If you have kidney stones, you may have to follow an unique diet. First, your doctor will run tests to find out what type of stones you form. From these, the doctor can identify which diet changes might be right for you. A registered dietitian can help you make the needed changes in your diet.
A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms from crystals in the urine. In most people, natural chemicals in the urine stop stones from forming.
Types of Kidney Stones
Are all kidney stones the same? No!
The most typical types of kidney stones are made from calcium and oxalate. Specific treatment for kidney stones depends upon the type of kidney stones that are formed.
In addition to calcium oxalate stones, another typical type of kidney stones is uric acid stones. Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical substance referred to as purines. High purine consumption results in a greater production of uric acid and produces a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete. Greater uric acid excretion causes decrease general urine pH, which means the urine is more acidic. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it much easier for uric acid stones to form.
What Type of Diet Does a Kidney Patient Have to Follow?
You may be asked to make changes to the amount of salt (sodium), calcium, oxalate, protein, citrate, potassium and fluid in your diet. A registered dietitian can help you with making these changes.
Drink Lots of Water for Kidney Stones
Remaining well hydrated by consuming enough water is among the best procedures you can require to prevent kidney stones. To minimize your risk of forming a brand-new stone, it is very important that you drink a minimum of 3 quarts (12 cups) of fluid throughout the day. In hotter weather condition, you might need to drink more to make up for fluid loss from sweating.
This will help keep your urine less concentrated. Less focused urine reduces the risk of stone formation. The majority of the fluid you drink should be water. Try to drink a glass of water prior to bed and if you wake during the night to use the restroom, drink another glass prior to returning to bed.
Foods to Avoid For Uric Acid Kidney Stones
Another common type of kidney stone is a uric acid stone. Red meat and shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical substance referred to as a purine. High purine consumption results in a greater production of uric acid which then collects as crystals in the joints, or as stones in the kidneys.
To prevent uric acid stones, reduced high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, and follow a healthy diet that contains mainly vegetables and fruits, entire grains, and low fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, particularly those which contain high fructose corn syrup.
Don’t consume alcohol (alcohol is harmful for health)! It can increase uric acid levels in the blood and prevent fad diet for the same reason. Eating less animal-based protein and eating more vegetables and fruits will help decrease urine acidity and this will help in reducing the chance for stone development.
You should also make sure to drink at least 12 cups (3 quarts) of water a day to assist reduce the risk for stone development. Making these healthy lifestyle changes can also help in reducing your risk for establishing gout since high uric acid is a leading risk aspect for gout.
Did you know that a person in 10 people will have a kidney stone throughout a lifetime?
Do not underestimate your sweat. Saunas, heavy exercise might be good for your health, but they likewise may lead to kidney stones. Why? Loss of water through sweating – whether due to these activities or just the heat of summertime– leads to less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract.
Hydrate with water (H2O). One of the best procedures you can require to avoid kidney stones is to drink lots of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So, make certain to keep well hydrated, particularly when taking part in exercise or activities that cause a great deal of sweating.
It’s important to think about dietary remedies along with prescription medications. While it may appear simpler to just take a tablet to repair a medical issue, consider what lifestyle changes will also make a huge influence on your health.
Chronic kidney stones are often treated with potassium citrate, however studies have shown that lemonade and other fruits and juices high in natural citrate provides the same stone-preventing advantages.
Diet Tips for Kidney Stones
Be careful of the sugar, however, due to the fact that it can increase kidney stone risk.
Often following an unique diet may be enough to avoid you from forming more kidney stones. Other times, medications, in addition to a special diet, may be needed. Please note that not all dietary recommendations benefit all types of stone formers. Talk with your doctor to discover what diet is right for you.
Have a good day!
