Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the body become hard in the kidneys. These stones cause immense pain while urinating or when urine passes through the urinary tract.

Kidney stones left untreated can lead to major kidney complications.

Prevention is always better than cure. The key is to eat a balanced diet for kidney stones and make lifestyle changes to prevent kidney stones.

Kidney stones usually do not pose any symptoms until they travel through the tracks and cause pain.

If you are looking forward to learning about diet for kidney stones, keep reading!

Let us explore how diet can help you prevent kidney stones, what foods to avoid, which are the best drinks for kidney stones, and some hydration tips to prevent kidney stones.

We will also focus on a few effective lifestyle changes that can help you protect your kidneys.

Do not forget diet and exercise can play a vital role in supporting your overall kidney health and preventing kidney stones.

The role of diet in the prevention of kidney stone formation

Did you know the food you eat is directly affecting your risk of kidney stone formation?

Eating foods that contain high amounts of

●     Oxalates

●     Sodium

●     Calcium or

●     Animal protein

Can potentially increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

On the contrary, if you make

●     Healthy choices

●     Eat a balanced diet

●     Stay hydrated and

●     Eat kidney-friendly foods

It can help in significantly reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.

Kidney stones are predominantly composed of

●     Calcium oxalate

●     Uric acid and

●     Struvites

Each of these stones requires different diet formulations. Understanding the connection between dietary calcium and kidney stones helps in making the right dietary choices.

Once you know which kind of stones are your problem, you can take steps to safeguard your kidney health accordingly.

Foods to avoid with kidney stones

If you want to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, you must avoid and limit certain foods that elevate your risk of stone formation in the kidneys.

High Oxalate Foods

Certain foods have natural compounds called oxalates. This binds with the calcium in the body to form kidney stones.

It is important to avoid or limit high-oxalate foods if you are affected by calcium-oxalate kidney stones.

Some of the foods to avoid with kidney stones are:

●     Spinach

●     Beetroots

●     Chocolates

●     Nuts (almonds and cashews)

●     Sweet potatoes

●     Rhubarb.

Diet tip: If you are prone to oxalate-based kidney stones, it is recommended that these foods need to be avoided or consumed in limitation. You can pair them with high-calcium foods to reduce oxalate absorption in your body.

Excess Sodium

Excessive Salty foods to avoid with kidney stones. A high intake of sodium increases the calcium levels in your urine; this leads to kidney stone formation.

Your diet for kidney stones should have minimum salts. Cutting down on salt consumption helps in preventing kidney stones.

Foods to avoid with kidney stones are:

●     Processed foods

●     Fast food

●     Canned soups

●     Canned drinks

●     Soft drinks

●     Salty snacks

●     Fried snacks

Make sure your diet for kidney stones includes:

●     Fresh fruits

●     Whole foods

●     Home-cooked foods

●     Vegetables

●     Citrus fruits

Pro Tip: Aim to consume less than 2000 mg of sodium per day.

Animal Proteins

If your diet is rich in animal proteins like:

●     Red meat

●     Poultry or

●     Seafood

It might elevate uric acid levels in the blood, which in turn increases your risk of kidney stones. High levels of uric acid in the body solidify the minerals and form kidney stones.

Focus on high-protein diets, which lower the citrate levels and help in preventing stone formation.

Your diet for kidney stones should include:

●     Plant-based proteins

●     Beans

●     Lentils

●     Tofu

This ensures your meal is well-balanced.

Best drinks for kidney stone prevention

Hydration plays a vital role in preventing kidney stones. Drinking adequate fluids helps in diluting urine, making it less likely to form stones. Here are some of the best drinks for kidney stones.

●     Water

Hydration tips for kidney stones: Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Remember, not too little, not too much. Water flushes out toxins and reduces the concentration of minerals that form kidney stones.

●     Citrus juice

Citrates bind with calcium and prevent kidney stone formation.

Make sure your diet for kidney stones includes:

1.    Lemon

2.    Lime

3.    Oranges

Hydration tips for kidney stones: Add a few drops of fresh lemon or lime juice to your water, which makes it one of the best drinks for kidney stones.

●     Coconut water

Coconut water contains potassium and electrolytes that support better kidney function. While providing proper hydration and mineral balance in the body, coconut water helps reduce the potential risks of kidney stones.

Hydration Tips for Kidney Stones

Proper hydration is the key to preventing kidney stones. Follow these hydration tips for kidney stones. Make sure you are consuming enough fluids throughout the day.

●     Adequate fluid consumption: 8-10 glasses of water

●     Monitor urine color: Dark urine suggests dehydration; your urine should be pale yellow if your body is hydrated well.

●     Avoid sugary drinks: say no to canned drinks, soda, and packed fruit juices.

Role of Dietary Calcium and Kidney Stones

Dietary calcium and kidney stones are closely connected. Calcium binds with oxalates in the digestive system and reduces the risk of calcium oxalate stones.

Include calcium-rich foods in your diet for kidney stones.

Include 1200 mg of calcium every day; prioritize natural food sources rather than supplements.

Some good sources of calcium are:

●     Dairy products

●     Leafy green vegetables

●     Fortified plant-based milk

●     Tofu

A Few Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Kidney Stones

Alongside diet for kidney stones, making a few lifestyle changes to prevent kidney stones can help in reducing kidney stones risk.

●     Maintain a healthy weight

●     Exercise regularly

●     Limit alcohol consumption

●     Manage stress through meditation

●     Avoid over-the-counter medication

Sample diet for kidney stones

Here is a simple, kidney-friendly diet for kidney stones:

●     Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk, fresh berries, and chia seeds

●     Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed green veggies, cucumbers, and olive oil dressing

●     Snack: a handful of unsalted almonds or a citrus fruit

●     Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli

●     Drink: Lemon-infused water

A kidney-friendly diet and lifestyle modifications are important to prevent kidney stones. Be informed about what you eat and drink, stay hydrated, and follow a healthy lifestyle, and you can significantly reduce your risk of kidney stones.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Take care of your kidneys, and they will thank you later.

If you need a customized diet plan for kidney stones and a few lifestyle changes to prevent kidney stones, visit our expert dietitians and nephrologists.

Reach out to NU Hospitals to ensure your kidney health is in good hands.