You may wonder what to eat and avoid when you have kidney stones. This is because it is one of the complex medical conditions that cause severe pain and discomfort in your body. Your doctor may recommend a kidney stone diet chart that may help you with the disease. Many facts and things are related to the disease. It depends on the severity of the medical condition and the symptoms you have. This is how the doctor treats your medical condition. If you or anyone you know is going through the aggressive symptoms of kidney stones, you can connect with the experts of Sarvodaya Hospital.
Kidney stones and related facts
- Kidney stone is one of the medical conditions that is formed in several ways. It can be the combination of calcium, oxalate, or phosphorus that may come out in the urine. The concentration of these substances solidify and form stones
- Kidney stones can also be caused by the buildup of uric acid. Uric acid buildup takes place because of the metabolism of protein. The urinary tract of the human body is not designed in a way to extract solid matter, so it would not be surprising to know that kidney stones cause severe pain. Luckily, there is a kidney stone diet chart that you can follow to prevent severe symptoms.
- Kidney stones are also known as renal calculi. These are the solid masses of stones that are made of crystals. Kidney stones originate from your kidney. Kidney stones can develop anywhere in the urinary tract. These solid masses or stones can develop in other parts including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- Kidney stone is a painful medical condition. The causes of kidney stones vary greatly because of the presence of different stones and types.
- One of the kidney stone types is calcium stone. It is one of the common medical conditions and is made of calcium oxalate. Even though kidney stones are made of calcium, getting enough calcium diet can help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
- Uric acid stones are the second most common type of kidney stone they can occur because of obesity, and other medical conditions involving metabolic syndrome.
- Uric acid in kidney stones makes the urine acidic. This can be the reason that sometimes your doctor may recommend you take a urine test. In such a condition, you should avoid taking purines (such as fish, meat, or shellfish), which can increase urine’s acidic level.
Kidney stone diet chart: What to eat and drink when you have kidney stones?
People often ask for the doctor’s recommendation to ask what to eat and avoid when you have kidney stones. But, the medical condition nowadays has become common worldwide. If you are trying to avoid kidney stones at home, you can follow the diet plan and recommend using the following things.
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Stay hydrated
Drink as much fluid as possible. Fluids will help to dilute the chemicals of stone that will break them. When you have kidney stones, drink at least 12 glasses of water per day.
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Increase your citrus intake
Citrus fruits and juices help break the block matter of stones. It is the natural capability of the citrus fruits that they help to break down large masses of stones. Good sources of citrus fruits include oranges, lemon, and grapefruits.
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Try to add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet
Increase your calcium intake especially when you have kidney stones. This may help oxalate levels to increase. It is preferable to get your calcium intake from food instead of depending on supplements. Good source of calcium is milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other dairy products. The kidney stone vegetable list includes legumes, dark green vegetables, nuts, seeds, blackstrap molasses, and calcium-set tofu. If you are selective in terms of the taste of your food type, you can try out lactose-free milk, soy milk, goat milk, etc. Apart from calcium, also try to include vitamin D in your diet. Vitamin D will help to absorb calcium from your body. Vitamin D-rich foods include mushrooms, cheese, fish, etc.
Kidney stone diet chart: What foods and drinks should you avoid taking when you have kidney stones?
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Limit the intake of salt and related substances that contain sodium
A high intake of sodium can cause the formation of solid masses with calcium. These substances may come in your urine. Avoid taking salt in your food and always try to keep a track of your sodium and calcium level. Fast food or junk food can be high in spices and sodium. Try to avoid regular restaurant food and if possible, try to add no salt to your diet. Along with this, take note of what you drink. Some vegetables are high in sodium content so you can avoid having vegetable soup of such vegetables.
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Lower the protein intake in your diet
Many protein-rich foods like red meat, pork, poultry, eggs, and chicken consist of an increased amount of uric acid. Eating large amounts of chicken and meat can cause the contamination of uric acid. The primary work of citric acid is to prevent the formation of kidney stones. You can use the alternatives like Greek yogurt, hummus, chia seeds, quinoa, etc. Protein is good for muscle diet and can help in increase of overall health. Try to include protein but not with heavy amounts like chicken or eggs which can also increase uric acid contamination. You can try discussing these things with your doctor.
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Try to avoid caffeinated and soda drinks like Cola
Avoid the intake of cola drinks. Cola drinks are high in phosphate and other chemicals. This can further ruin the condition of kidney stones.
- Eliminate the intake of sugar and contaminated food items
Sugar contaminated foods are processed foods. They consist of sucrose, fructose and other substances that increase the risk of kidney stones. You can try avoiding the use of cakes, soft drinks, packed juices, corn syrup, honey, brown rice syrup and cane sugar.
Tips to follow- what to eat and avoid when you have kidney stones?
Having kidney stones increases the chances of getting them again after an interval unless you prevent the consumption of certain food. This means you will have to work hard to prevent the same. Ultimately, you should work on your medications and watch out for what you eat and drink. You can try out the DASH diet. It is one of the common recommendations that is often suggested by doctors. Moreover, you can follow the tips like:
- Eat citrus fruits, juices such as oranges, and lemon
- Eat calcium-rich food like dairy products
- Drink at least 12 glasses of water
- Try to avoid the excessive intake of animal protein
- Distant yourself with oxalate and phosphate-rich food
- Avoid taking the things that can dehydrate your body such as alcohol
Conclusion
Kidney stones cause severe pain and the pain may sometimes radiate to the upper abdomen. Fortunately, there is a diet chart that may help you prevent the early symptoms. Staying hydrated is the key. Avoid taking food that may irritate you. It is important to follow the diet. This way you can avoid the contamination of stones.
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