There can be various reasons for the formation of kidney stones in the body. These are small hard pieces that cannot leave the body on their own so they get stuck in the body. They form when chemicals get concentrated in large quantities in the urine, causing stones to form. In most cases, such stones occur when calcium combines with oxalate or phosphorus.
However, they can also form from uric acid and the waste products that get produced when the body metabolizes proteins. It will not be superfluous to know which foods can cause kidney stones or aggravate the condition.
Foods That Cause Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be very painful, so it’s best to avoid foods that promote their formation. Yes, through a proper diet, you can prevent kidney stones. This is stated in the publication of Clinical Nutrition Research. A proper diet will help prevent their formation or help to eliminate them if they already exist.
Try to work with your doctor or dietitian to meet your intake of calcium, oxalate, sodium, protein, and other foods that can contribute to kidney stones. And since “prevention is always better than cure”, we want to share some of the foods that experts believe are possible triggers for the development of this ailment. It is important to limit or avoid their consumption, especially if you have a family history of similar health problems.
Some Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of all types of diets. They are low in calories and contain a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other biologically active substances that promote health. However, some vegetables are rich in oxalates and are not beneficial in the case of kidney stones. According to information from Harvard Health, these are:
- Beet
- Spinach
- Rhubarb
- Yam (sweet potato)
Thus, you must avoid the consumption of such vegetables in abundance that increase your risk of developing more kidney stones.
Alcohol
Consuming alcoholic beverages in excess can harm the functioning of most of your body’s organs, including the kidneys. Frequent consumption of these toxic drinks can lead to chronic dehydration. This is a common reason for the development of kidney stones in the body. A person must avoid frequent consumption of alcohol to prevent stones.
You can get addiction treatment to safeguard your body from harmful diseases. The good news is that several insurances, such as Tricare also cover all or some part of treatment. So browse the best Tricare treatment facilities located near your place and get immediate help. It will help to improve your overall well-being and keep you healthy.
Red Meat And Animal Proteins
Proteins and fats of animal origin are also directly linked to the formation of kidney stones and, therefore, damage to this organ. Therefore, a study published in The Journal of Urology suggests that you should limit the consumption of these foods or avoid them altogether in the presence of kidney stones.
This is because the products are also rich in uric acid and purines and this can lead to the formation of the stones. It can also lead to the development of gout. So do not completely exclude chicken or fish from your diet but try to limit them, especially if you already have kidney stones.
Caffeinated Products
Foods and beverages rich in caffeine also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. The level of calcium in the urine increases due to increased intake of tea, coffee, or even soda. In this way, the kidneys get stressed out and the chances of the formation of kidney stones increase in the body. You should try to drink more water to keep your body hydrated and prevent such conditions, such as kidney stones.
Artificial Sweeteners
We often use them to prepare desserts and drinks, they are present even in diet and low-calorie products. Many people consider artificial sweeteners to be healthier than sugar. However, these sweeteners have several side effects.
According to the publication of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), despite the establishment of safe doses for consumption, there are controversies regarding the results. This indicates their connection with the occurrence of health problems. In the case of the renal system, they link with a decrease in the functionality of the kidneys, which in turn can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Seafood
People who are prone to kidney stones should avoid consuming foods containing oxalates. This is because this organic compound contributes to the accumulation of sodium and calcium in the kidneys. Therefore, experts from UW Health advise limiting their consumption, it is better not to take more than 500 mg of oxalate a day.
Salt
One of the most common causes of digestive problems is excessive salt intake. Now many people believe that they do not add salt to their food so there are not at risk. However, they do not know that many read-made foods that they consume are rich in salt. For example, it is present in all semi-finished products and even in sweet foods in large quantities.
Excessive salt intake contributes to fluid retention in the body and the formation of kidney stones. This is detailed in a study published in the Nutrition Journal. That’s why it’s so important to try to limit your intake of foods that contain too much salt as much as possible. Otherwise, kidney stones can be an issue you would have to deal with.
Take Away
The diet to fight kidney stones (and to prevent them) may vary from one patient to another, depending on the type of stones and the individual’s current health status. Therefore, in addition to limiting the consumption of the aforementioned foods, it is important to consult a doctor and a nutritionist.
Both specialists can help you improve your living habits to avoid developing this disease. In addition, they will help to make an adequate diet. A diet that is rich in foods that reduce the risk of kidney stones. Be healthy!
