Importance of a Low Protein in Diet for Calcium Oxalate Stones

Many people suffer from kidney stones, and some people have recurring episodes of stones. Kidney stones can develop for a couple of reasons; one is diet, and another is genetic predisposition. Kidney stones can be treated, though it is preferable to attempt to prevent them altogether. One type is a calcium oxalate stone and the best way to help prevent it is through your diet. With diligence, you can change your diet and possibly reduce the production of kidney stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

• The kidneys are responsible for flushing out all the impurities in the blood. When certain components build up in the blood and are left deposited in the kidneys, a stone can form. Salt is one of the main components that the kidneys must eliminate. Occasionally these salts can build up, and combine with other components to create stones. These stones can form anywhere along the urinary tract, from inside the kidney, to the ureter and in the bladder.

Types of Kidney Stones

• There are several different types of kidney stones that can form. They are composed of different materials and form for different reasons. Calcium stones are the most common, and are usually composed of two materials: calcium and oxalate. There are also uric acid stones; struvite stones, which are typically seen in urinary tract infections; cystine stones and xanthine stones. Xanthine stones are the rarest, and usually develop due to genetic makeup.

Low-Protein Diet for Calcium Oxalate Stones

• If you have experienced kidney stones then you know that you would never want to experience one again. If indications are that it was a calcium oxalate stone, then the best way to help prevent getting more is through a low-protein diet. Research has shown that high doses of protein in your diet not only increase the calcium in your urine, but oxalate as well.

Low-Protein Diet

• To reduce the chances of either getting your first calcium oxalate stone, or preventing a recurrence, you should decrease intake of products such as milk, cheese and meats. Instead of drinking three or more servings of milk per day, reduce it to two servings, one a glass of milk, and one a serving of yogurt, or an ounce of cheese. You should limit your meat intake to five ounces a day; this includes poultry and fish. Reducing your protein also means reducing such foods as peanut butter and tofu.

Misconceptions

• Some people think that because they have followed the dietary guidelines for reducing protein in their diet that they will never have to deal with another kidney stone. This is not true. These are preventive measures to help reduce the chances of developing another stone, but you could still get one. See your physician for regular checkups, and if you suspect you may have a stone, do not ignore the symptoms by assuming your low-protein diet has prevented them. You should still seek medical attention if you recognize the signs of a kidney stone.