Kidney Stones and Diet

Here are some guidelines that may help you reduce your risk of having kidney stones. There are different types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and cysteine. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common

What is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms from crystals in the urine.

Are All Kidney Stones the Same?

No. The most common types of kidney stones are made from calcium and oxalate. Individual treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of kidney stones that are formed.

Is There a Diet I Can Follow to Prevent from having More Kidney Stones?

Sometimes following a special diet may be enough to prevent kidney stone formation. Other times, medications, along with a special diet, may be needed. Talk with your doctor to find out what diet is right for you.

Doctors Recommend to drink a lot of fluids. What kind of fluid should I Drink?

Most of the fluid you drink should be water. Less concentrated urine reduces the risk of stone formation.

Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. This is one of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones. To lessen your risk of forming a new stone, it is very important that you drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid throughout the day. This will help keep your urine less concentrated.

What Type of Diet to Follow if I have Kidney Stones? Will I have to Avoid High Calcium Foods?

Calcium is not the enemy. If you have high calcium in the urine then sodium reduction is helpful for stone prevention. Instead of limiting your calcium intake, focus on reducing the sodium in your diet. Pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods.

Extra sodium causes you to lose more calcium in your urine, putting you at risk for developing kidney stones.

Limit sodium to 2,000 milligrams each day. There are many sources of hidden sodium such as canned or processed foods as well as restaurant-prepared and fast foods. Your doctor can help determine if you need more or less calcium and help you plan a diet that is healthy.

What Type of Diet Should I Follow if I have an Oxalate Stone?

Oxalate is naturally found in many foods, including vegetables and fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and even chocolate and tea. Some examples of foods that contain high levels of oxalate include: spinach, peanuts, beets, rhubarb, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Some research suggests that limiting high oxalate foods may help reduce your chance of forming an oxalate stone.