Kidney stones are a common kidney disease and can be extremely painful in severe cases. People who have had kidney stones are also more likely to experience recurrence. Therefore, following a doctor’s instructions for treatment is recommended to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

Today, doctors will share some foods that can help prevent kidney stones, as well as foods that should be avoided or consumed only in moderation.

Water

Drinking enough water is a top priority for preventing kidney stones. Water or other suitable sources of hydration can increase urine volume and dilute potential stone-forming substances.

This can help prevent these substances from crystallizing and forming stones, but not all liquids have the same effect.

Sweetened beverages are least recommended.

Doctors recommend drinking water as the best option, while sugary beverages are least recommended. A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that people who drink one sugary beverage daily have a 23% higher risk of developing kidney stones.

Foods Rich in Citric Acid

Many fruits and vegetables contain citric acid naturally, with citrus fruits containing it in higher concentrations.

Lemons and limes are particularly good sources of citric acid. The National Kidney Foundation (the nation’s leading voluntary medical organization) states that citric acid helps prevent stone formation by inhibiting the binding of calcium to other substances that can cause kidney stones.

However, lemons and limes are somewhat acidic, making them difficult to consume. Therefore, they can be mixed with water to make lemonade or limeade, but adding sugar is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of kidney stones.

Only consume foods rich in oxalates in moderation.

The National Kidney Foundation states that many foods naturally contain oxalates, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, chocolate, and tea. Peanuts, spinach, chocolate, sweet potatoes, and beets are particularly high in oxalate.

Moderate consumption of foods containing oxalates can actually be beneficial for those with calcium oxalate stones. There is no need to avoid all foods containing oxalates simply because you have calcium oxalate stones.

While a moderate intake of oxalate is beneficial for overall health, each individual’s situation is unique, so please consult your doctor before making a decision.

Avoid excessive intake of vitamin C supplements.

Some people prefer to take high-dose vitamin C supplements. However, scientists believe this may increase the risk of kidney stones. This is because oxalate is a metabolite of vitamin C.

A Swedish study found that middle-aged men who took excessive daily vitamin C supplements were twice as likely to develop kidney stones.

However, getting vitamin C from natural sources generally does not increase the risk of kidney stones and provides more nutrients.

Intake of adequate calcium-rich foods.

Doctors say that some patients believe that consuming fewer calcium-rich foods can prevent calcium oxalate stones. However, many studies have shown that adequate calcium intake can actually reduce the risk of kidney stones.

In one related study, scientists divided men with a history of calcium oxalate stones into two groups. The experimental group consumed 1,200 mg of calcium daily through food and reduced their intake of animal protein and salt.

The control group consumed 400 mg of calcium daily through food. The experimental group was found to have a 50% lower risk of recurrent kidney stones over a five-year period.

Avoid Excessive Salt and Animal Protein

Excessive salt and animal protein intake can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. Doctors explain that consuming too much salt leads to excessive sodium intake, which increases urinary calcium excretion and may contribute to kidney stone formation.

Excessive intake of animal protein, such as meat, fish, and dairy, can also increase urinary calcium excretion, further increasing the risk of kidney stones. Furthermore, excessive intake of purine, a component of animal protein, can increase the risk of uric acid stones.