A kidney stone diet should be tailored to the type of stone a patient has experienced, with a focus on eliminating certain foods. Water intake is also important to prevent saturation of minerals in the urine. Consulting a doctor is recommended before making any drastic dietary changes.
The best kidney stone diet is one that targets the specific type of stones a patient has already experienced without negatively affecting that person’s health. These types of diets generally focus on eliminating certain foods from your daily intake. Anyone who has problems with persistent kidney stone formation should see a doctor before drastically altering their meals. Not all forms of this condition can be treated with diet alone.
The kidneys serve to filter useless minerals and waste from the bloodstream. These waste byproducts are dissolved by the urine produced in the kidneys and eliminated from the body through the urinary tract system. Kidney stones can form when your urine becomes too flooded with a particular mineral and can no longer filter it properly. This mineral crystallizes and forms small stones, which can cause urine to become blocked. These stones can form anywhere along the urinary tract system and are usually very painful to pass.
Not all kidney stones are created equal, and a balanced kidney stone diet will depend on the type of stone an individual has already passed. Uric acid kidney stones, for example, can form from a large amount of animal protein in the urine. Those who have suffered from this type of stone should generally avoid consuming more protein during the day than is needed by the body. Other sources of protein that are more easily absorbed by the blood may include beans and some legumes.
The most common stones are calcium oxalate stones. These are formed from an excess of calcium and oxalate minerals in the blood. Someone who has passed this type of kidney stone should start limiting their calcium and oxalate intake. These minerals are found in most dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and certain fruits. A complete list of foods rich in these minerals is available on the Internet or from a doctor.
This type of stone can also be dissolved by increasing the amount of insoluble fiber eaten during the day. This type of fiber is known to bind with calcium in the blood. The mineral is then bypassed from the urinary tract system and removed from the body with the waste through the feces. Barley, rice and wheat contain a large amount of insoluble fiber and are valuable ingredients in a healthy kidney stone diet.
Water is also a key component in any good kidney stone diet. This fluid helps the body to dilute the urine so that it does not become saturated with any particular mineral. The recommended water intake for people trying to prevent kidney stones is one glass for every hour the person is awake. Anyone who has already experienced multiple kidney stones may wish to increase their fluid intake to also include a glass or two at night.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
