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Blog 76: Kidney Stones and Diet Recommendations

Jenni Berman |

Blog 76: Kidney Stones and Diet Recommendations

By Stacey Behm Justiniano, RDN, LDN

 

There are several different types of kidney stones that can form:

  1. Calcium oxalate stones: the most common
  2. Calcium phosphate stones
  3. Uric acid stones
  4. Cystine stones

Let’s take a closer look at the most common type:

Calcium oxalate stones

  • Form when calcium in your urine combines with oxalates, a chemical found naturally in many foods.
  • High oxalate foods: we don’t need to avoid them altogether, however, staying mindful to not over-consume these foods is key.
    • Spinach
    • Almonds
    • Cashews
    • Miso soup
    • Grits
    • Baked potatoes with skin
    • Beets
    • Okra
    • Bran and shredded wheat cereal
    • French fries
    • Raspberries
  • Consuming high sodium foods without drinking enough water will also increase your risk of these stones. Sodium is necessary in the diet and body for many different functions, so we don’t want to eliminate sodium altogether.
  • Drink 100oz of water per day.
  • Sodium intake recommended no more than ~2300mg per day.
  • Consuming cooked and raw vegetables at least 2 servings per day. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can increase things in urine like citrate, magnesium, phytate and help balance acid levels in your urine. Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per
    day.
  • Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juices, sodas, sports drinks, etc.
  • Consume adequate calcium each day. Calcium in the diet helps bind to oxalates in the gut to prevent absorption in kidneys. Calcium is found in a variety of foods, not only dairy products. Plant-based products are fortified with calcium (plant based milks & yogurts). Chia seeds, broccoli, sweet potatoes, sardines, Brazil nuts and tofu are good sources of calcium.
  • If you have done all of the above, then consider moderating animal-protein intake. Protein is crucial for supporting the immune system, blood sugar levels, cortisol (stress levels) and more, which if too low, can also have a negative impact on the absorption of vitamins and minerals, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Speak with your dietitian or medical provider to assess a safe protein limit for you.
  • Eggs, dairy (milk and cheese), and organ meats are among some of the higher oxalate stone-producing animal proteins.

Sources:
National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Calcium kidney stones. National Kidney Foundation.
https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/calcium-kidney-stones

Mayo Clinic Press. (n.d.). How to get enough calcium if you’re dairy-free. Mayo Clinic Press.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/how-to-get-enough-calcium-if-youre-dairy-free

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Eating, diet, & nutrition for kidney stones. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutriti
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Jenni Berman

Jenni Berman

Jenni, owner of Berman Health and Wellness, works alongside Berman Physical Therapy to help individuals get back in shape, improve their gut health, and to stay feeling young so they can stay in the game! After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, she went on to obtain a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. She has a passion for helping individuals to feel better than they thought imaginable through natural approaches, nutrition, and whole body treatment. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. When she is not working with patients or with clients, you can find Jenni on the boat, in the sun, enjoying time with her husband, Jake,her daughter Stella June, spending time in Jacksonville with her family, or playing with her [CUTE!] pups!!