Salt
Eating too much salt can increase the risk of renal stone development as it increases the amount of calcium, which passes into the urine. Try to reduce your salt intake by –
Using less salt in cooking and avoid adding salt at the table
Try flavouring your food with alternatives such as – pepper, herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic
Also try to limit the number of processed foods you consume as they contain high amounts of added salt.
This includes – tinned and packet soups, tinned meat and meat paste, smoked meat and fish, salted crisps and nuts.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient in all diets and is needed to keep the body healthy. However, most people in the UK eat more protein than the body actually needs. This may contribute to the recurrence of renal stones in susceptible people.
Try to avoid large portions of meat, eggs, cheese, milk and yoghurt. Aim to include 2-3 of the following each day –
75-100g meat, chicken or fish
2 eggs
250ml milk
30g cheese
Small pot yoghurt
Remember do not avoid protein foods
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This information in this diet sheet is designed to help you understand more about diet and kidney stones and to provide practical advice about treating to reduce the risk of stones recurrence.
In most cases the cause of kidney stones is unknown. Factors such as family history of kidney stones, gender, infections, climate and medical history may contribute.
In some cases kidney stones may develop when waste chemicals such as calcium, oxalate and phosphate build up in the urine and form crystals. These crystals may then accumulate to form a small stone. Your doctor will advise you of the levels in your urine.
Making changes to your diet and ensuring you drink enough fluid may help reduce the risk of developing further kidney stones in the future.
Fluid
You are more likely to form stones if your urine is concentrated. It is essential that you drink plenty of fluids aiming for at least 2.5-3 litres (5-6 pints) everyday.
Avoid long periods without drinking fluids
Drink 1-2 glasses of fluid before bed
Aim to drink more in hot weather or when exercising
Good choices include – water, squash, herbal tea, fizzy drinks
Tea and coffee can be consumed in addition to your 2.5-3 litres/day.
Oxalate
If your kidney stones contain oxalate you will need to avoid oxalate rich foods to reduce the amount in your urine.
Oxalates are found in a variety of different foods. The following foods are high in oxalate –
Chocolate and foods containing chocolate
Cocoa, carob and ovaltine
Nuts and peanut better
Strawberries, rhubarb, spinach, beetroot. leeks, celery, tomatoes
Tea (especially if brewed) limit to 2-3 cups of weak tea/day.
Calcium
Calcium is important to maintain healthy bones. A moderate to high intake of calcium (1000mg) is recommended to reduce oxalate in the urine. Dairy foods are the richest source of calcium although it can be found in other non-diary foods.
Aim to eat 2-3 portions of calcium foods daily, it is important to have the same amount of calcium everyday.
A portion is –
200ml glass of milk
Standard pot of yoghurt (150g)
Piece of cheese (30g)
Small pot cottage cheese
Small serving milk based pudding/custard
Tinned salmon with the bones
Foods such as oranges, green leafy vegetables, red kidney beads, baked beans, dried fruit and some breakfast cereals also contain calcium but in varying amounts
Vitamin D
Most people get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
Vitamins D supplements can increase the amount of calcium absorbed from the foods we eat. Which may increase the risk of developing a kidney stone.
Avoid taking vitamin D preparations including cod liver oil, fish oil, multivitamin and mineral preparations.