A lot of people today have been experiencing kidney stone problems. It is very alarming yet the margin of having this is continuing to rise, due to the unhealthy habit of eating food which causes formation of these stones. This then calls for a kidney stone diet.
Our kidneys have plentiful roles for us in order to maintain a biological balance in our body. Their main function is to keep an internal balance of bodily fluids by straining and exuding unnecessary compounds like urea and other minerals from the blood.
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The kidney excretes these substances along with water in the form of urine. Having a proper kidney stone diet will help maintain this regular renal routine.
If we do not have the healthy attitude in considering the food that we eat, we will compromise the function of the kidneys as well as other major body organs. In this case, health threats may come in the form of kidney stones.
Kidney stones are like grasses in the backyard. We can get rid of them, but it keeps on coming back if we don’t do anything to prevent the cause. Preventive measures serve the best option. In fact, there are varied treatments and causes, but the safest way to go about it is by consulting a physician. These preventive measures often involve proper medication or a change in diet.
Kidney Stone Diet Tips
As mentioned earlier, there are several types of kidney stones: Calcium Oxalate Stones, Uric Acid Stones, and Cystine Stone. Their variation is mainly due to the causes, thus, the recommended diet will likewise vary. The following is a generic guide of foods to avoid in considering our diet for kidney stone prevention:
Foods that are rich in Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid increases the tendency in the formation of kidney stones since they have insoluble salt forms known as oxalates. The majority of the sources of these oxalic acids are plants. As calcium merges with oxalate in the intestines, the ability of the body to absorb calcium decreases. As a result, calcium oxalate stones form, because there is not enough calcium in the intestines.
In view of this, it would be wise to cut down or eliminate food sources in your daily diet, which contain oxalates to prevent stone formation.
Examples of foods rich in oxalic acid:
- Beans
- Wheat bran/germ
- Beets
- Blackberries
- Celery
- Chocolate/cocoa other chocolate drink mixes
- Dark leafy greens
- Parsley
- Draft beer
- Fruit cake
- Eggplant
- Grits (white corn)
- Instant coffee
- Leeks
- Nuts, nut butter
- Okra
- Peel: lemon, lime, orange
- Raspberries (black)
- Red currants
- Soy products (tofu)
- Strawberries
- Tea
Sugar increases oxalate and calcium in urine, hence, there should also be a cut down in sugar intakes.
Foods Rich in Calcium
Too much calcium intake is not good for the body. Generally, the body does not absorb more calcium than what is required, thus passing the excess to the kidneys which may develop into stones. Health professionals recommend calcium intakes for men at 800 mg per day, for women before menopause at 1000 mg per day; and after menopause, 1200 mg of calcium a day
Examples of Calcium Rich Food:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Sardines
- Fortified cereals, breads, grains, and waffles
- Fortified orange juice
Foods Rich in Sodium
Since sodium is a component of salt, a reduction in salty foods prevents kidney stone formation. Certain studies said that reducing the amount of salt in the diet also decreases the amount of calcium exuded in the urine. Limit your intake of salty food.
Foods Rich in Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid in the body produces oxalic acid. Therefore, one should consult with the doctor regarding the intake of ascorbic acid in case under a strict kidney stone diet.
Lastly, the most important preventive measure is by taking ample amounts of water everyday. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day helps thin down substances, which may form kidney stones.
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