Dietary Treatments for Kidney Stones by Reducing Calcium Intake

Dietary treatment for kidney stones

Kidney stones occur when urine is saturated with waste products that can crystallize into stones or when chemicals that normally inhibit this crystallization process are absent. The most common type of stone contains calcium with phosphate or oxalate. Some kidney stones contain uric acid and are more common in people with gout.

The goal of nutritional treatment is to eliminate diet-related risk factors for stone formation and to prevent further growth of existing kidney stones.

The importance of liquids
First, and most importantly, a regular intake of plenty of fluids is essential for people with stones. This will dilute the urine, thus reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine. It is also very important to drink plenty of extra fluids in hot weather and when you are on vacation in a hot climate. Water is the best option to maintain fluid levels.

On the other hand, a moderate intake of alcohol, coffee and tea can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation, presumably due to the diuretic effect of the caffeine in these drinks. A daily intake of 3-3.5 liters (about 5-6 pints) of fluids is recommended.

Maintain Calcium Intake
Most calcium stones are not, in fact, attributable to a diet high in calcium-rich foods. It is important to maintain a moderate intake of calcium if you suffer from kidney stones. This is because a low intake can promote the formation of calcium oxalate stones. A calcium intake of approximately 600-800 mg per day is recommended for people with kidney stones.

Eliminate foods high in oxalate
A reduction in dietary intake of foods containing high levels of oxalate is important for susceptible individuals, as this is a major factor in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. People at risk of kidney stones should also avoid vitamin C supplements, as this vitamin can be broken down into oxalate, which is excreted in the kidney.

Restrict animal protein
A high intake of animal protein is acidic and increases urinary calcium excretion. In addition, the binding effect of sulfate on dietary protein decreases renal calcium reabsorption. Therefore, it is recommended that people with kidney stones limit their intake of animal protein from meat, fish, poultry and eggs to 60-70g per day.

Reduce sodium intake
High sodium intake increases calcium excretion, which can lead to an increase in calcium-containing crystals in the urine. Therefore, a reduction in foods high in sodium is recommended, with an intake of no more than 2-4 g per day.

Foods high in sodium include most canned, processed, and packaged foods. Check labels, any food that has a sodium content greater than 400mg per serving is considered high sodium.

complex carbohydrates
It is also recommended that people with kidney stones reduce the intake of simple sugars and products made with refined flours (such as white bread, cakes and cookies), in favor of whole foods, such as whole wheat bread and pasta and whole wheat flour. rice, which are rich in complex carbohydrates, as well as eating more fruits and vegetables.