Lifestyle Support for Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are small “pebbles” of salt and minerals in the urine. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. They form when there is a change in the balance of salt and minerals in the urine. They are more common in men and affect almost 10% of Americans. Common types of stones are calcium oxalate and uric acid stones.

What can increase your risk of kidney stones?

Behavioral/lifestyle risk factors (things you can change)

  • Not drinking enough water

  • Eating a diet high in protein, sodium and sugar

  • Obesity and weight gain

  • Laxative abuse

  • High mineral content in local water

  • Consuming high fructose corn syrup

Hereditary and disease risk factors

  • Gout

  • Previous bout of kidney stones

  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

  • Recent urinary tract infections

  • Weight loss surgery

  • High blood pressure

  • Post-menopausal women with low estrogen

  • Hyperparathyroidism

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the side, belly or groin

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Pink or red urine

  • Fever and chills

Nutrition Support

Eat more:

  • Filtered water                                              

  • Eat calcium and oxalate rich foods together

  • Citrus fruits and juices

  • High fiber foods

Eat less (general guidance for all types of stones):

  • Processed salt

  • Coffee and black tea (limit to 1 cup/day)

  • Soda

  • Processed foods high in sodium

  • Animal protein (no more than 3 ounces at one time)

  • Antacids that contain extra calcium

  • Grapefruit juice

If you have calcium oxalate stones, eat/drink less:

  • Fruit: rhubarb, strawberries, grapes

  • Vegetables: beets, leeks, summer squash, sweet potatoes, tomato soup

  • Tofu

  • Peanuts, nuts and sesame seeds

  • Chocolate

  • Miso

If you have uric acid stones, eat/drink less:

  • Alcohol

  • Anchovies, Herring, Sardines and Shellfish

  • Asparagus and cauliflower

  • Legumes

  • Mushrooms

  • Oil

  • Organ meats

Supplemental support

  • Potassium citrate

  • Thiamine

  • Riboflavin

  • Niacin

  • B6

  • B12

  • Do not supplement with vitamin C or fish liver oils

Relevant dietary theories

  • The Gout Diet: focuses on foods that are low in purine

  • Vegan or Vegetarian Diet: animal protein contributes to the formation of stones

Exercise

  • 30 minutes per day to include cardiovascular exercise, stretching and strength training

Lifestyle

  • Perform a kidney cleanse two times a year