How to prevent the formation of kidney stones? 10 recommendations from a urologist

Head of the Urology Department of the Federal Scientific and Research Center of FMBA of Russia, urologist, physician, doctor of the highest category

“The main reason for the development of urolithiasis are metabolic disorders that lead to the formation of salt crystals in the kidneys, which creates a “matrix” for the further formation of concrements.”

Causes of kidney stones

At risk are people with unfavorable heredity for diseases of the urinary system, suffering from diabetes and other diseases associated with metabolic disorders in the body. Kidney stones are formed in patients with anatomical features of the structure of the organs, as well as in people with hyperparathyroidism (increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood), gout (excessive deposition of uric acid salts in some tissues of the body) and other chronic diseases.

The development of urolithiasis does not depend on age. This problem is more often faced by men from 30 to 50 years old.

Food habits, drinking habits and diet are of great importance. Diet therapy is one of the most effective preventive measures. Nutritional control is based on several principles, adhering to which, you can reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Drinking regimen

The necessary level of hydration of the body is achieved only with sufficient water intake. This allows you to “dilute” the urine and reduce the concentration of salts and minerals that lead to the formation of stones.

The daily norm is 2-2.5 liters of water. In hot weather and during strenuous physical activity is especially important, as with sweat and in the process of breathing the body loses fluid. Water helps to remove metabolic wastes. Their accumulation also leads to the gradual crystallization and formation of stones. The required 8-10 glasses of fluid may include other beverages besides water.

Replenishing calcium levels

The development of urolithiasis occurs when the level of oxalates – esters and salts of oxalic acid – increases in the body. Adequate levels of calcium in the body will help solve this problem. Being in the intestine, it combines with oxalates, preventing them from being absorbed into the blood and penetrating into the kidneys.

Calcium found in the following foods is best absorbed:

• low-fat milk;
• cottage cheese;
• cheese;
• kefir;
• whole-grain bread;
• nuts;
• sesame seeds.

A balanced diet is more effective than calcium supplements. Vitamin D is necessary for the assimilation of the trace element, so daily sunbathing of at least 15 minutes is important.

Limit salt intake

Foods with a high sodium content contribute to the accumulation of calcium in the urine. This leads to the formation of stones and their active growth.

Especially dangerous are the following products:

• canned fish and meat;
• smoked meats;
• salted fish;
• sausages and sausages;
• vegetable pickles.

Low oxalate diet

Oxalates block the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream and are a serious threat to kidney health. Excessive levels of vitamin C can also provoke their formation.

Special attention should be paid to the following foods:

• sorrel;
• spinach;
• celery;
• cabbage;
• rhubarb;
• beets;
• strawberries;
• chocolate.

Many diets are based on the consumption of greens and vegetables containing oxalic acid. This should be considered for patients with urolithiasis.

Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet

Sugar in food interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It disturbs the balance of minerals in the body and contributes to the formation of kidney stones.

It is recommended to control the consumption of the following products:

• baked goods;
• desserts;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• beverages made from reconstituted juices;
• industrial sweeteners.

Controlling red meat intake

The protein found in beef and veal is difficult to digest, which increases the burden on the kidneys. This leads to disturbance of nitrogen levels in the body. In addition, purine substances in red meat increase uric acid production. By lowering the overall pH of the urine, the acid creates a favorable environment for the development of urolithiasis.

Patients with kidney disease should limit the following foods:

• red meat;
• meat broths;
• offal;
• fatty fish;
• legumes;
• mushrooms.

Avoiding fluoridated water

High fluoride content in drinking water provokes the formation of kidney stones. Its concentration depends on the region and is calculated with the help of laboratory tests. However, you can independently determine the excess of fluoride in the body by the appearance of the teeth. If the enamel is discolored or has white spots and stripes on the surface, this indicates a high fluoride content in the water. In this case, it is recommended to use bottled water in food.

Harm of carbonated drinks

One of the components of soda is sodium bicarbonate. It affects the acidity (pH) of the urine, which is the cause of the development of urolithiasis. A similar effect is provoked by phosphoric acid. It acidifies the urine and creates a favorable environment for the formation of stones.

Inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the diet

To protect against urolithiasis, it is necessary to replenish the level of magnesium, potassium, fiber and antioxidants in the body. These substances are found in most fruits and vegetables. Their daily intake should be five to six servings or about 400 g.

You should choose fruits and vegetables that contain minimal amounts of oxalates:

• apples;
• cucumbers;
• carrots;
• potatoes;
• tomatoes;
• black currants;
• oranges;
• watermelons;
• cranberries;
• pomegranates;
• blueberries.

Physical activity with kidney stones

Sport is an important measure for the prevention of the disease. Physical exercise improves blood circulation in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. This improves the quality of the excretory capacity of the kidneys, affects the composition of the acid and basic balance of urine. Exercise is safe in the early stages of urolithiasis, when the size of stones does not exceed 1 mm. In other cases, consultation with the attending physician is required.

The following sports are especially useful:

• swimming;
• cycling;
• walking on skis;
• walking at a moderate pace.

It is important to remember that sweating increases during physical activity, so it is necessary to replenish the level of fluid in the body.