Familiar Foods Linked to Reduced Risk of Kidney Stones 0 17

Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020 and found that dietary patterns are significantly associated with the risk of kidney stone formation. The sample included over 26,000 adults who reported their dietary habits and the presence or absence of kidney stones. The results of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

Statistical analysis showed that individuals who regularly consumed citrus fruits, melons, and berries, as well as tomatoes, had a lower risk of kidney stones. A similar association was found for milk and dairy products in general. In contrast, higher consumption of added sugars was associated with an increased likelihood of the disease.

The researchers noted that the relationship between diet and the risk of stones is often nonlinear. For many food groups, there is an optimal range of consumption: moderate amounts are linked to a lower risk, while both too low and excessively high consumption may not provide a protective effect.

The authors explain the findings by the complex action of food components. Fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium and organic acids, which may reduce the crystallization of salts in urine, while dairy products provide calcium that decreases the absorption of oxalates in the intestine. Added sugars, on the other hand, may disrupt metabolism and increase calcium excretion in urine.

The researchers emphasize that the study is observational and does not allow for conclusions about direct cause and effect. Nevertheless, the results highlight the importance of overall diet quality and balance in the prevention of kidney stones.