6 Foods That Can Lead To Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small solid fragments that do not disappear from the body on their own. They can get stuck in the urethra and cause a lot of pain. There are several factors that can lead to kidney stones.

When you maintain a healthy diet, there is less risk of the formation of kidney stones. In addition, it ensures that the kidney stones that are already in the body can be eliminated faster.

But prevention is better than cure.

That’s why we want to tell you which foods that can lead to kidney stones you should avoid. Especially if you are predisposed to kidney stones or have had them in the past.

Try to avoid these foods as much as possible or consume them in moderation.

Foods That Can Lead To Kidney Stones

1. Caffeine

Are you also fond of coffee in the morning? It may help you wake up in the morning, but it does cause damage.

Because you drink coffee, your kidneys have to work harder than usual. As a result, this habit could lead to the formation of kidney stones. 

Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea and soft drinks.

All these drinks increase the calcium level in the urine. Due to their stimulating effect, they can  lead to kidney failure in the long term.

2. Red meat

Animal protein and fat are also associated with kidney damage and could lead to kidney stones.

If you eat too much red meat, then you should know that the ingredient in red meat is difficult for your body to get rid of.

Red meat is also high in uric acid and purines. This could lead to the development of gout and kidney stones.

Asparagus, beans and cabbage also contain a lot of uric acid. So try to spread out your consumption of these foods to prevent uric acid build-up and the formation of kidney stones.

3. Artificial Sweeteners

We use them to sweeten desserts and teas, and can also be found in diet drinks and low-calorie products.

Although we are convinced that they are better than sugar, they have many serious side effects. Artificial sweeteners cause, among other things, kidney stones and have a negative influence on the functioning of the kidneys.

4. Salt

One of the most common problems in people’s diets is salt intake.

You may not be using too much salt when preparing food, but it’s a lot in prepared foods and it’s even in candy.

Salt also causes your blood pressure to rise and contributes to weight gain.

5. Shellfish

People whose bodies are prone to making kidney stones should avoid foods high in oxalates. This organic matter promotes the formation of kidney stones from calcium and salt. 

Foods high in oxalic acid include shellfish, as well as leafy greens, chocolate and walnuts.

In addition, it is better to reduce your consumption of peanuts, bran and beets  if you want to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Celery and liver also contain oxalic acid, but to a lesser extent.

Remember that the limit is 50 mg per day.

To limit the absorption of oxalic acid, it is best to eat a lot of calcium-rich foods. When you consume both at the same time, the oxalic acid can be better processed by the kidneys.

6. Dairy

Dairy products are a necessary and important part of our diet.

They contain a lot of calcium and are indispensable for the growth and strength of our bones. But they are not suitable for people who quickly develop kidney stones.

Consuming milk, yogurt and cheese increases the elimination of calcium through the urine and this makes the removal of kidney stones and other waste more difficult.

On the other hand, a lack of calcium in your diet has been linked to a higher risk of kidney stones. Therefore,  moderate use is recommended.

In other words, you shouldn’t cut  calcium from your diet, but try to get it from as many different foods as possible, including almonds.

So what can I eat to prevent kidney stones?

Now that you have a complete overview of products that you should avoid, it is also interesting to look at some foods that help prevent kidney stones.

In addition to following a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (exercising, not smoking and sufficient exercise), it is recommended to drink at least 12 glasses of water per day.

Most people are aware that they should drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day, but people with a predisposition to kidney stones should drink a few extra glasses.

If you drink 12 glasses of water a day, this means that you are producing 8 glasses of urine. Not only is water low in salt, it also helps to remove other waste products that collect in the urinary tract from the body.

Don’t really like drinking water? Then process it in smoothies, juices and tea. Or add a piece of lemon or other fruit to give your glass of water a special taste. In this way you also add extra nutrients that the body needs.

Remember that coffee, alcohol and soft drinks don’t count!