What should I not eat if I have ureteral stones?

Patients with ureteral stones need to avoid eating foods rich in oxalic acid, calcium salts and purines to reduce the risk of further stone formation or enlargement. At the same time, eating a light diet and drinking plenty of water can help prevent stone recurrence.

1Avoid high oxalate foods

Foods such as spinach, beets, celery, chocolate and nuts contain high levels of oxalic acid. Excessive absorption of oxalic acid by the body may lead to the formation of stones or the enlargement of existing stones. Patients are advised to reduce the intake of these foods and pair them with calcium-rich foods such as milk or cheese to help oxalic acid bind to calcium and be excreted in the digestive tract, reducing absorption.

2. Limit high-purine foods

Excessive consumption of high-purine foods such as animal offal, seafood such as clams, shrimps and crabs, and high-protein meats will increase the level of uric acid in urine and promote the formation of urate stones. Patients with ureteral stones should have a balanced diet and choose low-purine protein sources such as eggs and tofu.

3. Control high-salt and high-sugar diet

A high-salt diet can increase the calcium content in urine, which can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones; excessive sugar intake can also increase the urinary calcium excretion rate. Therefore, patients need to reduce their salt and sugar intake, preferably no more than 5 grams per day, and avoid high-sugar beverages and desserts.

4Avoid excessive intake of high calcium supplements

Although calcium is a necessary nutrient in the daily diet, patients with ureteral stones should be cautious about taking high-dose calcium supplements, because these may combine with oxalic acid in the intestine to form calcium salts, increasing the risk of stones. If supplementation is necessary, it is recommended to be done under the guidance of a doctor.

Dietary adjustment is very important to prevent the deterioration and recurrence of ureteral stones. Drinking plenty of water is the key to preventing and managing stones. It can dilute urine and reduce mineral deposition. The urine volume should be kept above 2 liters per day. If the symptoms are obvious or the pain persists, you should consult as soon as possible to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the composition and size of the stones. Through the above dietary management and good living habits, the harm of ureteral stones can be effectively reduced.