Last Updated on August 11, 2022 by The Health Master
Experts advise dietary changes over surgery to prevent kidney stone formation, such as the most common calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, as a result of the rising number of kidney stone cases across India.
Experts have also clarified the mysterious role that vegetables and foods containing seeds play in the development of kidney stones such as calcium oxalate and uric acid stones.
There is a growing misconception and a theory lacking scientific evidence that green leafy vegetables and vegetables containing seeds are linked with kidney stones.
We can’t say all leafy vegetables containing seeds increase the chances of kidney stones.
In that case, the only sources of oxalate that cause kidney stones are spinach and tomato seeds.
But if the amount of these is quite low, it cannot lead to the formation of kidney stones,” Dietician Payal from RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital, Delhi explained.
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Echoing similar views, Delhi-based senior consulting urologist, Dr Manish Singla elaborated, “Leafy vegetables which are rich in iron and calcium are most commonly eaten vegetables in the world and if it was responsible then the number of people suffering from kidney stones would be alarming.”
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidney. They develop when there is a decrease in urine or an increase in certain substances such as minerals and salt. Dietary changes can aid in their prevention.
Payal further emphasized, “There is no single diet plan for stone prevention. Most diet recommendations are based on stone types customized for each patient.”
She further explained, “Extra calcium supplements should be avoided as per physician recommendation.
A moderate amount of protein needs to be taken as high protein intake will cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium therefore this may cause more stones to form in the kidney.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common kidney stones
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common kidney stones.
Though calcium is essential for living organisms to survive in addition to its well-known attributes of maintaining the health of bones and teeth, increasing calcium intake (milk and milk products) above the recommended amount may increase the chances of stone formation.
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There is also a need to avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements. Overdoses of 1,000 mg daily or more may cause the body to produce more oxalate.
Payal also stated that high salt intake should be avoided as high sodium intake increases calcium in the urine, which increases the chances of developing stones. A low-sodium diet is crucial for regulating blood pressure.
“One other important measure to reduce excess urinary calcium which is worth mentioning is that if excess salt is removed through the kidneys, it draws calcium into the urine. That is why reducing salt intake will reduce urinary calcium and decrease stone formation,” Payal further added.
Experts have said that removing vegetables with seeds and leafy vegetables from your diet alone won’t help with uric acid stones, another common stone.
It is a common fact that some foods such as meat can also increase the risk of kidney uric acid stones.
For example, if it is caused due to excess uric acid in the body, then a low purine diet will be recommended. Foods that are rich in purine content such as animal proteins like fish, red meat, mutton, beef, organ meat like liver, and alcoholic beverages need to be reduced.
Two to three liters of fluid should be consumed daily (per a doctor’s advice). In addition, coconut water and lemonade have been shown to have health benefits, with the exception of grapefruit juice and soda.
There is a need to limit foods with high oxalate content with a daily intake of 40mg to 50mg per day of beer, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, tea, and rhubarb should be reduced from the diet. One should eat enough dietary calcium, as per recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 1,000 mg per day.
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