What foods should be avoided with kidney stones?
Generally, patients with kidney stones should avoid foods high in sodium, purines, oxalates, sugar, and calcium. If patients experience discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to prevent delays in treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. High-sodium foods
Salty foods include pickled vegetables, cured meat, salted fish, etc. These foods increase the concentration of sodium in urine, leading to increased urinary sodium excretion, which in turn raises calcium levels in the urine and promotes the formation of calcium-based stones.
2. High-purine foods
Purines can promote the precipitation of calcium oxalate. Purine-rich foods such as beef liver, pork liver, and anchovies increase uric acid production, thereby worsening the condition of kidney stones.
3. High-oxalate foods
Foods high in oxalates include spinach, celery, potatoes, etc. These are substances that promote the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Excessive intake may lead to accumulation of oxalates in the body, increasing the risk of developing kidney stones.
4. High-sugar foods
High-sugar foods include rock sugar, maltose, white granulated sugar, etc. These foods may contribute to conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and may also increase the concentrations of calcium, uric acid, and other substances in the urine, raising the risk of kidney stone formation.
5. High-calcium foods
Calcium-rich foods include milk, tofu, dried small shrimp, etc. Since the main component of kidney stones is calcium oxalate, excessive calcium intake—especially from calcium supplements—may increase urinary calcium concentration and elevate the risk of kidney stone formation.
Patients with kidney stones should also drink plenty of water daily, which helps facilitate the passage of small stones.