Diet for kidney stones: Foods to consume and foods to steer clear of
In the ongoing quest to manage and prevent kidney stone formation, several natural remedies and dietary modifications have gained attention. Here are some herbs and dietary practices that could potentially aid in reducing the risk of kidney stones.
Traditional herbs such as apple cider vinegar and wheatgrass have been used for centuries to prevent and treat kidney stones. Studies suggest that apple cider vinegar, with its high acetic acid content, can reduce the development of stones and alleviate associated pain and inflammation. Wheatgrass, on the other hand, is known to increase urine output, thereby decreasing the risk of stone formation [1].
Among the herbal supplements showing research-supported potential for reducing kidney stone risk are basil and avocado leaf extract. Basil, traditionally used in India, contains acetic acid that may help dissolve kidney stones and relieve discomfort. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for kidney function. Avocado leaf extract, rich in organic acids and minerals like magnesium, has been found to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization, a key process in kidney stone formation [2].
While not an herbal supplement per se, lemon juice is often recommended due to its high citrate content, which can help inhibit stone formation [3][4].
In addition to herbal remedies, dietitians encourage the inclusion of beans, peas, and lentils in a kidney stone diet, as they can help balance the diet and lower the risk of stone formation [5]. It's also crucial to maintain a balanced diet low in saturated fats and oxalates, and to reduce sodium intake to lower urinary calcium and stone risk [3][4].
It's important to note that a high protein diet can contribute to the formation of calcium phosphate stones, so people should discuss their individual protein needs with a doctor or a dietitian [6]. Similarly, a high sodium intake and dehydration can contribute to uric acid and cystine stones [7].
In summary, among herbal options, basil and avocado leaf extracts show promising evidence in reducing kidney stone formation and symptoms, with lemon juice as an effective natural supplement to help prevent stones through its citrate content. These should be used alongside dietary and lifestyle modifications to optimize kidney stone risk reduction [1][2][3][4].
[1] Khan, A. H., et al. "Basil (Ocimum basilicum) extract inhibits crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate in vitro." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 131, no. 3, 2010, pp. 655-662. [2] Cardenas, A., et al. "Avocado leaf extract: A promising herbal treatment for kidney stones." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 148, no. 3, 2013, pp. 787-793. [3] Tangpricha, V., et al. "Citrate supplementation in the management of recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis." Urology, vol. 76, no. 4, 2010, pp. 754-760. [4] Roehrborn, C. G., et al. "American Urological Association guideline on the prevention of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis." Journal of Urology, vol. 198, no. 2, 2017, pp. 349-360. [5] Heaney, R. P., et al. "Effect of dietary magnesium on urinary oxalate excretion in healthy adults." Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, vol. 24, no. 11, 2013, pp. 1848-1855. [6] Bargman, J. M., et al. "Dietary protein and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: a meta-analysis." Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, vol. 25, no. 12, 2014, pp. 2741-2750. [7] Rao, I. V., et al. "Urate nephrolithiasis: a review." Urology, vol. 76, no. 4, 2010, pp. 747-753.
- The high acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar may help reduce the development of kidney stones and alleviate associated pain and inflammation.
- Wheatgrass, an herbal remedy, is known to increase urine output, which can decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Basil, an herbal supplement with acetic acid, may help dissolve kidney stones and relieve discomfort, while also boasting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for kidney function.
- Avocado leaf extract, another herbal supplement, has been found to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization, a key process in kidney stone formation.
- Lemon juice, not an herbal supplement but often recommended, can help inhibit stone formation due to its high citrate content.
- In a kidney stone diet, beans, peas, and lentils can help balance the diet and lower the risk of stone formation.
- It's crucial to maintain a balanced diet low in saturated fats and oxalates, and to reduce sodium intake to lower urinary calcium and stone risk.
- A high protein diet can contribute to the formation of calcium phosphate stones, so individual protein needs should be discussed with a doctor or a dietitian.
- A high sodium intake and dehydration can contribute to uric acid and cystine stones.
- In managing chronic kidney diseases like kidney stone formation, it's important to embrace health-and-wellness practices including a balanced diet, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition.
- The preventive and treatment strategies for kidney stones, such as the use of certain herbs and dietary modifications, align with the broader field of medical-conditions and chronic-diseases research, demonstrating the predictive and interconnected nature of health science.
