Best Diet to Prevent Kidney Stones and Improve Kidney Health

Kidney stones are a painful and prevalent condition that can disrupt daily living. These hard masses develop within the kidneys as a buildup of minerals and salts, and while they usually cause shocking pain, nausea, and urinary pain, proper diet can greatly minimize kidney stone risk and ensure good kidney health. At Sugam Hospital, preventive care and healthy habits are what we focus on to keep your kidneys working best. Here’s how diet modification can enable you to avoid kidney stones and enjoy healthy kidneys.

Hydration Is The Key

Drinking sufficient water is the most effective measure to prevent kidney stones. Water prevents toxins from concentrating and forming stones by flushing them out. Drink at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day. If you have a history of kidney stones, you need to drink more water. You may also add lemon juice to the water since citrate in lemons will prevent stone formation.

Limit Salt Consumption

Too much sodium in the body increases calcium in the urine, which forms kidney stones. Refrain from eating processed foods, canned vegetables and soups, pickles, chips, and fast foods, as they contain high amounts of salt. Replace them with herbs and spices to flavor food without including additional sodium.

Increase Calcium Foods

Contrary to popular wisdom, avoiding calcium is not the key to preventing kidney stones. In fact, dietary calcium serves the purpose of binding oxalate in the intestines so that it will not pass into the bloodstream and lodge in the kidneys in the form of stones. The sources of calcium are good in the following:

• Low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt, milk, and cheese
• Green leaf vegetables like spinach and kale
• Almonds and sesame seeds

But it’s better to obtain calcium from food sources than supplements, since calcium supplements can raise the risk of stones.

Restrict Oxalate Foods

Oxalates are naturally occurring substances in certain foods that can help form kidney stones if eaten in large amounts. If you have a tendency toward oxalate stones, attempt to restrict the following foods:

• Spinach
• Beets
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Tea
• Sweet potatoes

Combining oxalate foods with calcium foods will decrease their absorption in the body.

Decrease Animal Protein Intake

High intake of red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood raises uric acid levels and the risk of developing kidney stones. A high-protein diet can also decrease urine citrate levels, predisposing to stone development. Go easy on meat and fish and instead include legumes like lentils and beans as well as tofu in your diet to minimize the risk.

Limit Sugary And Carbonated Beverages

Foods high in sugar, particularly those with fructose and artificial sweeteners, may lead to the development of kidney stones. Sodas and energy drinks with phosphoric acid also pose a risk. Switch these drinks to natural ones such as coconut water, herbal teas, and fresh fruit juices (unsweetened).

Boost Magnesium And Potassium Intake

Magnesium prevents calcium stones by inhibiting the absorption of oxalates. Include the following:

• Bananas
• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains

Potassium-rich foods such as oranges, melons, and potatoes also aid in kidney function and prevent stone formation.

Keep A Healthy Weight

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones. Proper diet with portion control, regular exercise, and healthy eating style can keep you at an optimal weight and ensure healthy kidneys.

Preventing kidney stones is highly dependent on lifestyle and diet. Drinking enough water, cutting down on salt, eating the correct proportion of calcium and oxalate-containing foods, and limiting protein and sweet beverages will keep your kidneys in good health. If you have symptoms or a history of kidney stones, seek advice from the experts at Sugam Hospital for the right guidance and treatment. Our urology specialist in Chennai is committed to delivering individualized care to bring you the best kidney health.