There are various ways that kidney stones can develop in the urinary canal. In the urine, calcium can mix with substances like phosphorous or oxalate. This may occur if these compounds are concentrated to the point where they harden. An accumulation of uric acid can also result in kidney stones. The breakdown of proteins contributes to the accumulation of uric acid. Kidney stones are extremely painful to pass because your urinary tract was not intended to remove solids. Fortunately, they are typically preventable with nutrition and by consulting a nephrology specialist
Are all kidney stones the same?
No. Uric acid and calcium stones are the two most typical forms of kidney stones. Depending on the type of stone, dietary modifications and medical care are tailored to prevent a recurrence.
If you have any of the symptoms associated with kidney stones, including fever, nausea, and dark or bloody urine, or any of these symptoms, call your doctor right once. To treat kidney stones, the best nephrology doctor will advise the best courses of action, including medication, surgery, and dietary modifications. The top nutritional advice that you might receive from your doctor is listed below.
To avoid developing kidney stones for the first time or reduce the chance of recurrence if you already have them, remember to take the following important precautions:
- Hydrate yourself frequently.
- Oxalate-rich foods should not be consumed.
- Reduce your consumption of animal protein and salt.
- Ensure you take enough calcium
The best diet for every kind of kidney stone is different. Dietitians and nephrologist specialists who focus on kidney issues, frequently recommend the DASH diet to patients with kidney stones.
This dietary plan has indeed been shown to reduce the chance of kidney stones and improve other elements of general health, such as lowering blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The DASH diet encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products with reduced fat. Additionally, the method advises consuming less salt, sugar, and red meat.
On the other hand, people who are at risk of the following types of kidney stones are most impacted by dietary changes:
- Calcified oxalate stones
- Stones made of calcium phosphate
- The cystine stones
- Uric acid stones
The following are some dietary suggestions for preventing kidney stones from forming:
- Keep Yourself Hydrated: Drinking more water can help avoid kidney stones because dehydration is a common cause of kidney stones. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is advised by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Water is acceptable, as are other liquids. The sodium level of a drink should always be checked because many beverages contain a lot of salt.
- Citrus Intake: Stone formation can be minimized or prevented through the consumption of citrus fruit and juice, which naturally contain citrate. Citrus fruit includes lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.
- Vitamin D Intake: Oxalate levels may increase if one does not consume enough calcium. Since supplements have been associated with the development of kidney stones, calcium should be consumed in food rather than as a supplement. Calcium can be found in milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and many kinds of cheese. Vegetarian sources of calcium include legumes, tofu that has been calcium-set, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and blackstrap molasses. If one cannot have cow’s milk, lactose-free milk, fortified soy milk, or goat’s milk should be consumed. Ensure that your daily diet contains foods high in vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Salmon and other fatty fish, as well as cheese and mushrooms, should all be eaten.
- Vegetables & Fruits: A balanced diet must include both fruits and vegetables. A person can prevent the development of stones by increasing the number of vegetables in their diet. You can choose from dried, frozen, or fresh fruits. Learn about foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, and try to reduce consumption. Additionally, they may be consumed alongside foods high in calcium.
- Proteins derived from plants: Proteins derived from animals can be consumed in moderation. On the other side, consuming too much animal protein increases the risk of kidney stones. Dietitians advise consuming plant-based protein as part of a kidney stone diet. To fulfill the needs, beans, peas, and lentils can be eaten.
Foods to avoid
If someone has a kidney stone, they should see a doctor determine what kind it is. This will help in figuring out which meals to stay away from.
- Salt: High body salt levels may make calcium build-up in urine worse. Keep salt out of your food and read the labels of processed foods to see how much sodium is in them. The salt content of fast food can be higher than that of typical restaurant fare. When ordering from the menu, make careful to specify that no salt should be added. Record your food intake as well. Salt is a common ingredient in some vegetable juices.
- Reduce Intake of Animal Protein: Numerous protein-rich foods, such as red meat, pork, chicken, poultry, fish, and eggs, increase uric acid levels in the body. When someone eats a lot of protein, the level of a chemical called citrate is decreased in the urine. Citrate is used to stop the development of kidney stones. In place of animal protein, try quinoa, tofu (bean curd), hummus, chia seeds, or Greek yogurt. Consult your doctor about the recommended daily intake of protein since it is essential for good health overall.
If you notify your doctor as soon as possible, kidney stones can be treated with the appropriate medical care. You shouldn’t delay once you suspect you could have these stones since they can keep growing if the proper precautions aren’t done. A healthy diet will have adequate amounts of water, calcium, and potassium as well as decreased levels of salt and oxalates. In certain situations, surgical removal may also be necessary. If you want to know more about the foods on the above list, speak with your doctor.
We at Sai Sanjeevini Super Speciality Hospital, Hyderabad offer all Health Care Services. We have the best neurologist in Hyderabad and endeavor to be the best nephrologist in Hyderabad. At Sai Sanjeevini Hospital we always provide quality health care services that combine with effectiveness, advanced treatment procedures, and state of treatment technologies.