Calcium & Kidney Stone Diet

Kidney stones, which most frequently form from calcium and/or oxalate crystal buildup in the kidneys, are relatively common. There are many ways to treat kidney stones that do not involve invasive surgery. Certain types of special diets and medications can help to pass kidney stones. Making sure to drink plenty of water assists in passing kidney stones. Sugar-free natural lemonade also helps in passing kidney stones. As to whether more calcium in a diet or less helps people not develop kidney stones, there are different views on the issue.

Calcium, Oxalate, and Stones

• With high-protein diets, excess calcium is created in the urine. This can cause calcium kidney stones. Knowing which type of kidney stone you have is key to understanding what kind of dietary measures can be taken to avoid getting more stones. Whichever kinds of stones a person is prone to getting, drinking lots of water is required. Diets that avoid the types of protein found in red meat, cheese, dairy products, tofu, nuts, and eggs are usually recommended.

  Diets to reduce the production of calcium kidney stones might lower or eliminate salt intake.

  Ask the doctor whether you should increase calcium intake, lower it, or maintain a normal amount in the diet. Recent studies on actual intake of calcium and its effects on kidney stones have varied. Years ago, physicians believed that lowering calcium intake was best for people who had had calcium kidney stones. Other doctors believe that adding more calcium to the diet can help. Different studies have shown that regular amounts of calcium in the diet are best for people prone to kidney stones. So far, protein is the main factor that has been shown to contribute to calcium kidney stone production.

  Oxalate kidney stones are linked to eating foods high in oxalates. Foods such as coffee, chocolate, tea, soda, dark green vegetables, beer, and oranges are some that should be avoided by people who have had oxalate type kidney stones. Grapefruit juice should also be avoided, according to WebMD (see Resources section).

  The main beverages to drink if you have kidney stones are water, fresh natural lemonade, and cranberry juice.

  Kidney stones can now be treated in a variety of ways, including sound waves and medications, that do not involve surgery. Only in more extreme cases is surgery necessary. Kidney stone surgery is also not as invasive or extreme as it once was.