absorb the pigment uricine. Increase fluid intake always to avoid coloration of your urine.
Struvite stones are common also and the most dangerous. These stones occur mainly in women who have urinary tract infection.
The stones can grow to a large size and fill the renal pelvis and calyces.
The main concern of a kidney stone diet is to balance the intake of substances likely to form stones and improve the ability of the kidneys to excrete waste products. High in fiber, the phytates in fiber prevent crystallization of urinary calcium and reduce stone formation. Eat plenty of whole meal and wholegrain bread and cereals, fruit and vegetables.
To help decrease the concentration of minerals in the urine, drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily. A diet in high potassium may reduce the risk of stone formation. This includes bananas, nuts, vegetables avocado and sunflower seeds. Low or avoid oxalate rich foods.
Avoid spinach, coffee, cocoa, tea, and soy products such as tofu, soy milk and soy cheese.
Limit the intake of milk and dairy products. Do not severely restrict calcium because this can have adverse effects on your bone growth and strength. Excessive intake of protein can contribute to stone formation.
So remember in the kidney stone diet you should avoid oxalate rich foods, avoid vitamin C supplement, increase fluid intake and avoid salty foods. Water therapy is also a good plan in your daily life.
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