Is Your Diet Causing Kidney Stones? Foods To Watch Out For

We have often been told that kidney stones are caused by certain medical conditions, genetic disorders, and medications. But did you know that even diet plays a major role? What we eat influences the formation or growth of kidney stones. Today, we will tell you about the foods that may put you at risk for kidney stones, what to eat, what to avoid, and more.

To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to experts, Dr Atul Ingale, Director, Nephrology and Consultant Transplant Physician, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and Dr Radheshyam Chaudhari, Urologist, Andrologist, and Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune. 

Which Foods Can Increase Kidney Stone Risk?

Let us straight away get to the point – are there certain foods which can lead to kidney stones? “Certain dietary patterns can increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly those high in animal proteins, oxalate-rich foods, and fructose-based beverages. Organ meats such as liver, brain, and kidney should be strictly avoided as they are rich in purines that may contribute to stone formation. Red meats including beef, pork, lamb, and some seafood should be consumed only in very limited quantities due to their high protein and purine content,” shares Dr Ingale.

He adds, “In contrast, a balanced vegetable-rich diet is considered the safest approach, as plant-based foods generally place less metabolic burden on the kidneys. Additionally, fructose-based aerated drinks and alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided since they can increase the risk of stone development.”

Which Foods To Avoid For Kidney Stones?

As per National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), one may need to change their diet based on what type of kidney stones they have. Let us take a look at what its report mentioned:

• Calcium Oxalate Stones:  Those who have this type of kidney stone should avoid nuts, spinach, wheat bran, among others.
• Calcium Phosphate Stones: For this type of kidney stone, one should avoid foods such as beef, chicken, pork, eggs, dairy products, and soy foods.
• Uric Acid Stones:  Those who have this type of kidney stone, they should avoid foods such as beef, chicken, pork, eggs, dairy products, and soy foods.
• Cystine Stones: For this type of stone, drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most crucial dietary lifestyle change one can make.

Dr Chaudhari says, “Oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, beetroot, nuts, chocolate, and sweet potatoes can combine with calcium in the urine to form calcium oxalate stones, which account for nearly 70–80% of kidney stone cases. Excess salt intake, high consumption of non-vegetarian protein, sugary aerated drinks, and beverages like tea, coffee, and cocoa may also increase the risk. Processed foods such as chips, canned products, and sugary fizzy drinks should be limited, and people should also avoid excessive vitamin C supplements as they can convert into oxalate in the body.”

“It is also important to note that avoiding seeded fruits or vegetables does not meaningfully reduce the risk of kidney stones, and such dietary restrictions are generally unnecessary,” adds Dr Ingale.

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Which Foods Can Dissolve Kidney Stones?

If you are wondering whether there are certain foods that can dissolve kidney stones or not, let us answer this for you. “There is no specific food or medication that can directly dissolve kidney stones through diet alone. Management typically focuses on preventing further growth or formation of stones rather than dissolving existing ones. Proper hydration and medical guidance remain the primary approaches for managing kidney stones,” says Dr Ingale.

As per Cleveland Clinic, the dietary risk factors for kidney stone formation and growth are as follows (but one must note that it is different for each person):

• Low Calcium intake.
• High Salt intake.
• High calcium intake.
• The acid load of the diet is high.
• Low fruit and vegetable intake.
• Low urine volume.

Best Foods To Have For Kidney Stones

As per National Kidney Foundation, three servings of dairy daily can help reduce the risk of calcium stone formation. It further mentioned that it is important to eat a moderate amount of protein; this is because high protein intakes can cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium; this may lead to more stones in the kidney. The organisation also mentioned that one should drink plenty of fluid: 2-3 quarts/day (around 2.8 litre) and ensure a good urine volume of at least 2.5l/day.

Shedding light on what are the best foods to have for kidney stones, Dr Chaudhari says, “For those who already have kidney stones, it is important to focus on safe and balanced food choices. Calcium-rich foods like yoghurt, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, can generally be included in the diet in moderation.” Ingale shares, “People with kidney stones can continue to consume a balanced diet while exercising moderation, particularly with protein intake. Most fruits and vegetables are generally safe, and there is no need to avoid seeded varieties as they do not increase stone risk.”

So what are the best diet tips to prevent kidney stones? “Preventive dietary practices primarily focus on hydration and moderation. Drinking ample amounts of water helps dilute substances in urine that form stones. It is advisable to avoid alcohol – especially beer – and fructose-based drinks, while limiting the intake of animal proteins to moderate levels. These lifestyle adjustments can significantly help reduce the likelihood of kidney stone development,” concludes Dr Ingale.

When To Visit A Doctor? 

If you have kidney stones, you may need to follow a special diet plan. A professional should be consulted for this. As per the National Kidney Foundation, a healthcare professional will run blood and urine tests to understand what kind of risk factors you may have. Then the expert will suggest  diet changes and medical treatment you need to prevent kidney stones from coming back. A registered kidney dietician can guide you to make the right and necessary changes in your diet plan and lifestyle.

ALSO READ - Kidney Stone Diet: What to Eat and Avoid

The Final Word

Certain foods can increase your risk of kidney stones, such as high-oxalate foods (spinach, beetroot, nuts, chocolate, rhubarb), excessive sodium (processed foods, canned soups, fast food), and animal proteins (red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs), and sugary/frizzy drinks. These foods increase calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in urine, leading to stone formation. A balanced diet is advisable to keep kidney stones at bay and your overall wellbeing in place.