Kidney stones are a common disease, causing pain and greatly affecting the quality of life. Because most kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, many people believe that it is necessary to completely avoid calcium-rich foods such as milk. However, modern studies show that this view is not accurate.
According to Dr. Arpit Srivastava - Nephrology specialist, Regency Hospital, Gorakhpur (India), drinking milk in a reasonable amount is not only safe but can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones. The reason is that calcium in milk has the ability to bind to oxalate right in the digestive tract. At that time, oxalate will be excreted through feces instead of going into urine to form crystals in the kidneys.
Many epidemiological studies also record that people who consume milk regularly have a lower risk of kidney stones. This shows that calcium from natural foods, especially milk, plays a protective role instead of being harmful.
However, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between calcium from food and calcium from supplements. Abusing calcium tablets, especially when taken away from meals, can increase calcium levels in urine, thereby promoting the formation of stones. Therefore, experts recommend prioritizing calcium supplementation through diet instead of self-medicating.
Dr. Arpit Srivastava said that people at risk of kidney stones can still drink milk in reasonable amounts, about two to three servings per day. Each serving can be a glass of milk, a bowl of yogurt, or a slice of cheese.
In addition, drinking enough water is also very important because it helps dilute urine, thereby limiting the crystallization of minerals and reducing the risk of stone formation.
The effects of milk vary depending on the type of kidney stone. With calcium oxalate stone, the most common form, milk brings clear benefits. For uric acid stone, thanks to its low purine content, milk also contributes to helping reduce the risk of stone formation. Meanwhile, struvite stone is mainly related to infection, so diet, including milk, does not have much impact.
Low-fat or skim milk is a suitable choice for people who need to control their weight or cardiovascular health, as it still provides enough calcium but less saturated fat.
It is noteworthy that completely eliminating milk from the diet can have the opposite effect. When calcium is deficient, the body absorbs more oxalate, increasing the risk of stone formation.
In addition to using milk reasonably, to prevent kidney stones, each person should maintain the habit of drinking enough 2-3 liters of water per day, limit salt, reduce processed foods and increase vegetables and fruits. Balanced nutrition and lifestyle are key factors to protect long-term kidney health.
However, for people with chronic kidney disease, milk consumption needs to be strictly controlled due to phosphorus and potassium. In this case, consult a doctor before adjusting your diet.
