Kidney Stones: Your Diet Can Make a Difference

Kidney stones can be one of the most painful experiences a person has to deal with in their lifetime. They are solidified balls of calcium that has combined with other chemicals, such as phosphorous and oxalate inside the urinary tract. They can also be formed due to buildup of uric acid which is a byproduct of protein metabolization.

Since the urinary tract wasn’t really designed to expel non-liquid forms of matter, passing kidney stones can result in some serious pain. Thankfully, kidney stones are entirely preventable, and treatable. A person doesn’t have to suffer from the dreadful kidney stones anymore; all they need to do is adjust their diet.

What to Eat to Avoid Kidney Stones

Avoiding kidney stones via a proper diet isn’t very difficult at all. There aren’t specific foods to eat or avoid, more general guidelines as to how to construct a proper anti-kidney stone diet.

Stay Hydrated

The most important method to avoiding kidney stones is to drink water. When your body is hydrated, it will dilute the chemicals that form kidney stones. Drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day will go a long way in keeping you hydrated.

Increase the Citrus Intake

Citrus fruit has citrate, natural astringent properties, that can block the formation of stones. Some of the best sources of citrus are oranges, lemons, grapefruit, kumquat, and limes.

What Not to Eat to Avoid Kidney Stones

Limit Salt Intake

High sodium levels can lead to calcium buildup inside the urinary tract. This doesn’t mean avoid salt altogether, as sodium is a necessary compound for the body, just avoid over doing it with the salt shaker.

Reduce Animal Protein Intake

Many protein sources, especially meat based protein sources, increase the amount of uric acid production inside the body.