SHOULD ALL KIDNEY STONE PATIENTS FOLLOW THE SAME DIET?

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 No, all kidney stone patients should not follow the same diet because not everyone has the same type of kidney stone. As a kidney stone patient you tend to believe every piece of information presented to you in the form of diet chart but to be sure about the impact, do not forget to rely upon a verified medical professional as your diet decides your lifestyle.
There are mainly 4 types of kidney stones diagnosed in patients, namely
1. Calcium stone
2. Uric stone
3. Struvite stone
4. Cystine stone
The composition, structure, risk, method of dilution or breakage is quite different as far as the above stones are concerned. Though word of mouth about kidney stone is misleading still people rely upon them without any reluctance.

1. Patients with calcium oxalate stones

The most common type of kidney stone diagnosed in patients is calcium stones that form mainly due to the excess accumulation of oxalate, calcium, protein in the urine. So as to follow the proper diet chart do consult a verified dietician, it can save you from the risk of getting more stones. If you take calcium supplements or too much salt, it’s difficult to get rid of kidney stones in short run.
Diet
• Calcium oxalate stone cannot be broken or diluted with medication
• Drink 10-12 glasses of water to maintain the urine colorless
• Add lemonade to your fluid intake as it makes urine acidic that can dilute stones.
• Strictly say no to animal meat especially red meat
• Prefer a balanced diet in case of vegetables & fruits.
• Eat or drink milk products to lower the oxalate level

2. Patients with Uric stone

Uric stones are formed due to frequent urinary infections. Patients face less urine formation because of less water intake, excessive red meat consumption & also gout- a type of arthritis. Uric stones are the only type of kidney stone that can be broken or diluted using medication. Once we know the reason behind stone formation, it is easier to avoid the complexities related.

Diet

• Uric acid stones can be dissolved with certain medications & change in diet.
• Include more fluids in diet, drink water, avoid alcoholic beverages, and exclude red meat from your regular diet, avoid eating organ meat like liver, pancreases etc.
• Avoid sea food that contains purine.

3. Patients with Struvite stone

These patients experience urinary tract infections more often because of the stones forms & grow quickly in size leading to hindrance in urine passage. Most of the patients of struvite stone are women. Alkaline urine doesn’t dissolve minerals like ammonium, magnesium & phosphate that are the main composition of struvite stone.

Diet

• The key to get rid of kidney stones is drinking more water
• Struvite stones are difficult to remove with medications
• Increase citric fruits & juices in regular diet
• Avoid eating unhygienic food & regulate the food rich in magnesium & phosphate.

4. Patients with cystine stone

Cystine stone is one of the rarest types of kidney stones mainly found in men. It is usually hereditary i.e.; if your family members have had kidney stones, you may be a kidney stone patient in your life-time. Excess formation of amino acids in the body leads to cystine kidney stones.

Diet

• Patients with cystinuria are more prone to develop cystine stone
• Some medications & remedies can help get rid of kidney of these stone
• Increase the amount of water intake & other fluids
• Exclude animal meat & alcoholic beverages from regular diet.
• Stay away from extra salty food like chips, fries, burgers etc.