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Five Foods to Avoid When you Have Kidney Stones

Among various factors triggering kidney stone formation, food is one that inhibits Kidney Stones. Here is what you should avoid-

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Kidney stones are formed when three compounds: calcium, phosphorus and oxalate, found in urine, become over-concentrated. In order to gain energy and repair body tissues, we eat food. After absorbing what it needs from foods, our body transfers waste product in the kidney and excreted as urine. So, among the various factors triggering kidney stone formation, food is one that inhibits stones.

Foods To Avoid When You Have Kidney Stones

Here are the top five foods discussed below to avoid if you have kidney stones:

1. Animal Protein

For the patients of kidney stone, animal protein is hazardous, be it calcium stone or uric acid stones. Animal protein contains a compound called purines that, when consumed, breaks down into uric acid in the urine, thus speeding up the formation of urinary stones. It increases the risk of calcium stone by increasing the excretion of calcium and reducing the excretion of citrate in the urine. There are basically two categories of sources that provide animal protein and these are dairy products and meat. Meat is the straight animal protein. Foods that are rich in animal protein and should be avoided include chicken, meat, fish, beef, egg, milk and other dairy products.

2. Soda

If you have kidney stones, those bubbly, fizzy taste sodas are not for you. Not all types of soda cause increased the formation of kidney stone, but soda pop beverages containing high amount of Phosphoric acid is the real culprit. This acid increases the acidic level in the kidney tract. It makes urine too acidic, thus leading to stone formation in the kidney.

3. Tea

About 80% of kidney stones is made up of calcium oxalate and tea contains a high amount of the oxalate mineral. Among the various types of teas, the level of oxalate is much higher in black tea. Even if you consume black tea as iced tea, you should avoid it if you have kidney stones. In Southern Asia, people sweet tea with milk added to it. We all know that milk is another biggest source of protein, and so must be avoided. Although all types of tea have a certain level of oxalate in it, herbal and green tea has less. So you can replace black or milk tea with herbal and green tea.

4. Raw Spinach

There is no doubt that crispy textured spinach is loaded with nutritional values, making it a superstar among vegetables. It reduces the risk of many major diseases, except kidney stone. Despite huge nutritional values, spinach contains an anti-nutrient that holds minerals together and causes kidney stones. Spinach is high in the oxalate compound that, when combined with excess calcium in kidney, causes hard and yellowish stones. Raw spinach also contains a high amount of potassium that damages kidney. So its consumption should be limited or avoided, if possible. Read Vitamin D Rich Foods

5. Salt

Sodium chloride found in salt increases the calcium levels and decreases citrate in urine, thus increasing the chances of stone formation. The calcium found in salt combines with phosphors and oxalate to create stones. So it is better to avoid high-sodium foods such as fast food, canned soups and vegetables, pickled foods, processed frozen meals, luncheon meats, hot dogs and snack foods. Besides these, there are many other food products that must be kept away in case you have kidney stones. But these are the five most common foods that you should first exclude from your diet chart. Also, read about: How to Keep Your Stomach Clean & Healthy.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of Credihealth and the editor(s). rsz_1rsz_2_1This write-up was contributed to Credihealth by Rajita GuptaAuthor Bio: I am an interest-driven blogger and creative graphic designer based in Haryana, Northern India. I hold a Masters in Computer Application from Kurukshetra University. Besides healthcare industry, I am passionate about writing for travel, fashion, lifestyle and technology. For more information and FREE personalized guidance speak to Credihealth medical experts @ +918010994994 now or click the link below for request callback