Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can pass through the urinary tract. Smaller kidney stones might go unnoticed, as they can pass through urine. Larger kidney stones can get stuck in the ureters and other parts of the urinary tract, blocking urine and causing immense pain. This requires kidney stone treatment in Navi Mumbai. Many factors contribute to the heightened risk of developing kidney stones, but unhealthy food choices are often the most common culprit.
10 Foods That Cause Kidney Stones
Here are the top 10 foods you should avoid to prevent kidney stones.
1) High-Oxalate Foods:
Calcium-oxalate stones form when you eat a diet rich in oxalates with a low intake of calcium. It’s best to eat oxalate-rich foods, such as spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolates, in moderation or combine them with calcium-rich food.
2) Excessive Sodium:
Too much sodium in your diet can lead to a high concentration of calcium in your urine, which can cause kidney stones. Limit your sodium consumption to less than 2,300 mg per day. Avoid packaged foods, canned soups, and junk food.
3) Animal Proteins:
Red meat and organ meats can raise uric acid levels while reducing citrate, increasing your risk of developing kidney stones. Replace them with plant-based proteins.
4) Sugary Foods/Drinks:
Like sodium, sweetened beverages can increase calcium in the urine and may disrupt urinary composition. Avoid too many candies, pastries, desserts, and sweetened drinks.
5) Dairy Products:
Although calcium from dairy products like milk and cheese is healthy, overconsumption of calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements can cause calcium oxalate stones. Eat dairy products in moderation (1200 mg daily) and drink enough water.
6) Caffeine:
Caffeine in moderation is safe, but excessive intake can cause dehydration, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. To stay hydrated, limit your tea and coffee intake to 1-2 cups a day and drink water instead.
7) Alcohol:
By reducing your urine output and causing dehydration, alcohol can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Quit alcohol and switch to healthier drinks instead.
8) Purine-rich foods:
A purine-rich diet can increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to uric acid or calcium stones. Sardines, shellfish, and organ meats are some examples of purine-rich foods.
9) Processed Foods:
Kidney stone specialists in Navi Mumbai advise people to steer clear of processed foods like frozen meals, instant noodles, and all types of packaged items. That’s because these foods contain a considerable amount of sodium and preservatives, which might increase calcium excretion in urine, causing kidney stones.
10) Supplements Overuse:
Excessive calcium, especially if it comes from supplements, combined with overuse of vitamin C and protein supplements, can cause kidney stone formation. Sticking to natural, whole, and unprocessed foods is best. Supplements should only be used when recommended by a healthcare specialist.
Conclusion
Your dietary choices can cause kidney stone formation. This is particularly true for people who eat calcium-rich, oxalate-rich, purine-rich, and sodium-rich foods. Anything that affects the urinary composition can increase your risk of kidney stone formation.
