What are the dietary taboos for kidney stone examination?

Kidney stone patients need to pay special attention to their diet and avoid foods high in oxalate, salt, protein, and purine to reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence. Specific taboos include spinach, chocolate, coffee, strong tea, animal offal, seafood, pickled foods, etc. At the same time, drinking more water and increasing fiber-rich food intake can help prevent kidney stones.

1. High Oxalate Foods

Oxalic acid is one of the main components of kidney stones, and excessive intake increases the risk of stone formation. Foods such as spinach, beets, chocolate, coffee, and strong tea have high oxalic acid content, and kidney stone patients should try to avoid or reduce their intake. Oxalic acid and calcium combine to easily form calcium oxalate stones, so it is very important to control oxalic acid intake.

2. High-salt foods

A high-salt diet increases the excretion of calcium in urine, which in turn increases the risk of stone formation. Preserved foods, processed meats, canned foods, etc. have high salt content, so kidney stone patients should reduce their consumption. It is recommended that daily salt intake be controlled below 5 grams to reduce urinary calcium excretion and prevent stone recurrence.

3. High-protein foods

Excessive intake of animal protein will increase the concentration of uric acid and calcium in urine and promote stone formation. High-protein foods such as red meat, animal offal, and seafood should be consumed in moderation. It is recommended to choose plant protein such as beans and nuts as an alternative, while controlling the daily protein intake to between 0.8-1 gram per kilogram of body weight.

4. High-purine foods

Purine metabolism produces uric acid, and hyperuricemia is the main cause of uric acid stones. High-purine foods such as animal offal, sardines, and anchovies should be avoided as much as possible. At the same time, reduce alcohol intake, especially beer, because alcohol can interfere with uric acid metabolism and increase the risk of stones.

5. Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is the simplest and most effective way to prevent kidney stones. Adequate water intake can dilute the concentration of minerals in urine and reduce the possibility of stone formation. It is recommended to drink 2-3 liters of water per day, especially after exercise or in hot weather.

6. Increase fiber intake

Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can help reduce the concentration of calcium and oxalate in urine and reduce the risk of stones. Fiber can also promote intestinal peristalsis, help excrete excess minerals from the body, and further prevent stone formation.

Kidney stone patients need to strictly control their intake of foods high in oxalate, salt, protein, and purine. Drinking more water and increasing fiber intake can help prevent stone recurrence. Reasonable dietary adjustments can effectively reduce the incidence of kidney stones and improve the quality of life.