The Kidney Stone Diet: What To Eat and What Not To Eat
Making the switch to a kidney stone diet can help prevent the development of future kidney stones. And for anyone who has suffered through the pain of passing a kidney stone that is welcome news. The success of a kidney stone diet depends on the cause of each individual's kidney stones, so this is not a cure-all for every kidney stone.
Only a doctor can pinpoint the exact cause of kidney stones, so kidney stone diet changes should only be followed under the guidance of a medical professional. Depending on the kidney stone makeup, here is what they may recommend:
The first thing to do for any kidney stone diet is make sure you are getting enough water every day. That usually means drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily. Kidney stones are formed when tiny crystals in the urine clump together into a small, stony mass. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps the urine remain balanced and lowers the chances that a kidney stone will develop. Urine should be a pale yellow color. Dark urine is a sign that you are not drinking enough water.
As far as food goes, the kidney stone diet calls for some increase and some elimination:
Foods to Eat on a Kidney Stone Diet:
On a kidney stone diet, you should boost your intake of high fiber foods, these include:
• beans
• cabbage
• carrots
• oat bran
• wheat cereals
• whole wheat breads
It is also a good idea to eat more calcium-rich foods, like those found in the dairy group. Lemons are also recommended for their fiber and citrate content. Use them in your water to add a double boost to your kidney stone diet.
Foods to Avoid on a Kidney Stone Diet:
Too much salt and protein can lead to kidney stones, so a kidney stone diet will usually lower the amount of beef, pork and poultry you are eating. It is also a good idea - both for kidney stone prevention and general wellness - to eliminate adding extra salt to your food. Just take the salt shaker right off the dinner table and you won't have to worry about it again.
For kidney stones that are caused by excess uric acid in the system, there are several foods that should be avoided. These include high-oxalate foods like these:
• anchovies, herring, mussels and scallops
• asparagus, beets, greens, sweet potatoes and dark green vegetables like spinach
• beans and tofu
• berries, cranberries, oranges and rhubarb
• broth, bouillon
• caviar
• chocolate
• coffee, cola and tea
• meats and organ meats, like brains, kidneys and liver
• peanuts
Both for kidney stones and general health, it is always a good idea to eat a balanced diet that is not too high in animal protein. This is especially important with a kidney stone diet, because too much protein has been known to cause kidney stones.