Diet for kidney stone patients

1. The importance of diet for people with kidney stones

Kidney stones are a common disease that causes dull or severe pain in the lumbar region, which is extremely uncomfortable and can cause many dangerous complications for the patient if not treated early.

Stone formation can be due to factors such as: family history, underlying kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, enteritis, especially an unscientific diet, high salt consumption and insufficient water intake.

In particular, the leading cause of kidney stones is dehydration and in fact, most people with kidney stones often do not drink the recommended amount of water daily.

According to Dr. Trinh Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Hospital 198, there are many causes of kidney stones such as: Unreasonable diet (salty food, high protein food...); Not drinking enough water or holding urine frequently; Using medication incorrectly; Having certain diseases such as: stomach ulcers, diarrhea, Crohn's, vesicoureteral reflux, bladder diverticulum, urinary tract infection...

A diet high in salt, protein, and low in water is the cause of kidney stones.

If the patient detects kidney stones but does not treat them promptly or does not treat them properly, complications may occur. The most common is urinary tract obstruction causing water retention, pus retention in the kidney, and prolonged recurrent infections. More severe cases can lead to acute kidney failure and complete loss of kidney function. Therefore, when there are signs of kidney stones, patients need to go to a specialized medical facility for early examination and treatment.

To prevent the formation and recurrence of kidney stones, patients need to follow a scientific diet, maintain physical activities, and treat diseases that increase the risk of stone formation...

2. Essential nutrients for people with kidney stones

People with kidney stones should eat a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of caffeine (tea, coffee), carbonated water, drinks with artificial sweeteners, and avoid drinking alcohol because alcohol dehydrates the body (because alcohol metabolites increase the need for excretion through the kidneys, leading to increased urine output).

According to Dr. Trinh Hung, people with kidney stones should drink enough water, 2-3 liters/day. They should eat a lot of fiber and vegetables. At the same time, they need to reduce protein by 0.8-1g/kg/day and reduce salt by 4-5g/day in their diet.

Drink plenty of water

For people with kidney stones, drinking enough water is important. Research shows that water can help prevent the formation of initial stones. Drinking more water can help prevent recurrence in people who have had kidney stones. Drinking more water increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys, helping to dilute the concentration of minerals, so they are less likely to crystallize and form clumps.

Drinking enough water can help push the stones out. Drinking more water will result in more urine being excreted, which means that excess salts and minerals will be excreted from the body. In addition, water also helps move the stones through the urinary tract and be excreted in the urine.

Eat moderate amounts of protein

Eating too much animal protein can contribute to kidney stone formation. In a healthy diet, about 10-35% of total calories should come from protein (meat, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds).

Eat foods low in oxalates

For people with kidney stones or at risk of kidney stones, a low-oxalate diet is often recommended because high levels of oxalate can build up in the kidneys, leading to kidney stone formation.

Oxalates are found in most plant foods in varying amounts in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. But there are also many nutrient-dense foods that are low in oxalates that are good for kidney stone sufferers, such as:

• Fruits: bananas, cherries, mangoes, grapefruit, melons, grapes, papaya
• Vegetables: cauliflower, kohlrabi, chives, mushrooms, cucumbers, cabbage, peas
• Protein: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs
• Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
• Cereals: rice, corn bran, rye bread, pasta
• Beverages: water, herbal tea

Eat calcium-rich foods properly

Although high levels of calcium in the urine increase the risk of kidney stones, this does not mean that people should completely avoid calcium-rich foods. If in doubt, consult your doctor or nutritionist about how much calcium your body needs each day. It is best to try to get calcium from foods rather than supplements.

People with kidney stones should drink plenty of water.

3. Suggest some good drinks for people with kidney stones

Water

This is the best option for reducing kidney stones. Pure water not only helps cool the body but also cleans the ureter and aids in the removal of kidney stones.

According to recommendations, a normal healthy person should drink about 8 glasses of water, equivalent to 2 liters of water per day to compensate for the amount of fluid eliminated in the form of urine and sweat. This is the total amount of fluid we need to provide to the body, including filtered water, other drinks and foods containing a lot of water.

For people with kidney stones, it is necessary to drink at least 8 - 10 glasses of water (equivalent to 2 - 3 liters) of filtered water every day.

Fresh lemon juice

Drinking lemon juice regularly can reduce the risk of kidney stones recurring. Lemons contain citric acid, which helps dissolve salt and mineral crystals in the kidneys, reducing the size of kidney stones, making them easier to pass.

Fresh coconut water

Coconut water contains many minerals and vitamins that help strengthen the body's resistance, while also having a diuretic effect, preventing the accumulation of toxic substances that lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Corn silk water

Corn silk has diuretic properties, helps eliminate waste, and prevents the formation of stones.

Pineapple juice

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain and a rich amount of citric acid, which helps limit the accumulation of toxic substances in the kidneys. At the same time, pineapple juice also increases urine output, fights bacteria, stimulates the digestive system and strengthens the immune system, thereby preventing the formation of new stones.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and has a cleansing effect on the ureters, helping to remove toxins from the kidneys, reducing the risk of recurring kidney stones. In addition, pomegranate juice also reduces the acid level in the urine. Lower acid levels help reduce the risk of kidney stones in the future.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/che-do-an-uong-cho-nguoi-benh-soi-than-172240419212856832.htm