In addition to reducing salt intake as a condiment, it is essential that we also monitor the products we consume, since many can contain it and harm us.
You may not know it, but if you have kidney stones, it is essential that you eat a healthy and special diet according to your condition. Diet can eliminate or cause kidney stones to enlarge. In this article you will find out more.
What to know about kidney stones
Before moving on to information about foods that you should not consume if you are prone to kidney stones, it would be good for you to know certain aspects about this pathology.
A kidney stone forms from microscopic particles known as crystals. In most people, the compounds in urine prevent the appearance of masses or stones, but the same does not happen in all organisms. The most common type of stone is made up of oxalate and calcium (75% of cases). Each patient may need a different treatment depending on which stone has formed. It also depends on the size and frequency with which they appear. Symptoms or signs of kidney stones are:
- Pain in the lower back (below the ribs) and on the sides of the spine.
- Intense pain for periods of 20 to 60 minutes.
- Discomfort that reaches the abdomen and groin.
- Blood in the urine.
- Dark urine with a very unpleasant smell.
- Pain when urinating.
- Continuous urge to urinate (and go to the bathroom and only see a few drops)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shaking chills
- Fever (if there is infection)
Symptoms or signs of kidney stones
Diet and kidney stones
Diet may be enough to prevent new stones from forming. It is more than likely that the doctor will advise you to moderate your salt intake, but also other nutrients such as:
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Oxalate
- Potassium
- Proteins
In the case of suffering from a calcium stone, it is vital to stop consuming salt in all its forms (also in very salty or already prepared foods). Also minimize the calcium in each meal. However, it must be taken into account that this can cause other problems, such as osteoporosis or loss of bone mass. People who have suffered an oxalate stone need to reduce their consumption of all foods that contain this compound. Among them are:
- Peanuts
- Coffee
- Beet
- Beans
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Gooseberries
- Rhubarb
- Grapes
- Chocolates
- Parsley
- Green leafy vegetables (especially spinach)
- Oranges
- Beet
- Wheat flour
- Strawberries
- Beer
- Beer yeast
- Tofu
- Pepper
- Walnuts
- Sweet potato
At the same time, it is confirmed that eating a diet high in sugar can be a determining factor in the formation of stones. This is because it interferes with the metabolism of calcium, magnesium and minerals found in the body. And be very careful with soft drinks and artificial juices! Although it is indicated on the label that they are low in calories, they still have a good amount of sugars and do not count in the amount of liquids we should drink per day. In either type of stone, it is recommended to increase fluid intake. This will help prevent new stones from forming or those found in the kidneys from increasing in size.
- Age
- Weight
- Sex
- Height
- Performed activities
- Time of the year
- Additional diseases (obesity, diabetes, cholesterol)
Urine with less waste concentration and more water reduces the risk of stone formation. The only way to achieve this is to drink fluids. In addition to mineral water, you can opt for natural infusions and homemade juices. An important issue in relation to diet is the amount of protein consumed. Several researches have confirmed that animal protein sources can be bad for people vulnerable to kidney stones. It is not about becoming a vegetarian if you do not want to, but paying attention to the weekly intake of this type of meat: Eggs and dairy products also have this type of protein. Reduce as much as possible those recipes that contain a lot of milk, cheese or butter. And what happens with vitamins? Some may be good, others bad and there are those that have no impact on the formation of kidney stones:
- Vitamin B (include niacin, riboflavin and thiamine): They have no harmful effects on patients with kidney stones. Remember that vitamin B2 has the ability to give urine a more yellow tone. This can be an impediment to analyzing the color in the face of a painful episode.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and various fruits and vegetables have high levels of this vitamin. Although it is good for preventing us from getting sick with the flu and raising our defenses, it can be one of the causes of the development of kidney stones. Therefore, it is vital that you reduce the intake of all foods with a lot of vitamin C.
Separate chapter for sodium
We have already talked a little about salt consumption, but it is worth taking advantage of these last lines to indicate that it is the most responsible for the appearance of kidney stones. These organs must work double or triple if we eat too much salt. When the specialist tells us to reduce sodium, what we do is stop adding salt to food. However, many of the products we buy on the market are full of sodium chloride and it can harm us. Among these foods we can highlight:
- Instant soup
- soup cubes
- Sausages
- Cold cuts
- Fast food
- breaded foods
- Sodium bicarbonate
- baking powder
From what you already know, pay close attention to the components of everything you eat. You may be causing an increase in kidney stones without realizing it!
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