Foods To Avoid To Reduce The Risk Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are solid deposits composed of minerals and salts that develop in your kidneys. We have often been told to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. But other factors including diet play a crucial role in preventing the same. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Y P Singh Rana, Director Urology-Uro-Oncology, Kidney Transplant, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, explains the connection and shares the foods to avoid and eat.

The Relationship Between Diet And Kidney Stone Formation

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, kidney stone disease affects 1–13% of the adult population worldwide. “Without medical intervention, recurrence rates exceed 30% at 10 years, with even higher rates for recurrent stone formers,” the study says.  

Nutritional factors play a significant role in kidney stone formation. From inadequate fluid intake to nutritional factors, including dietary protein, carbohydrates, oxalate, calcium and sodium chloride, the risk of kidney stones can be influenced by these aspects, as per a study published in the Journal Nutrients.

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Dr Rana says, “Foods rich in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and almonds, chocolates, aerated drinks, can enhance the risk by providing substrates for crystal aggregation,” adding, “Oxalate binds with calcium in the urine, forming calcium oxalate stones, the most common type.” Oxalate refers to an organic acid found in plants. 

In addition, individuals should also be wary of excessive sodium intake, which heightens calcium excretion in the urine, further promoting stone development, warns Dr Rana. 

“Animal protein sources, particularly red meat and excess dairy products, are associated with increased uric acid levels, fostering uric acid stone formation,” he adds.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, red meat, organ meats, and shellfish are rich sources of a natural chemical compound known as purines. 

“High purine intake leads to a higher production of uric acid and a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete. Higher uric acid excretion leads to more acidic urine. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form,” the health body says. 

Dietary Practices To Mitigate The Risk Of Kidney Stones

Dr Rana recommends adopting a thoughtful dietary approach to reduce the risk of kidney stones. These include: 

• Encouraging a balanced intake of calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, as they can limit oxalate absorption in the gut
• Judicious consumption of oxalate-rich foods
• Increasing fluid intake, primarily through water consumption; adequate hydration dilutes urine and aids in preventing crystal aggregation
• Eating foods low in sodium and animal proteins 

Remember, beer intake doesn’t help in stone expulsion rather increases the chances of stone formation by intracellular dehydration, says Dr Rana. 

“Balanced diet by rotating various food items in meals and including moderate oral calcium containing food along with diet helps in binding of calcium and oxalate in intestines and hence reducing kidney stone formation,” he adds. 

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Symptoms Of Kidney Stones

Common kidney stone symptoms include:

• Intense pain in the flank or lower abdomen, often radiating to the groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• A persistent urge to urinate 

Treatment Options

According to Dr Rana, treatment strategies for kidney stones are diverse, depending on stone size, composition, and patient factors. 

“Conservative management for smaller stones entails increased fluid intake to encourage spontaneous passage, and pain relief medications provide comfort during this process,” the doctor shares. 

“Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) employs shock waves to fragment stones, enabling easier passage. Majority of kidney stones can be removed by minimally-invasive laser surgery as modern lasers are very efficient in removing stones. 

“Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), is required sometimes if the stone load is very big. Robotic surgery is also required if stone load is high and there is block in Pelvic Ureteric junction requiring Pyeloplasty. All these surgeries are safe and without any major problems if done properly under expert care,” Dr Rana concludes.