Greens, Fruits, and 7 Other Foods That Contribute to Kidney Stone Formation

When kidney stones begin to manifest, a person experiences severe pain. If conservative treatment methods prove ineffective, surgery may be required. The endocrinologist discussed the foods that may contribute to stone formation.

According to statistical data, men suffer from urolithiasis more often than women. The causes of this ailment in both groups are similar — harmful habits, lifestyle, heredity, and poor nutrition, reports Doctorpiter. At the same time, a person may not even suspect the presence of kidney stones until they start to move.

In such a situation, severe pain arises, which is difficult to relieve with painkillers. Doctors do not always recommend surgery: sometimes the size of the stone allows for avoiding surgical intervention, and specialists wait for it to pass on its own.

To prevent stone formation, it is necessary to closely monitor one’s habits, especially regarding nutrition.

Zukhra Pavlova, endocrinologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences

According to endocrinologist Zukhra Pavlova, oxalate stones are most commonly formed in the kidneys (about 75% of cases). Next are phosphate stones (10-12%) and stones based on uric acid (13-15%).

“For oxalate stones to form, the urine must be acidic. This is ensured by uric acid. The less water we drink, the more acidic the urine becomes — consequently, the risk of stone formation increases,” the doctor explained.

Therefore, it is extremely important to drink clean water and to cultivate this healthy habit. Additionally, one should avoid foods that are harmful to the kidneys. These include:

* carbonated and sugary drinks;

* tea and coffee in large quantities (note that 4-5 cups of these drinks a day is already exceeding the norm);

* juices (they contain a lot of sugar and other harmful substances);

* greens — spinach and sorrel (they can be consumed, but not every day and not in large quantities);

* excessive consumption of protein products is also undesirable, among the most “dangerous” are walnuts, natural yogurt, beans, tuna, tofu;

* chocolate in large quantities;

* excess fruits and berries;

* beer;

* offal — liver, kidneys, tongues, and pâtés.

If you have elevated uric acid levels, it is better to exclude meat broths, notes the endocrinologist. In general, soups are beneficial, but meat soups are not very good. It is better not to consume broth, even chicken broth.

Important: do not completely give up fruits, offal, and chocolate. They have their own benefits; the main thing is not to overeat. To maintain health, remember that the diet should be varied: the more different foods it contains, the better.