Kidney Stones. How To Eat?

Urolithiasis is a disease that occurs with the formation of stones in the kidneys or other organs of the urinary system. It can affect people of all ages (from newborns to the elderly). The type of stones usually depends on the age of the patient. The main cause of urolithiasis is a disturbed metabolism and especially a change in the water-salt and chemical composition of the blood. But kidney stones would not develop if there were no preconditions for this. Such predisposing factors are:

• Hereditary burden, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcer, colitis) and genitourinary system (pyelonephritis, prostatitis, cystitis);
• Impaired thyroid function;
• Osteomyelitis, osteoporosis and other diseases of the skeletal system;
• Dehydration of the body due to poisoning, etc.

The purpose of the urolithiasis diet is to restore the acid reaction of the urine and to prevent the deposition of stones.

General characteristics . In terms of calories, content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the menu meets physiological norms. The diet limits the intake of foods rich in calcium and those with alkalizing action. Urine-acidifying foods predominate (bread and pasta, cereals and fish). Culinary processing and temperature are normal.

Abundant fluid intake is recommended if there are no other contraindications. Take at least 2 liters of fluid a day. This reduces the concentration of minerals that form stones in the body.

The diet recommends lowering the amount of salt . And also foods high in salt, such as processed meats, canned foods, chips and snacks, etc. Lower amounts of sodium in the diet help reduce the amount of calcium in the urine.

Studies are clear: "Excluding at least two of the calcium-rich foods of the day significantly reduces the chance of calcium-containing stones forming. In comparison, a glass of fresh milk contains about 300 mg of calcium.

Oxalic acid and oxalates also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. They are found mainly in plant foods such as spinach, strawberries, wheat bran, nuts and tea. By avoiding these foods, you reduce the risk of oxalate stones forming.

The body converts vitamin C into oxalates, which enhances the formation of sand and stones. People who are prone to the formation of stones are advised to avoid foods rich in vitamin C, as well as mandatory consultation with a doctor if you need to take additional vitamins and minerals.

Sugar can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, patients with such problems should avoid frequent intake of products containing refined sugar.

Red meats and eggs in large quantities also promote the formation of calcium stones. They contain purines, which are broken down to uric acid. This increases the excretion of calcium and suppresses the excretion of citrates in the urine.

Fiber found in cereals such as rye, barley and rice helps reduce urinary calcium excretion. Fiber helps to get rid of calcium through the excrement.

When mostly oxalate formations are formed in the kidneys, the diet prohibits the intake of foods such as chocolate and beverages such as tea and coffee.

Allowed foods . Soups - can be consumed soups of lean meats, fish and mushroom broths, beans, lentils, peas, etc.

Meat and fish. All types of meat are allowed, but red meats should be avoided and, if consumed, should be in limited quantities. Fish can also be consumed in moderation. The diet does not allow the intake of canned fish.

Eggs should be limited to 3, maximum 4 per week. Fruits and pastries. The diet recommends eating fruits that will acidify the urine. These are apples, cranberries, compotes, jellies, etc. The diet prohibits the intake of fresh fruit with yogurt.

Fat. Of the oils are allowed the use of cow's oil, natural vegetable oils (oil, olive oil). The use of meat fats is limited.