Kidney stones and asparagus. Kidney Stones: Debunking Home Remedies and Understanding Effective Treatments
Are home remedies effective for treating kidney stones. How do different types of kidney stones form. What are the scientifically proven methods for preventing and managing kidney stones. Can certain beverages help or hinder kidney stone formation.
Understanding Kidney Stones: Formation and Types
Kidney stones are hard mineral and acid salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They typically develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing these elements to crystallize and bind together. The formation and composition of kidney stones can vary depending on their type.
Common Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium stones: Composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate
- Struvite stones: Form in response to urinary tract infections
- Uric acid stones: Result from high protein diets, gout, or insufficient fluid intake
- Cystine stones: Occur in individuals with the hereditary disorder cystinuria
Can certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing specific types of kidney stones? Indeed, metabolic disorders, intestinal bypass surgery, and excessive vitamin D intake may contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. For struvite stones, recurrent urinary tract infections are a primary risk factor.
The Truth About Popular Kidney Stone Home Remedies
The internet is rife with home remedies claiming to prevent or treat kidney stones. However, many of these “tried-and-true” solutions lack scientific backing. Let’s examine some common myths and their actual effectiveness.
Myth: Avoiding Soda, Coffee, and Tea Prevents Kidney Stones
Is cutting out these beverages truly beneficial for kidney stone prevention? Contrary to popular belief, scientific evidence suggests that these drinks do not increase the risk of kidney stones. In fact, consistent fluid intake, regardless of the type, generally decreases the risk of stone formation. However, water remains the optimal choice for hydration.
Myth: Coca-Cola and Steamed Asparagus Break Down Kidney Stones
Does this peculiar combination actually dissolve kidney stones? Despite claims about the diuretic properties of cola and the phosphoric acid in asparagus, this remedy has been classified as “useless” by reputable medical institutions such as The University of Chicago. There is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in breaking down kidney stones.
Myth: Cranberry Juice Helps Pass Kidney Stones
Is cranberry juice beneficial for kidney stone sufferers? While cranberry juice may have potential benefits for urinary tract infections, it can actually exacerbate kidney stone problems. Cranberries are high in oxalate, which may increase the risk of kidney stone development, particularly in individuals prone to calcium oxalate stones.
Beverages and Their Impact on Kidney Stone Risk
Understanding the relationship between various beverages and kidney stone formation is crucial for effective prevention and management. Let’s explore how different drinks affect kidney stone risk.
Alcohol Consumption and Kidney Stones
Does alcohol increase the risk of kidney stones? Surprisingly, moderate consumption of beer and wine may actually decrease the risk of kidney stone formation. This contradicts the previous belief that alcohol’s diuretic properties would increase stone risk. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which may contribute to stone formation.
The Role of Hydration in Kidney Stone Prevention
How does proper hydration help prevent kidney stones? Adequate fluid intake is crucial for diluting urine and preventing the concentration of stone-forming substances. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and increase intake during hot weather or physical activity. While water is the best choice, other fluids can contribute to overall hydration as well.
Scientifically-Backed Approaches to Kidney Stone Management
Instead of relying on unproven home remedies, it’s essential to focus on evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing kidney stones. Here are some approaches supported by scientific research:
- Dietary modifications: Adjust intake of oxalate-rich foods, calcium, and animal protein based on stone type
- Increased fluid intake: Aim for 2-3 liters of urine output daily
- Medications: Prescription drugs to control urine pH or reduce stone-forming substances
- Regular follow-ups: Monitor stone formation and adjust treatment plans as needed
- Mineral balance: Ensure adequate calcium intake through diet or supplements
How effective are these evidence-based approaches in preventing recurrent kidney stones? Studies have shown that implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of stone recurrence, with some patients experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in new stone formation.
The Importance of Professional Medical Guidance
Why is it crucial to consult a urologist or nephrologist for kidney stone treatment? These specialists can provide personalized treatment plans based on individual factors such as stone composition, medical history, and underlying conditions. They can also perform necessary diagnostic tests and recommend appropriate interventions, ranging from dietary changes to surgical procedures if needed.
Diagnostic Procedures for Kidney Stones
What diagnostic tools do specialists use to evaluate kidney stones? Common procedures include:
- CT scans: Provide detailed images of stone size and location
- Ultrasounds: Non-invasive method to detect stones and assess kidney function
- Urinalysis: Helps identify underlying metabolic abnormalities
- Blood tests: Evaluate overall kidney function and detect imbalances
- Stone analysis: Determines the composition of passed stones for targeted treatment
Emerging Treatments and Research in Kidney Stone Management
What new developments are on the horizon for kidney stone treatment? Ongoing research is exploring several promising avenues:
Innovative Surgical Techniques
How are minimally invasive procedures improving kidney stone removal? Advancements in endoscopic and percutaneous techniques are allowing for more efficient stone removal with reduced recovery times. Laser technology is also enhancing the precision of stone fragmentation during procedures.
Genetic Research and Personalized Medicine
Can genetic testing help predict kidney stone risk? Scientists are investigating genetic markers associated with increased stone formation. This research may lead to more personalized prevention strategies and targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile.
Probiotic Interventions
How might gut bacteria influence kidney stone formation? Emerging studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce oxalate absorption in the intestines, potentially lowering the risk of calcium oxalate stones. While more research is needed, this area shows promise for future preventive strategies.
Lifestyle Factors and Kidney Stone Prevention
Beyond fluid intake and dietary modifications, what other lifestyle changes can help prevent kidney stones? Consider the following evidence-based recommendations:
Exercise and Physical Activity
How does regular exercise impact kidney stone risk? Moderate physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall metabolic health, potentially reducing the risk of stone formation. However, it’s crucial to stay hydrated during exercise to prevent urine concentration.
Stress Management
Can stress contribute to kidney stone formation? While the direct link between stress and kidney stones is not fully established, chronic stress can lead to dehydration and poor dietary choices, which may increase stone risk. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga may have indirect benefits for kidney health.
Sleep Quality and Kidney Health
Does poor sleep affect kidney stone formation? Some studies suggest a potential association between sleep disorders and increased kidney stone risk. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and addressing sleep issues may contribute to overall kidney health and potentially reduce stone formation.
The Economic Impact of Kidney Stones
How do kidney stones affect healthcare costs and productivity? Kidney stones represent a significant economic burden on both individuals and healthcare systems. Consider the following factors:
- Direct medical costs: Including diagnostic procedures, treatments, and hospitalizations
- Indirect costs: Lost productivity due to pain, medical appointments, and recovery time
- Long-term health implications: Potential for recurrent stones and associated complications
What is the estimated annual cost of kidney stone treatment in the United States? Recent studies suggest that the economic impact of kidney stones exceeds $10 billion annually, highlighting the importance of effective prevention and management strategies.
Patient Education and Empowerment in Kidney Stone Management
How can patients take an active role in preventing and managing kidney stones? Education and self-management are crucial components of successful kidney stone care. Consider the following strategies:
Self-Monitoring Techniques
What tools can patients use to track their kidney stone risk? Some helpful monitoring methods include:
- Urine color charts: To assess hydration status
- Smart water bottles: To track daily fluid intake
- Dietary logs: To identify potential trigger foods
- Stone catching devices: To collect passed stones for analysis
Support Groups and Online Resources
How can connecting with others benefit kidney stone patients? Joining support groups or online communities can provide valuable emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of community for individuals dealing with recurrent kidney stones. Many reputable medical organizations also offer educational resources and guidelines for stone prevention.
In conclusion, while home remedies may seem appealing, they often lack scientific backing and can sometimes be counterproductive in kidney stone management. By focusing on evidence-based prevention strategies, seeking professional medical guidance, and staying informed about the latest research, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of kidney stone formation and improve their overall kidney health. Remember, each person’s situation is unique, and a personalized approach under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider is key to effective kidney stone management.
Grandma’s Kidney Stone Remedies – Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be
HomeUncategorizedGrandma’s Kidney Stone Remedies – Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be
Kidney stones are—in the most literal sense—a pain. They are tiny, hard mineral/acid salt deposits that form in the kidneys. Though they usually have no singular cause, they typically form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing these elements to crystallize and stick together. Why they form and what they’re made up of depends on the type of kidney stone. Types include:
- Calcium stones. Calcium stones form calcium or calcium oxalate. Oxalate is naturally found in certain foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, chocolate and nuts) and is also produced by the liver. Situations such as having certain metabolic disorders, intestinal bypass surgery and high doses of vitamin D may increase the chances of calcium oxalate
- Cystine stones. Cystine stones form in individuals with a hereditary disorder—known as cystinuria—in which the kidneys release an excessive amount of certain amino acids
- Struvite stones. Struvite stones form in response to an infection. They can form quickly and can become quite large with little to no warning
- Uric acid stones. These stones are the result of a lack of fluid intake/loss of fluid, a high-protein diet or gout
With so many factors to consider, it’s no wonder kidney stones are so common. In fact, it may be the commonality that has led to so many home remedies. But, how effective are these “tried-and-true” at-home solutions to rid or prevent pesky kidney stones? Let’s take a look at some of the suggestions the internet has to offer:
Remedy #1: Steering clear of soda, coffee and tea will keep kidney stones at bay.
Effectiveness: Though this was once thought to be true by the scientific community, it has since been proven that these beverages do not increase the risk of kidney stones. In actuality, constant fluid intake—regardless of the type of fluid—generally decreases the risk. (Granted, water is always the best option.)
Remedy #2: Consuming Coke® and steamed asparagus will break down kidney stones.
Effectiveness: Some say that diuretic properties of the popular cola combined with the phosphoric acid of steamed asparagus—half a pound, to be exact—is a surefire way to dissolve kidney stones. While the origins of this are unknown, The University of Chicago officially classified this remedy as “useless.”
Remedy #3: Drinking cranberry juice will help kidney stones pass.
Effectiveness: ENT. Right system, wrong problem.
It has been suggested that cranberry juice may help with urinary tract infections (UTI), but the tart beverage can actually make stones worse. Cranberries are high in oxalate, which may increase the risk of kidney stone development.
Remedy #4: Avoid alcoholic beverages to decrease the risk of forming kidney stones.
Effectiveness: Diuretics have struck again, this time in the form of alcohol.
There was a concern that the diuretic properties of alcohol would be a risk factor for developing kidney stones. In reality, beer and wine consumption may actually decrease the risk (in moderation).
Remedy #5: Drinking lemon juice and olive oil can help kidney stones pass with ease.
Effectiveness: Besides being a gross combination, there is no confirmed evidence that the acids in lemons and the lubrication properties of olive oil will help kidney stones pass easily (or at all, for that matter).
What’s the bottom line?
Whether found on the web or passed down by generations, home remedies have no place in the proper prevention or treatment of kidney stones. In fact, treatment should be discussed with a specialist to determine the best course of action for dealing with kidney stones.
Meet the Kidney Stone Specialists
At Partners In Urology, we treat kidney stones and other urologic conditions. With over 25 years of experience, we put our patients first, treating them with care and dignity.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
THE COKE TREATMENT IS USELESS
The featured image points to a widespread idea now on the web concerning how cola drinks might promote kidney stone passage. It has been called the ‘Coke Treatment for Kidney Stones.‘ Fluids are valuable for all stone formers, but the suggested usage may not be ideal and this post points out some of the drawbacks.
OUR PATIENT
A few months ago, a delightful 71-year-old woman presented to our clinic for a metabolic evaluation to try to stop her chronic kidney stones. She passed her first kidney stone about 5 years ago. A year later she developed another kidney stone, which required shockwave lithotripsy therapy. Ultimately her stone was analyzed and she was told it was a “calcium stone. ” Over the following few years, she continued to pass one stone per year. More recently, the frequency had increased to a few times per year. Frustrated with the frequent stone recurrences, she sought information online regarding potential remedies for recurrent stone disease. On several websites she came across a remedy known as the “Coke treatment,” which was purported to dissolve kidney stones and prevent stone recurrence. She sent in her payment of $39.97 and received a booklet instructing her to do the following:
- drink 72 ounces of Coca Cola, ideally not diet or caffeine-free, in 15 minutes or as fast as possible
- steam and puree one-half pound of asparagus and drink immediately
- repeat as necessary until kidney stone pain is resolved and stones have passed
- some variations of this treatment that can be found on the web also recommend drinking water for several hours after the treatment
She dutifully followed the instructions provided and found that on the day of her acute pain, her symptoms did, indeed, abate. Unfortunately, over the next year she found the frequency of her stone attacks actually increased – most recently to as often as passing gravel 2 to 3 times weekly (with significant discomfort). To combat this she has been using the “Coke treatment” about 2-3 times weekly over the last year, creating an apparent vicious cycle (more on that later). Finally, her daughter insisted that she see a physician and so she presented to our office, wondering why her treatment hasn’t been effective.
THE COKE TREATMENT IS COMMON ON THE NET
Using the term ‘Coke treatment of kidney stones’ yielded about 108,000 results, and by page 10 the treatment was still prominent. So cola drinks as a treatment is current.
A claim in Internet lore is that phosphoric acid, an additive used in dark colas, when consumed in large quantities can facilitate a reaction within the kidney that will dissolve the calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate admixture that is the kidney stone. One finds variants of this claim in the discussions by patients.
As I pictured this poor older woman chugging a 6-pack of Coke 2-3 times per week with an asparagus chaser, I was curious to determine whether any potential scientific merit to the internet solution exists.
In short, the answer is No.
Allow me take you through some of the details.
THE EVIDENCE FOR COKE
Fluids are Useful
I will start with the 72-ounces of Coca Cola that are to be ingested rapidly. Of course, if one is having acute renal colic with a small stone stuck in a tiny structure like the ureter or urethra, drinking over two liter of fluids of any sort is likely to be beneficial in attempting to propel the stone forward and out of the body. But why Coca Cola? Or any cola for that matter? Is there some reason to believe cola drinks have special properties as a stone treatment?
As far as I can tell, no.
Cola Drinks Are Not a Proven Remedy
Phosphoric Acid as a Stone Dissolver
Phosphoric acid, mixed with nitric acid, is used as a cleaner in the beer industry to remove beerstone (calcium oxalate) from beer kegs. It is also used in home cleaning solutions, as an industrial etchant, and as a rust remover. This leads to the false impression that drinking acid phosphates in beverages will create conditions in the kidneys like those in the beer kegs.
In beer kegs, and when you clean your floor with cleaners, high concentrations of a strong acid are applied directly to the unwanted material.
You Can’t Get Phosphoric Acid into the Urine
But when the small quantities of phosphoric acid found in dark colas are ingested, the first thing that will happen is that calcium and magnesium binding will occur in the gastrointestinal tract. By the time the remaining phosphoric acid is absorbed, additional buffering will occur in the blood and bone, so essentially neutral – not acid – phosphate will be delivered to site of the stone. In studies of a neutral phosphate’s effect on crystal inhibition and dissolution, no evidence of crystal dissolution has been noted.
Effects of Cola in People
How about real people, instead of crystals?
Cola Drinks Raise Stone Risk in Urine
Four subjects were asked to drink three quarts (96 oz) of a dark cola over the course of 48 hours. The researchers then compared the amounts of 3 urine constituents that are known to affect the likelihood of stone formation: magnesium (higher levels in the urine are associated with DECREASED likelihood of stone formation), citrate (higher levels are associated with DECREASED likelihood of stone formation) and oxalate (higher levels are associated with INCREASED likelihood of stone formation). In this study, the average 24-hr magnesium excretion decreased by 2.6 mg, the average citrate excretion decreased by 122 mg, and the average oxalate excretion increased by 8.6 mg. So in fact, in each of the three constituents, the effect of the cola was a worsening of stone risk.
A larger study performed a few years later confirmed these findings, as well as an associated increase in supersaturation for calcium oxalate in a group of 45 subjects.
Cola Drinks Raise Statistical Risk of Stones
In nearly 200,000 individuals who have been followed over time, Ferraro and colleagues analysed the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened colas and kidney stone formation. Subjects consuming the most sugar sweetened colas were 23% more likely to develop a kidney stone than those in the lowest consumption group. In general cola type drinks are exactly the wrong ones for stone prevention.
Cola Drinks May Pose Other Health Hazards
Sugar and Sodium
The suggested amount of regular Coke in the ‘Coke treatment’ has 840 calories, 270 mg of sodium, and 39 grams of sugar. Taking in that many calories from sugar will almost certainly reduce the amount of other nutrients that one is able to eat or drink in a day, while sugar and sodium are both directly linked to higher urine calcium excretion, a key contributor to nephrolithiasis.
Bone Disease
Whether because of substitution for milk-based drinks, or due to the high acidity associated with soft drinks, consumption of increasing quantities of carbonated beverages has been linked to osteoporosis.
Kidney Disease
In addition to the well known association with diabetes and obesity, a recent report has linked higher consumption of dark colas (2 cans or more per day) with risk of chronic kidney disease.
WHAT ABOUT ASPARAGUS?
Ancient Beliefs
Asparagus has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region and in Asia for over 2000 years. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed asparagus to have medicinal properties ranging from treating mood disorders to rheumatism, and a 15th century Arabic sex manual entitled “The Perfumed Garden” claimed asparagus has aphrodisiac properties. It is believed by many to have diuretic properties.
Not Our Asparagus
The usual variety of asparagus that we would buy at the store, Asparagus officinales, is a different species than the medicinal Asparagus racemosa, which is commonly grown in Asia. Furthermore, the medicinal use of asparagus typically involves the root, not the shoot that we typically eat. In Germany, for example, asparagus root is approved by an herbal oversight board as a diuretic whereas the shoot is not recommended.
Not Any Asparagus?
How good is the evidence? Despite what the herbal board says, a recent review found no evidence for human use of the asparagus root as a diuretic. And what if it were a potent diuretic, for argument’s sake? It would have to have specific effects in the distal convoluted segment (a particular region of the kidney tubule), like the thiazide diuretics, to have any beneficial effects on stone prevention –and certainly unlikely to be effective in the acute setting.
So What’s the Harm in a Lot of Asparagus?
Generally, not much. In normal quantities it is a healthy vegetable loaded with nutrients such as folate, potassium, and vitamin C. For a stone former, however, there may be hidden dangers with a high asparagus intake. Asparagus has a moderate amount of oxalate, and this amount adds up quickly with repeated administrations of such treatments as the ‘Coke treatment.’ Furthermore, vitamin C is also metabolized to oxalate in the body, adding more of the lithogenic substance to the urine. So, as with most things (except water), it seems that moderation is key.
OUR PATIENT
Looking back,our patient appears to have increased her stone attack frequency with the help of the “Coke treatment” from yearly to several times per week. It seems that the remedy was indeed worse than the disease.
During our visit, in preparation for which she performed several 24-hour urine collections, we determined an individualized plan for her kidney stone treatment based on her urine parameters and a thorough history. With a steady increase in her daily fluid intake and the addition of thiazide therapy, at last check she has had no further stone episodes.
OUR FINAL WORD ON THE ‘COKE TREATMENT’
On a hot Summer day, a can of Coke can be delightful. As a medical treatment for kidney stones, no cola is as good as plain water. In the very high doses of the ‘Coke treatment’ there is no benefit predicted from what science we have, and no data to show benefit from a clinical trial. In fact, it would be difficult to organize and perform a clinical trial of the ‘Coke treatment’ because of its evident potential for harm. The trial would be unlikely to pass the human subject protection board review.
Don’t do it.
You Might Want to Read:
Kidney Stone Pain
Fluids to Prevent Stones
Citrate to Prevent Stones
What Stones Are
Types of Kidney Stones
What can not be eaten with kidney stones?
Kidney stones or in other words ICD (urolithiasis) is an unpleasant disease, in many cases caused by malnutrition. Let’s figure out which foods should not be consumed by people who are prone to the formation of kidney stones or already have them.
It is worth noting right away that the therapeutic types of diets for each type of stones are different – this must be taken into account. But, nevertheless, the general list of products not recommended for use in urolithiasis is approximately the same – it is undesirable to consume a lot of foods that contribute to the formation of concentrated uric acid in the body:
.
2. Alcohol
Strongly contraindicated in people with kidney stones. Alcohol adversely affects the condition of the entire genitourinary system, causing spasm of the ureters and even stagnation of urine. In addition, alcohol increases the concentration of urine, and, as a result, the precipitation of salts from which later kidney stones will form.
3.
Foods rich in purines
Purines are substances that are found in many foods, but most of them in foods of animal origin. Purines are dangerous because they are converted to uric acid during their breakdown, contributing to the formation of kidney stones and the development of gout.
These include: barbecue, sausage, sausages, fried meat and fatty fish, bacon, margarine, kidneys, brains, tongue, strong meat and fish broths, as well as cooking, beef and mutton fat. This restriction is especially important for those who have urate kidney stones.
4. Canned food
They contain a lot of salt and purines (it is better to forget about sprats and other similar salty smoked canned food).
5. Easily digestible carbohydrates (confectionery and flour products)
The most harmful yeast bread, which contains a large amount of purines.
6. Highly carbonated sweet drinks
These also contain an increased amount of purines.
7. Some vegetables rich in oxalic acid
These foods are sorrel, spinach, carambola, rhubarb, celery, asparagus, onions, carrots, beets, citrus peels. Oxalic acid is also found in ginger, white pepper, strong black and green tea. This point is especially important to remember for those people who have found the oxalate type of kidney stones.
8. Marinades and pickles
They are high in salt and will retain water in the body.
9. Coffee
Caffeine makes the kidneys work hard, which greatly overloads them.
10. Artificial sweeteners
They harm not only the kidneys, but the whole body.
11. Dairy products can cause alkalinization of urine
This is bad for the kidneys with phosphate and calcium stones. At the same time, the use of meat products is not prohibited with phosphate stones.
Keep these tips in mind and stay healthy!
© ServiceMarket
Publication date: 01/17/2020
Diet for kidney stones (oxalates, phosphates, urates) – proper nutrition for kidney stones
The kidney stone diet is an effective method of treating the disease, which improves the patient’s well-being and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Calculi (stones) in the kidneys are formed primarily due to a violation of the metabolic process. Dietary nutrition should be followed not only during an exacerbation of the disease, but also during periods of remission. It stops the process of stone formation, improves mineral metabolism and the acid balance of urine.
diet for kidney stones
- Nutrition for kidney stones: basic principles
- Foods that cause kidney stones
- Diets depending on the type of stones
- Diet for oxalate kidney stones
- Diet for phosphate stones
- Diet for urates
- Diet for staghorn kidney stones
- Diet for mixed kidney stones
- Diet after kidney stone removal
- What not to eat with kidney stones
Nutrition for kidney stones: basic principles
Basic medical nutrition for kidney stones is aimed at general improvement of the body, prevention of the occurrence of new stones, normalization of the metabolic process, reducing the load on the kidneys. Features of diet therapy depend on the type of stones, but some principles of nutrition can be called general:
- Drink plenty of water. If a person suffers from symptoms of urolithiasis (ICD), he should consume at least 2.5 – 3 liters of water throughout the day.
- Fractional food. It is desirable to eat in small portions and often enough – 4 – 6 times a day. The last meal should be at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Refusal of certain types of products. It is undesirable to eat smoked and fried foods. It is optimal that food is prepared by boiling, stewing, baking.
- Limiting the amount of salt to 5 g per day.
- Fasting days. Periods of lightweight nutrition are necessary in order for the body to cleanse itself and the metabolism to activate. On fasting days, it is advisable to use kefir, apples, low-fat cottage cheese.
Foods that cause kidney stones
The most harmful foods for kidney stones are those that are industrially produced and saturated with preservatives, artificial additives. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks are highly dangerous: they contain a large amount of phosphoric acid, which contributes to the development of chronic kidney diseases and the appearance of stones.
Other foods that can be harmful in excess:
- Red meat, which is high in animal protein, which increases calcium in the urine.
- Spinach and sorrel are sources of oxalate oxalic acid, which disrupts the process of excretion of salts from the body and stimulates stone formation.
- Salty foods that retain fluid in the body and cause salt deposits.
You also need to be careful when eating eggs, adjika, caviar, which contain a large amount of calcium.
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Diets depending on the type of stones
Calculi in KSD may differ in composition and arise due to various factors. They are oxalate, cystine, urate, phosphate. Therefore, the diet in each case will have a number of differences.
Diet for oxalate kidney stones
First of all, proper nutrition for kidney stones of oxalate origin is fractional. In no case should you allow overeating, starvation, adhere to a long mono-diet. Consider the prohibited and permitted products in more detail:
Allowed | Prohibited |
Lean meats and fish, dairy products. Vegetables, cereals, groceries: legumes, pasta, potatoes, zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, cucumbers. Fruits: apricots, peaches , bananas, grapes. | Vegetables and fruits: sorrel, spinach, celery, parsley, cilantro, rhubarb, beets, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, plums, red currants, wild rose, mushrooms. Meat: pork, offal. Other dishes: jelly, canned meat and fish. |
Important!
Do not take ascorbic acid as a dietary supplement. It is recommended to consume more foods that contain large amounts of vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium.
Diet for phosphate stones
Food for phosphate kidney stones should help the kidneys to reduce calcium excretion. Therefore, you will have to reduce the consumption of vegetables and fruits, with the exception of peas, pumpkins, asparagus, peas and beans. You can also eat sour berries and fruits.
Limit consumption:
- Milk and dairy products rich in calcium and alkalizing.
- Foods and drinks that increase the secretion of gastric juice, including alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, spices, savory snacks.
- Salty foods that accelerate the excretion of calcium from the body.
In case of phosphaturia it is desirable to drink a lot and acidic drinks are better. First of all, we are talking about cranberry fruit drinks, apple and grape juice. Medicinal mineral waters, primarily Truskavetska, have proven themselves well. Also, patients are shown the use of eggs and butter, which are rich in vitamin A (retinol) and reduce the process of stone formation.
Diet for urate
Diet for urate kidney stones is based on reducing the consumption of purine metabolism products. The fact is that urates are formed in the kidneys with an excess content of uric acid. The largest amount of purines is found in meat, legumes, jellies, rich broths, and fish products. Therefore, your diet will have to be revised radically. On your table should be products, the amount of purines in which is minimal.
Basic principles of nutrition:
- Reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, red and white wine.
- Eating boiled and lean meat and fish no more than 3 times a week.
- Enrichment of the diet with vegetables, fruits, dairy products, berries. In general, a vegetable and vegetable diet is an ideal nutritional option in the presence of urates in the kidneys.
- Alkalinization of urine with mineral waters such as Borjomi, citrate mixtures, lemon juice.
- The use of medicinal herbal decoctions based on burdock root, black currant leaves, clover.
Diet for staghorn kidney stones
The occurrence of staghorn stones is associated with a sharp increase in the amount of protein and salt in the urine, accompanied by an infectious lesion. Coral nephrolithiasis is a complex disease that can provoke the death of the renal parenchyma and kidney.
Diet for coral kidney stones should be based on the exclusion of a number of foods rich in calcium: cottage cheese, vegetables and fruits, currants, cranberries, lingonberries. It is also necessary to limit food that stimulates the production of gastric juice:
- carbonated drinks;
- hot spices;
- alcohol;
- coffee.
It is recommended to reduce salt intake to 3 g per day. At the same time, you can eat bread and pasta, lean meat and fish. Do not exclude from the diet vegetable and butter, any kind of soups.
Diet for mixed kidney stones
Medical nutrition in cases where there are several types of stones in the body should be agreed with the urologist individually. The specialist will study the stones and the nature of their occurrence, as well as make personal recommendations regarding nutrition.
It is indicated to consume low-fat fish and meat up to 3 times a week, dairy products, eggs, cereals, wheat and rye bread, vegetarian soups. Medicinal mineral water has a good effect on the patient’s condition: Polyana Kvasova, Luzhanskaya, Naftusya. It is recommended to exclude from the diet cooking fats of animal origin, offal, rich broths, chocolate, smoked meats, caviar.
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Diet after kidney stone removal
Dietary nutrition after removal of the calculus is one of the main preventive measures. It is based on compliance with the drinking regime, fractional nutrition, limiting salt intake.
It is also necessary to completely abandon smoked meats, marinades, offal, rich mushroom and fish broths. It is advisable to limit industrial products and try to eat natural food. Your diet should include:
- lean fish and poultry;
- pasta and fruit;
- yesterday’s bread;
- potatoes, pumpkin, green peas;
- thermally processed fruits and dried fruits.
What not to eat with kidney stones
For a proper diet with KSD, it is important to consider the nature of the stones. This will avoid complications and relapses.
Type of stones | Foods to avoid for kidney stones are right. |
Urates | Liver, brains, offal, canned food, salted fish, cocoa, strong tea or coffee. |
Phosphates | All types of smoked meats and pickles, horseradish, mustard, alcoholic drinks, fatty foods. |
We hope the article was useful and interesting. And if you suffer from KSD, be sure to seek medical help at the Garvis clinic. Treatment with us is a painless and quick removal of kidney stones at the most affordable prices.