One of the possible reasons for the formation of kidney stones is an unhealthy diet, in particular the use of certain foods. This explains why treatment necessarily includes adherence to a specific diet. In this article, we will help you understand the foods that contribute to the formation of kidney stones and advice you to limit or completely eliminate them from your diet.
List Of Foods Causing Kidney Stones
Many foods contain substances that accumulate in the kidney and, along with minerals and salts, take the form of stones. The presence of such stones can lead to severe pain in the kidney. To your assistance, we have prepared a list of foods that you need to avoid as they promote the formation of stones in the kidney.
Oxalic Acid Products
Spinach, lettuce, rhubarb, celery, parsley – these are the foods that cause the formation of oxalate stones (if consumed in excess). They contain a large amount of oxalic acid. Do not abuse vitamin C.
The fact is that in the body, it is metabolized to oxalic acid. Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, currants, rose hips, and sour apples. In excess, it can convert to oxalates. So follow the rule of moderation while eating anything.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks negatively affect the urinary system and provoke dehydration, as it forces the cells to increase the flow of fluid. All this disrupts the functioning of the kidneys, the ability to remove uric acid from the body, and its excess can lead to the formation of stones. This is especially true for beer and red wine.
According to research, the problem of kidney stones is prevailing among veterans; the primary reason is excessive consumption of alcohol. 597 veterans out of every 100,000 have kidney stones. Seeing the condition the government is taking necessary measures to control alcoholism among these people. This is the reason there are several veterans’ addiction treatment plans offered to improve their health conditions.
Sardines
Another food that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones is sardines. They have high levels of purines, which are harmful to people with urolithiasis. An excess of these substances leads to an increase in the content of uric acid, which is deposited in the kidneys in the form of uric acid stones.
The high purine content is typical for trout, anchovies, dried porcini mushrooms, tuna in oil, beer, and cabbage. Besides, sardines are also rich in sodium which increases the level of calcium in the urine. This is another risk factor contributing to the formation of stones in the kidney.
Salty Foods
Salty foods are also well-known products known to cause kidney stones. The physiological norm per day is no more than 3-5 g, about one tea boat. This is enough to maintain normal water and mineral balance, conduct nerve impulses, and muscle function. An excess of salt interferes with urine excretion, and during its stagnation, calcium salts are deposited, causing the formation of stones. Thus, you need to minimize the consumption of salt in your diet.
Caffeine
Foods that trigger kidney stones include coffee and caffeinated drinks. It provokes the excretion of calcium from the bones, which is then deposited in the bladder and ureter. Many scientific researchers have confirmed this fact. When you consume more than 3 cups of coffee a day, the concentration of calcium compounds in the excreted urine rises sharply after a few days.
It also contains citrates, magnesium, and other substances involved in the formation of stones. If, after drinking coffee, pain appears in the lumbar region, this may indicate that the process of stone formation has already begun.
Carbonated And Sugary Drinks
Soda contains phosphoric acid, which causes changes in the urinary tract, which increases the risk of stones and kidney disease. Of the sugary drinks, those containing corn syrup are especially dangerous.
Such drinks increase the likelihood risk of urolithiasis. If this is not a compelling reason to quit carbonated drinks, then know that they can make you obese. Now you might understand how harmful these drinks are to your well-being.
Red Meat
Red meat also triggers the formation of kidney stones. Animal proteins, contained in their composition in large quantities, increase the amount of calcium and uric acid in the urine. Thus, you need to limit red meat, as well as rich broths, jellies, and offal.
Soy
Genetically modified soy products, which promote stone formation, contain oxalates, which can cause calculus to form. First, sand forms, and with further abuse of soy, stones appear. To avoid this, you need to choose organically grown beans and soy-based products.
Artificial Sweeteners
Sweeteners are also not always as healthy as regular sugar. Aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners impair blood composition. Calcium salts are removed from it, which are then deposited in the kidneys or bladder. Additionally, sweeteners negatively affect kidney function, impairing kidney function, which increases the risk of stone formation.
Milk
The benefits of milk are invaluable as it contains calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. But at the same time, it acts as a product that causes the formation of kidney stones. This applies to people with an increased risk of urolithiasis.
Such people should limit the number of dairy products since most of the calcium gets excreted in the urine. And remember that excess calcium increases the likelihood of kidney stones.
Summing Up
Kidney stones can lead to severe discomfort and pain if not treated timely. Thus we recommend limiting the foods mentioned above as they increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Moreover, you need to drink enough water as it can dilute the stone and remove it through urine. But if it does not get removed this way; you have to adopt other methods. In a serious case, the best option is to get surgery timely. Stay healthy!
