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Diet for Kidney Stone Patient

Development of solid material in the kidney that forms from substances in urine is known as kidney stones. Patients who present with kidney stones often experience acute pain and must take proper steps to eliminate re-occurrence. According to the National Library of Medicine, a person suffering from kidney stones may face symptoms such as fever, vomiting, odorous urine, bloody urine, burning sensation while urinating, or severe pain in the back or side. One of the most effective ways to treat kidney stones is to eat a healthy diet.

  1. Increase Fluids

    • Increasing fluids is a key dietary step in preventing the development of kidney stones. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, high levels of liquid in the diet will hinder the development of kidney stones by diluting the urine. Recommended liquid intake is generally 8 oz to 10 oz of liquid every hour during the day. The goal is to produce a minimum of 2 quarts of urine per day. At least half of the liquids ingested should be water.

    Avoid Oxalate Foods

    • There are certain food items that kidney stone patients should avoid. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends avoiding dry beans, beets, rhubarb, spinach, nuts, strawberries, wheat bran, chocolate, and tea. These foods contain very high levels of oxalate, which may increase oxalate levels in the urine. Such an increase is a major cause of kidney stones. When calcium and oxalate combine in the intestines, calcium loses some of it's ability to be absorbed, which may result in the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

    Increase Calcium

    • Because many kidney stones are formed by a combination of calcium and oxalate, many experts once suggested curbing calcium in the diet. This opinion is changing and many specialists now believe that a lack of calcium may increase the possibility of developing kidney stones. According to the Mayo Clinic, calcium intake is crucial for sustaining a healthy diet, as it helps to bind oxalate to the intestines. Generally, the body only absorbs as much calcium as it needs. When certain medical conditions are present, they may cause too much calcium to be absorbed, or may cause the passage of too much calcium to the kidneys. Excess calcium in the kidneys is known as hypercalciuria. Individuals diagnosed with hypercalciuria should be put on a diet to control the amount of calcium intake. Without such diagnosis, it is recommended that adequate calcium levels be maintained.

    Limit Protein

    • Diets that are rich in protein can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. If the protein intake level is more than 4 oz to 6 oz per day, it may cause problems for kidney stone patients. According to Healthandage.com, an excessive intake of protein from meat and fish increases the risk of kidney stones forming because the urine is over-acidified. The excretion of citrate, which helps to protect against stones, is then decreased. It is important to avoid high protein foods such as dairy products, meats, soybeans, eggs, etc.

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