Do you have kidney stones and would like to get rid of them? Many people have kidney stones; sadly, what we consume contributes to kidney formation in the human body. So, what foods cause kidney stones? Read on to learn more about how you can get kidney stones and some prevention tips.
Kidney pain can be so terrible that it can take several weeks for a person to pass them out. However, there are tips on how to get rid of kidney stones. But it is better to prevent them from forming in the first place. How can you prevent them from forming? One of the ways is proper dieting.
Certain foods can lead to the formation of kidney stones; this is why you should pay attention to what you eat. What causes kidney stones? Let’s look at how kidney stones form in the body.
How do you get kidney stones?
It begins with tiny crystals that form in your urine, where they group up to build a stone. These crystals form when your urine fails to dilute with water. Fluid present in your system must accompany waste products to the bladder so that it flushes through urine.
Calcium stones, for instance, are the common types of kidney stones. If you have high levels of calcium in your urine, they can deposit in your kidneys. Other factors that cause kidney stone formation are a high-protein diet, salt, sugar, and low intake of water.
Types of kidney stones
There are different types of kidney stones, they include the following:
- Calcium stones: These are the most prevalent type of kidney stones and usually are of composition calcium oxalate. They form when there is too much calcium in the urine, which deposits in the kidneys.
- Struvite stones: These stones are mostly associated with urinary tract infections. They grow quickly and can become large, itchy, and painful at some point in time.
- Uric acid stones: These stones develop where there is a high concentration of uric acid in the urine. A high-protein diet or medications like gout are the possible causes.
- Cystine stones: These rare stones are the result of a genetic disorder that forms as a result of a high concentration of cystine in urine. They are often bigger and harder than other kinds of kidney stones and may take longer to pass out than other types of kidney stones.
- Mixed stones: Sometimes, kidney stones could be a combination of different minerals that can cause symptoms and complications.
Signs of kidney stone disease
- Severe pain: Of all the signs of kidney stones, the worst one is a sharp pain in the back or the side.
- Blood in urine: If you see pink, red, or brown color in your urine, it is one of the symptoms that you have kidney stones. In addition, blood in urine is not something you should overlook; it could be a sign of internal bleeding.
- Frequent urination: Feeling the need to urinate more, especially with pain or discomfort, maybe a sign of kidney stones.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea or vomiting without any usual illnesses may also be a sign that you have kidney stones.
- Fever and chills: On occasion, a kidney stone can cause an infection, and this can cause fever and chills.
What Foods Cause Kidney Stones?
High Calcium Foods
Foods that contain high amounts of calcium, such as spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolates, can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Processed Meat
Bacon, and sausage—are among the foods that cause kidney stones. They are high in sodium and nitrates, which are hard on the kidneys.
Sugary Drinks
Products such as soda, energy drinks, or fruit juices may lead to dehydration and also increase the risk of forming a kidney stone.
Caffeine
Too much caffeine can also dehydrate you and lead to kidney stone formation. Caffeine is a diuretic, so drink in moderation.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate the body and also increase the levels of substances in your urine that promote kidney stone formation.
Red Meats
If you include large amounts of red meat in your diet, you will hold high levels of purines, which will find their way into your urine system and lead to uric acid stones.
Too much salt
Excessive intake of salt is hazardous to your health because it increases the calcium rate in the urine. With this, it can trigger the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Dairy Products
Most dairy products contain high levels of calcium, which also contributes to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Artificial Sweetener
Some artificial sweeteners in food items increase the chances of kidney stones, so it’s better to take natural sweetening agents like honey or maple syrup.
Tomato-Based Products
Tomatoes contain a high amount of oxalate that may cause the formation of kidney stones. It is vital to reduce foods that contain tomato-based products such as marinara sauce and ketchup.
How to prevent kidney stones
Follow these simple tips to help prevent kidney stones from forming.
Drink enough water daily.
There are many ways to avoid kidney stones, but it is very important to drink a lot of water every day. You know water is good for health because it helps remove toxins from your body and maintains your kidneys’ health. The ideal amount for water intake is 8 glasses per day.
Limit sodium intake
Excess sodium products in the body can cause the formation of kidney stones. Even if you are in a hurry, cut down on processed foods; go for fresh foods instead.
Eat a balanced diet
Another tip on how to prevent kidney stones is to ensure that you eat proper meals that are a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. These foods are high in nutrients and help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Limit animal protein: Consuming too much animal protein, such as red meat, can increase the risk of kidney stones. Try to limit your intake of animal protein; go for plant-based sources instead, such as beans, lentils, and tofu.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise not only keeps your body healthy but can also help prevent kidney stones. Exercise helps to improve blood flow and keep your kidneys functioning properly. Ideally, try to get 30 minutes of some form of exercise at least 5 times a week.
Limit oxalate-rich foods
Some vegetables like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts are some of the foods that can cause kidney stones because they contain high oxalate. Avoid raw vegetables, but if you have to take vegetables, ensure that you take those with low oxalates.
Avoid sugary beverages
Regular intake of soft products like soda, fruit juice, and other sugary products may cause kidney stone formation. Avoid soft drinks or sugary products.
Read also: Is Berberine Bad For Kidneys?
FAQs
A: What foods cause kidney stones?
A: Certain foods can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Foods high in oxalates, like spinach, nuts, and chocolate, can increase your risk. Also, foods high in sodium, like processed foods and canned soups, can contribute to stone formation.
Q: How does eating too much animal protein affect kidney stones?
A: Eating too much animal protein, like red meat and poultry, can increase uric acid in your urine; thereby it can lead to the development of kidney stones.
A: Can sugary drinks contribute to kidney stone formation?
A: Yes, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices can contribute to kidney stone formation. The sugar and high fructose corn syrup in these beverages can increase the levels of calcium and oxalates in your urine, which can lead to the formation of stones.
Q: What other dietary factors should I consider to prevent kidney stones?
A: To avoid the formation of kidney stones, drinking enough water is very important, as this prevents the formation of crystals in the urine, which also prevents it from leading to kidney stones. In addition, a healthy weight and avoiding crash diets can help prevent stone formation.
Now you are familiar with foods that increase the chances of getting kidney stones. So, you need to make basic alterations to your diet today. Do not eat high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and others. Take charge of your health and make smart choices when it comes to what you eat.
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