General dietary recommendations for kidney stones

A few simple dietary modifications can help prevent getting kidney stones or avoid developing complications with kidney stones. The general dietary recommendations for kidney stones include:

  • Drinking plenty of water, about 2-3 liters a day
  • Avoiding carbonated beverages
  • Including enough dietary calcium in your diet
  • Limiting high oxalate content foods
  • Avoiding extra calcium supplements
  • Eating proteins in moderation
  • Avoiding or limiting high salt (sodium) intake
  • Avoiding high doses of vitamin C supplements (It is advisable to take less than 500 mg/day)

What are some of the worst foods for kidney stones?

In general it is advisable to avoid or limit sodium intake and try not to indulge in canned foods, French fries, and packaged foods. There are different types of kidney stones classified based on their chemical composition and they are calcium oxalate stones, calcium phosphate stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. Specific food items and beverages worsen each type of kidney stones. Discussed below are the list of the foods and beverages segregated accordingly:

Foods to avoid if if you have calcium oxalate stones

  • Animal proteins such as milk, cheese, and other dairy, eggs, seafood, and organ meat
  • Vegetarian foods rich in oxalate such as spinach, almonds and cashews, potatoes (baked with skin) and sweet potatoes, cocoa powder, beetroot, cereals, raspberries, and stevia sweetener

Foods to avoid if you have calcium phosphate stones

  • Animal proteins such as milk, cheese, and other dairy, eggs, seafood, and organ meat
  • Beverages including fresh fruit juices (excluding orange, nectarine, and cranberry), vegetable juices, and molasses
  • Processed foods rich in phosphorus such as frozen foods, bottled drinks, and fast foods

Foods to avoid if you have uric acid stones

  • Animal proteins such as poultry, shellfish, and red meat
  • Beverages such as sugar flavored drinks and high fructose corn syrup
  • Alcohol

Foods to avoid if you have cystine stones

  • Meat

If you are looking for kidney stone treatment Practo Care Surgeries offers you a one-stop solution. With Practo Care Surgeries you can be assured of effective and affordable kidney stone removal. Ensure you get your kidney stones timely removed to avoid unwanted complications.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.