As you probably know, water is essential to overall health. Kidney stones often occur due to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones. Doctors recommend that the average person should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
The most common type of kidney stones consists of the compound calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a natural compound found in foods that binds with calcium in urine to form what we know as kidney stones. Limiting foods that are high in oxalate may help prevent the stones from forming. Examples of oxalate-rich foods are spinach, chocolate, sweet potatoes, and coffee.
Eating too much animal protein such as beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and dairy products boosts the level of uric acid and may lead to kidney stones. Although you may need to reduce the amount of animal protein you eat each day, it is important to make sure you are still getting enough protein. Consider replacing some of the meat with plant-based protein such as beans, dried peas, or lentils.
Many people believe they should avoid calcium intake because the most common kidney stone is the calcium oxalate stones. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Too little calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise, which can result in kidney stones. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, low-fat cheese, and low-fat yogurt.
