Can Food Habits Cause Kidney Stones?

A kidney stone is a hard crystal that forms in the kidney due to the accumulation of salts and minerals. There are many factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones including dietary factors.. Yes, there are certain foods that promote the formation of kidney stones. Thus, limiting such food intake, occurrence and growth of kidney stones can be prevented.

There are different types of kidney stones and each type is formed due to the accumulation of certain minerals. For instance, high oxalate foods help in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Following are the common types of kidney stones:

• Calcium Oxalate stones
• Calcium Phosphate stones
• Struvite stones
• Uric Acid Stones
• Cystine stones

Take a look at the foods that contribute to the formation of kidney stones:

Calcium Oxalate stones

These stones are formed when calcium in the urine combines with oxalate. Oxalate is a chemical that is normally found in some food. These are some of the foods that are high in oxalate. At least try to limit such foods.

Spinach, Almonds, cashews, cooked potatoes with skin, Cocoa powder, Bran Cereals and ground wheat cereals, Sweet Potatoes, Raspberries.

Salt- Adding excess sodium in food raises the amount of calcium in the urine. If oxalate foods are taken along with it, that combines with calcium and form stones.

Animal Protein and Vitamin C- Beef, Pork, cheese, and fish can increase the chances of forming kidney stones. Too much of vitamin C in your diet raises the level of oxalate in your body. 

Calcium Phosphate Stones

These stones are formed when calcium combines with phosphorous. The foods that are rich in animal protein (like meat, fish beef), sodium, and processed foods help in the formation of calcium phosphate stones.

Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones form when urine is more acidic. Uric acid is produced by the body when it breaks down chemicals in food. Eating too much poultry, fish, eggs, shellfish and excess use of alcohol can increase uric acid in the body and this promotes the formation of kidney stones. Red meat especially increases uric acid in urine.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones are formed due to the genetic disorder. The excess of cystine in urine leads to the formation of cystine stones. Packed foods, french fries, canned soups, and other salty foods favours the presence of cystine in urine and thus helps the formation of stones. 

Food that may prevent the formation of kidney stones

If you are at risk of developing kidney stones, talk to your doctor about what to eat and what not to eat. Here is the list of some food which helps to keep kidney stones at bay. 

• Yogurt with berries.
• Including lots of fruits and vegetables help to prevent stone formation.
• Drink plenty of water a day.
• Consume small amount of animal-based proteins.
• Plant- based proteins sources such as beans, lentils, peas, etc. 

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Authored By : Dr. Mahendra Jain