Whether you have had calcium-oxalate stones, uric acid or other types, changing your daily eating habits will make a big difference. More importantly, you don't need to give up your favorite dish completely, just know which foods should be limited and how to replace them safely.
1. Foods rich in oxalates
Spinach, red amber, nuts, chocolate... contain a lot of oxalate, easily combined with calcium in the kidneys to form stones, especially calcium oxalate stones - the most common type.
Replace: Prioritize low-oxalate vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, banana, cauliflower, grapes. When eating foods rich in oxalates, you can combine them with foods rich in calcium (coofrid) to reduce absorption.
2. Salty foods
Boxed foods, fast food, and salty sauces increase calcium excretion through urine, promoting the formation of stones.
Sub place: self-cook, season with herbs, lemon juice or light spices. Choose products that are low in sodium or low in sodium and carefully read ingredient labels.
3. Animal protein
Red meat, organs, and hard-shelled seafood contain a lot of purines, which can easily form uric acid stones and cause urine to become acidic.
Replace: Prioritize lentils, chickpeas, beans or a moderate amount of poultry, fish with lots of vegetables and fruits.
4. Sugary drinks
soft drinks and bottled juices contain a lot of sugar and fructose, which increase calcium secretion, while the photphoric acid in carbonated soft drinks promotes stone crystallization.
Sub place: Water, unsweetened mineral water, fresh lemon juice or low-sugar natural juice.
5. Drinks containing caffeine and carbonated soft drinks
Caffeine dehydrates the body, concentrates minerals in urine; soft drinks contain carbonated photphoric acid associated with kidney stones.
Replacement: Water is still the best choice. unsweetened herbal tea or moderate coffee can be used.
6. Foods high in purines
Sardines, anchovies, organs, beer... cause high uric acid levels, leading to uric acid stones.
Replace: Eat plant and animal protein in moderation; add water and citrus fruits to increase citrate, inhibit the formation of stones.
7. Excessive vitamin C supplementation
Taking high doses of vitamin C can be converted into oxalate, stimulating kidney stones.
Sub place: Take vitamin C from natural sources such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers in reasonable amounts.
Drinking enough 22.5 liters of water per day, combined with eating lots of green vegetables and fruits with low oxalate will help reduce the risk of stone recurrence. A balanced, varied diet and control of salt, sugar, and animal protein are the keys to long-term kidney protection.
