Would you like to learn how to use diet to dissolve kidney stones as quick as possible? If your answer is yes, then we are here to help you.
Kidney stones, particularly the common calcium oxalate type, can be a real pain.
However, it is possible to dissolve kidney stones fast using a diet.
Of the different kidney stone types, the easiest to dissolve using a diet is uric acid stone.
In this article, we show you the best foods to help you dissolve different kidney stones.
Read on to find out how to dissolve your kidney stones fast using diets.
Diet and Kidney Stones
When you think of the typical American diet, what comes to mind?
The diet is likely full of chips, burgers, fries, and overly processed foods.
This means more acid-forming food which can throw the body off-balance and stress the kidneys.
One of the functions of the kidneys is regulating the body’s acid balance.
We can measure the acid-base balance by looking at the pH of the blood.
Here’s a simple explanation: pH is a scale that ranks how acidic or how basic something is.
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 representing very acidic to very alkaline. Blood is maintained between 7.35-7.45 – right in the middle of the pH scale.
For the body to function optimally, it must maintain this range to do all the things it needs to do.
The pH level of urine plays a significant role in the formation and dissolution of kidney stones. Maintaining an optimal pH balance goes as far as preventing some types of kidney stones.
For instance, calcium oxalate stones are less likely to form in urine with a slightly alkaline pH just as uric acid stones tend to form in acidic environments.
Understanding this balance allows you to tailor your diet to dissolve specific types of kidney stones.
Also Read: 5 Things to Avoid to Protect Your Liver and Other Internal Organs
Dissolving Kidney Stones With Diet
The type of kidney stones you have will affect the approach you take. So, ask your healthcare professional which type of kidney stone you have.
This will affect how much sodium, animal protein, calcium, or oxalate is in the food you eat. Here are the common types of kidney stones.
- Calcium Oxalate Stones
- Calcium Phosphate Stones
- Uric Acid Stones
- Cystine Stones
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Research says about 80% of kidney stones fall into the calcium oxalate category. The catch? This one is harder to dissolve than others.
If you’ve had calcium oxalate stones, avoid these foods to help reduce the amount of oxalate in your urine:
- nuts and nut products
- Legumes
- spinach
- wheat bran
As a part of dietary measures, reduce the amount of sodium in your food. Go for salt alternatives like parsley and avoid processed foods.
You want to also limit animal protein to reduce acid levels in your urine. Replace animal-based protein with plant-based options.
Choose beans, dried peas, and lentils, which are plant-based foods that are high in protein and low in oxalate.
Get enough calcium
As counter-intuitive as it may sound, calcium in the right amount is not bad for you. A healthcare professional will recommend how much calcium you should eat to prevent more calcium oxalate stones.
Also Read: How to Organically Crush Your Sugar Level in 90 Days or Less
Uric Acid Stones
Unlike calcium oxalate stones, uric acid stones can be more easily dissolved.
If you prefer a natural route, you have to adjust your diet.
You must shift towards a diet with a negative acid load as this affects the PH balance of your urine.
This often means reducing animal protein which scores high on the scale and increasing fruits and vegetables.
Alkalinizing Diet for Uric Acid Stones
If you are prone to uric acid stones, adopting an alkalinizing diet can help. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which can help raise the pH level of urine and promote the dissolution of uric acid stones.
Limit: Purine-Rich Foods
Organ meats: Liver, kidney, and other organ meats are high in purines, which can be broken down into uric acid. Limiting these foods is crucial for those prone to uric acid stones.
Seafood: Certain types of seafood, like anchovies and sardines, are rich in purines and should be consumed in moderation.
Sweetened Beverages: High-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in sugary drinks, can increase uric acid levels. Opt for water or unsweetened beverages.
Beer: Alcohol, particularly beer, can increase the production of uric acid.
While oxalates primarily contribute to calcium oxalate stones, excessive oxalate intake can also influence uric acid stone formation.
Therefore, maintain a balanced approach, considering both oxalate and purine content in your diet.
Calcium Phosphate Stones
If you have calcium phosphate stones, limit the following:
Dairy Products: While calcium is essential for overall health, excessive intake can contribute to calcium phosphate stones.
Consume dairy products in moderation and go for low-fat or non-fat options.
Supplements: Be careful of calcium supplements. Excessive amounts can increase the risk of calcium phosphate stone formation.
Consult with a healthcare professional before taking calcium supplements.
Processed Foods: Foods with added phosphorus-containing additives, can contribute to an excess of phosphorus in the body. Limit the intake of these convenience foods.
Colas and Dark Sodas: These beverages often contain phosphoric acid. This may increase the risk of calcium phosphate stones. Reduce or eliminate the consumption of colas.
Always focus on a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods. This helps ensure that calcium and phosphorus are obtained in the right quantity.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones form due to a genetic condition that leads to high levels of cystine in the urine.
Additionally, cystine stones are likely to form when urine is concentrated.
Ensure to stay well-hydrated. This way, cystine is diluted in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.
Note that, excessive sodium can equally increase cystine excretion in the urine.
Therefore, reduce the consumption of high-sodium foods, such as processed snacks and salty foods.
Foods rich in cystine include red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and some nuts.
Always incorporate alkalinizing foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to help raise the pH level of urine. This can help to prevent the formation of cystine stones
Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a low-cystine diet plan.
Also Read: How to Know If You Have Diabetes and Exactly What to Do
Conclusion
Dissolving kidney stones fast is possible through a customized diet.
Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a personalized plan that suits your needs and health status.
Remember, small dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in your kidney stone management.
