It is possible to prevent the formation of kidney stones by changing your eating habits, in particular by staying hydrated enough, consuming more citrus fruits and avoiding drinks high in sodium.
Kidney stones: definition
Kidney stones are deposits of crystallized mineral salts that form in the urinary system. They can cause infections and damage to the kidneys. If they are small, they are evacuated into the urinary tract without the person suffering from them noticing. However, some kidney stones can reach a large size, up to several centimeters in diameter. They then cause unbearable pain.
Kidney stones: the preferred drinks to prevent them
People who often suffer from kidney stones should adopt the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, described in the document Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention, published by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, this diet is recommended by nephrologists because it also helps limit the development of kidney stones. Its principles are as follows:
- Drink enough: Fluid intake — mainly water — helps dilute the mineral salts that make up kidney stones.
- Increase the consumption of fresh citrus juice (lemons, oranges and grapefruit), which helps reduce or even prevent the formation of kidney stones, due to the citrate they naturally contain.
- Drink drinks rich in calcium and vitamin D. If your diet does not provide you with enough calcium, the level of oxalate in your body increases, and this is a factor favoring the appearance of kidney stones. Drink milk or liquid yogurt. If you have trouble digesting cow’s milk, opt for soy milk or goat’s milk. Supplement these calcium intakes by consuming foods rich in vitamin D, necessary for the absorption of calcium by the body.
- Drink coffee. The study Caffeine intake and the risk of incident kidney stones: a systematic review and meta-analysispublished in the medical journal International Urology and Nephrology, shows that drinking coffee seems to limit the risk of suffering from kidney stones.
Kidney stones: drinks to avoid
Consuming high-sodium beverages contributes to the buildup of calcium in urine. Therefore, avoid drinking sodas, especially those containing cola, an ingredient rich in phosphate, known to promote the development of kidney stones. Additionally, sodas contain high amounts of added sugars, including sucrose and fructose, which increase the risk of kidney stones.
Sources
- Definition & Facts for Kidney StonesNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, May 2017
- Diet for Kidney Stone PreventionNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, February 2013
- Caffeine intake and the risk of incident kidney stones: a systematic review and meta-analysisInternational Urology and Nephrology, July 2022
Read also :
⋙ Gallbladder lithiasis (stones): what are the symptoms and how to treat it?
⋙ Urolithiasis: what are the symptoms of kidney stones?
⋙ How to avoid kidney stones when it’s hot? A doctor lists the foods to favor (and avoid)