Dangerous menu: which foods contribute to the formation of kidney stones

Dangerous menu: which foods contribute to the formation of kidney stones

Urolithiasis is a common urological disease that is accompanied by the formation of hard mineral deposits in the kidneys. According to medical research, one of the main risk factors for the development of this pathology is malnutrition. Some foods can significantly increase the likelihood of stone formation, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to it or due to other medical conditions.

One of the main enemies of healthy kidneys is excessive salt consumption. The sodium contained in salt contributes to the excretion of calcium in the urine, which increases the risk of calcium stone formation. Excess salt often enters the body not only through salty dishes, but also through processed foods, fast food, canned food and sausages.

Another product that is often associated with the formation of kidney stones is red meat. It contains a large amount of animal protein, which increases the level of uric acid in the body. This can lead to the formation of urate stones. Frequent consumption of beef, pork, lamb or offal (liver, kidneys) should be limited, especially for people with established kidney problems.

Oxalates are another category of substances associated with the formation of stones, in particular calcium oxalate stones. They are found in spinach, beets, rhubarb, nuts, chocolate and tea. Excessive consumption of these products, especially in combination with foods rich in calcium, can cause crystals to form in the urinary system.

Sweet carbonated drinks, especially those containing phosphates, can also contribute to the formation of stones. The high sugar content, in particular fructose, negatively affects the metabolism of calcium and uric acid. Studies have shown that consuming more than one carbonated drink per day significantly increases the risk of kidney stones.

No less harmful is a low amount of fluid in the diet. Dehydration slows down the excretion of minerals from the body and promotes their crystallization. That is why doctors recommend drinking at least 2–2.5 liters of water per day to avoid the accumulation of salts in the kidneys. Finally, nutrition plays a key role in the prevention of urolithiasis. To reduce the risk of stone formation, it is important to limit the intake of salt, animal protein, foods high in oxalates and sugar. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, water and moderate amounts of calcium is the best strategy for maintaining kidney health.