Diet plays a key role in controlling and preventing the recurrence of stones.
According to studies, some foods should be limited or completely abstained for people with kidney stones.
First, foods rich in oxalate such as spinach, beetroot, chocolate, sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes should be avoided or limited. About 75% of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones. Oxalat when combined with calcium in urine can easily form crystals. Reducing your consumption of foods containing oxalate can reduce your risk of stone formation by up to 40%.
Second, limit salt and processed foods. High sodium levels increase calcium excretion in the urine, thereby increasing the risk of stones. Researchers recommend that people with kidney stones should keep their salt intake below 2,300mg/day.
Third, avoid red meat and excessive animal protein. Because these foods increase uric acid excretion and reduce urine pH, creating conditions for uric acid stones to form. It should be noted that a diet high in protein reduces citrate - a substance that helps prevent stone crystallization.
People with kidney stones should also limit sugar and foods high in fructose such as carbonated soft drinks, because they increase the secretion of calcium, oxalate and uric acid. The risk of kidney stones increases by 40% in people who consume soft drinks every day.
People with kidney stones need to strictly control their diet to avoid recurrence. avoiding oxalate, salt, animal protein and refined sugar are key principles recommended by leading health organizations in the world.
