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Kidney stones can leave you wondering about which foods to cut out of your diet.
When you have kidney stones, it is essential to monitor your diet to prevent aggravation of the condition. Limiting certain foods or avoiding certain foods can prevent the formation of further stones.
Here are the foods you should avoid eating when you have kidney stones:
- Consume less salt.
- Chinese and Mexican food, tomato juice, regular canned foods, and processed foods are often high in salt.
- A high-sodium diet can produce kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine.
- Limit foods that are high in oxalates if you have a calcium oxalate stone.
- Avoid these foods if you have a uric acid stone:
- Avoid fatty foods such as salad dressings, ice cream, and fried foods.
- Avoid consuming more than three ounces of meat each day.
- Avoid colas because they are high in phosphate.
- Phosphate promotes the formation of kidney stones.
- Moreover, reduce or eliminate added sugar intake.
- Restrict or completely avoid caffeine because it tends to drain out fluids from your body, causing dehydration.
What foods and drinks can be included if you have kidney stones?
Certain foods that are low in oxalate or promote the excretion of calcium ions should be consumed during this time. Hydrating yourself with sufficient fluid is extremely important to prevent all types of kidney stones. Water dilutes the urine, preventing stone formation.
Fluids to be consumed during kidney stones include:
- Drink adequate fluids, particularly water
- Fluids such as ginger ale, lemon water, and fruit juices (without added sugar and salt)
Drink enough fluid to urinate at least two liters in 24 hours. Dark urine can indicate that your body is not getting sufficient water.
Foods low in oxalate
It is essential to include foods low in oxalate if you have kidney stones.
Some foods that are low in oxalates include:
- Grapes
- Melons
- Bananas
- Cucumbers
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Beef
- Bacon
- Chicken
- Ham
However, consuming excess dairy products and animal protein can alleviate your chances of less common types of kidney stones.
Fruits safe to consume during kidney stones
Some of the fruits that are low in oxalates and safe to consume include:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Melons
- Pineapples
- Apples
- Pears
- Avocados
- Mangos
- Apricots
- Persimmon
- Plums
- Kiwis
- Melons
- Watermelons
Vegetables safe to consume during kidney stones
Stick to vegetables low in oxalates because they do not increase the risk of stone formation:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Tomatoes
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
Foods rich in calcium
Include foods rich in calcium to balance oxalates in the diet, such as:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Oysters
- Tofu
Foods rich in calcium can prevent the formation of kidney stones. However, it is essential to limit its consumption to three servings per day to avoid a less common type of stone.
