Best Foods To Eat And Avoid With Kidney Stones

Introduction

Kidney stones can be painful and severely affect your life if they are left untreated. These stones may develop in the urinary tract, kidneys, ureters, and the bladder. When there is an excessive amount of minerals or salts in the urine, these can come together and deposit to form a hard stone. Oxalate, uric acid, and struvite are common substances that can crystallize to form stones. 

Kidney stones can occur and grow due to a variety of reasons, with diet weight, and medical conditions playing the most important roles.  Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the common signs of kidney stones like pain, dark or bloody urine along with fever and nausea. Your doctor will recommend the best measures to take care of your kidney stones such as medications, surgery, and certain dietary changes. Here are some of the top dietary recommendations that you may get from your doctor.

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

Types of Kidney Stones

Studying the stone can help your doctor understand why you have it and how to reduce the risk of having it in the future. Given below are the four types of kidney stones – 

1. Calcium Oxalate – This is the most common type. When calcium combines with waste products like oxalate, it can form a stone.
2. Uric Acid stones – Formed from monosodium urate crystals, which might be related to obesity and dietary factors. 
3. Struvite Stones – Not very common. These are infection-related stones, containing magnesium and ammonia called struvite stones.
4. Cystine Stones – A rare type of kidney stone, found in people with a genetic disorder called cystinuria. It tends to run in families.

Diet for People with Calcium-Oxalate Kidney Stones

Oxalates are produced in the body as well as absorbed from the food we eat. Calcium can bind to oxalate and form calcium-oxalate stones, this is one of the most common types of kidney stones. Certain factors may encourage calcium-oxalate stone formation such as low intake of water, excessive amounts of oxalate in the body and urine and high salt levels in your diet. To combat this, you need to: 

• Always eat sufficient amounts of calcium-rich foods with your meals whenever you consume oxalate-rich foods
• Avoid or limit oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beetroots and carrots
• Maintain healthy levels of dietary calcium with food sources like milk and dairy products unless suggested otherwise by your doctor
• Reduce your salt intake since sodium can lead to excess calcium in the urine 
• Talk to your doctor before taking any calcium supplement

In my experience, I have found that ensuring an adequate intake of fluids, especially water, is crucial in avoiding kidney stones. Drinking enough liquid helps to dilute urine and reduce the concentration of substances that can form stones. By staying well-hydrated, you can promote healthy kidney function and decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Diet for People with Uric Acid Kidney Stones

Uric acid is a waste product that is made when your body breaks down purines. Purines are found in nearly all plants and meats but some foods have higher concentrations. These include red meats, organ meats, seafood and alcohol. Purines get broken down into uric acid and this uric acid ends up in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract in the process of elimination from the body. When there is too much uric acid in the urine, crystals can form leading to uric acid kidney stones. Here are some dietary recommendations for people with uric acid stones: 

• Stay hydrated every day to ensure that your urine is diluted
• While you need protein in your diet, try to avoid high-purine foods like meats and seafood
• Increase the number of fruits and veggies in your diet
• Avoid sweetened beverages as well as alcoholic drinks and smoking
• Drink fruit juices that are high in citrate (lemons, limes, oranges) since citrate can tackle uric acid effectively 

Did you know that men are more prone to developing kidney stones compared to women? If you have a family history of kidney stones, your risk of developing them further increases. Additionally, once you’ve had kidney stones in the past, you are more likely to experience them again.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Diet for People with Struvite Kidney Stones

Struvite stones are caused due to infection. Good hydration and intake of citrus juices like orange and cranberry juice are said to be helpful for these cases.

Diet for People with Cystine Kidney Stones

People with or at risk of cystine stones are advised to increase their fluid intake mainly through water.

10 Best Foods to Try When You Have Kidney Stones

When the type of stone is not known, you may consider the following points helpful-

1. Water

It is very important to stay hydrated when you have kidney stones. Your doctor may recommend a fixed amount of water that you need to drink daily, try to stick to this recommendation. 

2. Lemons

Lemons are a great source of citrate which is thought to make urine less acidic. Uric acid stones can form and grow when urine is acidic hence lemons and limes are great for dissolving these stones if they form. Lemon juice should be diluted with water and can be taken.

3. Oranges

Oranges, like lemons and limes, are citrus fruits with citrate present in them. This has the same benefits as lemon juice and also lowers the acidic level of urine. High acidity in urine is linked with some common types of kidney stones. 

4. Milk

Milk is a great source of dietary calcium. While taking calcium through supplements is linked to higher rates of kidney stones, consuming it from food sources like milk is linked to a lower risk of calcium oxalate stones.

5. Legumes and Nuts

Legumes and nuts are also great sources of dietary calcium that may help to cut down your risk of kidney stones. When calcium is consumed from food sources like these, it binds with oxalate in the digestive system itself. This means that there is a lower chance for calcium oxalate to form in the kidneys. 

7. Lentils, Peas, Beans

Everyone needs protein to stay healthy and these three vegetarian sources are good for those with kidney stones. Non-vegetarian protein foods can increase your risk of kidney stones so try to increase your intake of lentils, peas, and beans instead. People with high uric acid levels may need to reduce protein intake.

9. Rice and Oats

Rice and oats are also low in oxalates. If you want to lower your risk of kidney stones developing, you can either cut down your oxalate levels or increase your calcium levels to bind the oxalate. Rice and oats can be part of a low-oxalate diet.

10. Broccoli

Broccoli contains low levels of oxalates which is good for a lower risk of calcium oxalate stones, but it is also a great source of potassium. Potassium is important because it binds to calcium which decreases the chance of a stone forming. Potassium may also be involved in dissolving calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate kidney stones. 

Based on my experience, I always advise my patients to inquire about the sodium content of the food when dining out. It’s important to be mindful of your sodium intake as excessive sodium consumption can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. By asking about the sodium content, you can make more informed choices and opt for lower-sodium options to support your overall health.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Foods to Avoid with Kidney Stones

1. Salty Foods

High sodium levels are linked to a higher risk of kidney stones and more calcium being passed through the urine. This increases the risk of stones developing so you should avoid salty foods since these can increase your sodium levels. Processed, prepackaged, and fast foods are all high in salt, as well as canned foods. Always check the sodium content on the food label before you eat pre-made foods. 

2. Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C can get converted into oxalate in the body if it is taken in excessive amounts such as a supplement. Avoid using vitamin C supplements unless prescribed by a doctor and try to get your daily intake of this nutrient from natural sources only. 

3. Calcium Supplements

Taking calcium through food sources does not increase the amount of calcium in your urine. However, excessive intake of calcium supplements provides your body with much more calcium than you need. This leads to more calcium being passed out of the body through the urine which can increase the chances of a stone forming. If you need to maintain your calcium levels, talk to your doctor and find out what your dietary options are instead of calcium supplementation. 

4. Certain Fruits

Fruits like rhubarb, dates, and raspberries may worsen your kidney stones since they are high in oxalate content. Try to eat fruits like bananas, apples, and cherries instead. 

5. Certain Veggies

Veggies like spinach, potatoes, beetroots, and carrots are also high in oxalates. Since these are healthy foods you should not avoid them entirely. Instead, you can eat calcium-rich foods during the same meal to balance out your oxalate levels. 

6. Caffeine

Caffeine can cause your body to pass more urine, which may lead to dehydration. Low levels of water in the body increase the risk of kidney stones/ You should speak with your doctor and ask them if you can still drink coffee when you have kidney stones. 

7. Animal Proteins

Eating too much protein from animal sources can lead to uric acid building up in your body. Apart from calcium oxalate, uric acid is another substance that can form kidney stones. If you only get your protein from non-vegetarian foods, you may risk a higher chance of uric acid kidney stones. Try to avoid animal-based proteins and use vegetarian sources instead. 

3 Kidney Stone-Friendly Recipes to Try

Here are a few recipes to try in case you currently have kidney stones. These recipes include low oxalate ingredients to curb the growth of stones as well as ingredients that may dissolve existing stones. Speak with your doctor before trying out any new diet plan.

1. Basic Pomegranate Juice

• Peel the skin off 2 medium-sized pomegranates and put the fruit into a large blender.
• Blend for several minutes until a wet, runny pink juice forms.
• Strain the juice into a glass and drink.
• Do not add sugar or salt unless your doctor has allowed it.

2. Low Oxalate Homemade Bread

• Mix 2 spoons of sugar, 1 cup warm water, and 1 cup whole wheat flour in a large bowl with 1 sachet of dry yeast.
• Once the mixture starts to bubble slightly, add half a cup more wheat flour, half a spoon of salt, 1 cup of regular flour, and 2 spoons of vegetable oil.
• After mixing well, turn the dough onto a flat surface and half a cup more regular flour along with 2 tablespoons each of sunflower seeds and oatmeal.
• Knead the dough for several minutes until all ingredients are combined well then put it away into a clean bowl (put a little oil at the bottom of the bowl first and the bowl with a cloth after placing the dough).
• Allow the dough to double its size, deflate the dough slightly, and shape it into a log (or several buns), place this onto a pan or oven-safe cooking tray.
• Let it rise for another 30 minutes then bake the bread for about 30 minutes at 190 °C (375 F) until golden brown.

3. Hydrating Refresher

• Add the juice of 1 fresh lime or lemon with a tablespoon of honey. 
• Add 230 ml of warm or cold water.
• Blend for a few seconds till it is well mixed.
• This refresher will have high levels of citric acid which helps reduce the acidity of urine.
• Consume immediately and quickly (the taste may not meet everyone’s preferences).

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be effectively managed with timely medical care, so it’s crucial to consult your doctor as soon as you suspect their presence. Left untreated, these stones can grow larger and cause more complications. A balanced diet—rich in water, calcium, and potassium, and low in sodium and oxalates—can play a significant role in prevention and management. In some cases, surgical removal might be necessary. To tailor your diet and treatment plan, consult your doctor and refer to the list above for foods to include and avoid. Your health starts with the right choices!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References

1. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-stones
2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition
3. https://www.kidney.org/uric-acid-stones

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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