Salts and some minerals are one of the leading causes of kidneys stones that can form a hard mass. Kidney stones are formed in different ways, so as much as possible, one needs to avoid consuming foods bad for kidneys. One of the causes is when chemicals in the urine blend, such as calcium and phosphorus or oxalate. Another way kidney stones are formed when uric acid builds up. Protein metabolism causes the accumulation of uric acid. Kidney stones can be excruciating. The urinary tract is not intended to eliminate solid materials. When the stones clog urine flow, that’s what causes intense pain.
Fortunately, you can prevent kidney stones by avoiding foods bad for kidneys. Other changes in diet like avoiding salty food and drinking plenty of water also help. Water dilutes the chemicals in urine that may form kidney stones. As a recommendation from health professionals, people should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Drinking fresh fruit juices like orange or lemon juice is also a good option. The citrate content of these fruits inhibits the formation of stones.
This article will discuss foods that cause kidney stones. If you have kidney stones right now, you may want to ask your doctor what type of kidney stone it is, so that you can determine what foods bad for kidneys to stay away.
1. Salty Food
As mentioned above, salty foods are among the foods to avoid with kidney stones. You may track your salt intake by checking the sodium content through your food’s label. Salt increases the quantity of calcium in the urine. After you eat, excess oxalates combine with calcium in your kidneys, and this can build stones. Foods typically high in salt are canned foods, fast foods, condiments, and processed meat products. When you cook, you may choose not to add any salt. When you eat out, you may ask the waiter not to add salt to your food. Even the supposedly healthy vegetable juices can be high in sodium, so it always pays to check the label.
2. Meat
Protein-rich foods raise the amount of uric acid you make. Hence, they are included in foods that cause kidney stones. Pork, beef, and chicken may be delicious and nutritious, but overeating is bad for your kidneys. Aside from the meat, other protein-rich foods like eggs and cheese can also cause kidney stones. Too much protein decreases the chemical citrate, which can inhibit kidney stone formation.
Instead of eating meat, you might want to try protein alternatives such as tofu, hummus, and quinoa. Protein is essential for your health, so avoiding protein altogether is not a good idea. Instead, you should consult your doctor about how much protein you can eat in a day.
3. Some Veggies
Surprise, surprise! Vegetables are our nutrient-rich, low-calorie companion. Some vegetables, however, are foods to avoid with kidney stones. A lot of plants have high oxalate content. Foods with high oxalate may heighten the formation of kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are more common among the other kidney stone types. Therefore, one must be wise with their oxalate intake. If you have a history of kidney stones, you may want to remove oxalates from your diet completely.
If you are avoiding kidney stones, you may consult your doctor to limit your oxalate. Vegetables that have the highest oxalate are spinach, beets, rhubarb, okra, and potatoes. Other foods high in oxalates are wheat berries, soy flour, cocoa powder, hot chocolate, brown rice flour, and navy beans.
4. Cola
Another chemical that may encourage the buildup of stones is phosphate. Cola is high in phosphate, and you should avoid it if you are trying to keep your kidney healthy. Cola also contains a high amount of sugar. Added sugar maximizes the risk of kidney stones. Most processed foods and drinks have added sugars and syrups that you should eliminate in your diet. Other foods high in sugar are cake, ice cream, and cookies. To manage your daily sugar intake, you should check the label of your foods. Some manufacturers do not simply put “sugar” on their labels. Sugar is also called honey, corn syrup, fructose, glucose, and brown rice syrup.
