Kidney stones aren't generally life-threatening, but they can be extremely painful, which is why it's important to keep them from forming. One of the main lifestyle factors that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones is the amount of fat you consume, particularly in the case of calcium stones. Although some fat is an important part of a healthy diet, you may need to monitor your total fat intake if you are prone to this type of stone formation.
Identification
Kidney stones are small deposits in your kidneys composed of mineral and acid salt crystals. There are several types of kidney stones. Calcium stones, the most common form, usually are composed of calcium oxalate. Struvite stones are associated with urinary tract infections. Uric acid stones often are developed by people who are dehydrated, eat a high-protein diet, have gout or possess certain genetic markers. Cystine stones develop due to a hereditary condition. There are several other rare types of kidney stones as well. Symptoms of stones include severe pain in the side, abdomen and back; pain upon urination; urine colored pink, red or brown; nausea; vomiting; and sometimes fever and chills.
Significance
Kidney stones have been plaguing people for centuries. Scientists even found evidence of kidney stones in a 7,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse, or NKUDIC. The condition is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract; the NKUDIC reports patients make almost three million visits to health care providers and more than half a million emergency rooms visits each year for kidney stone problems. If you have a high body mass index, increased waist size or have gained weight, you are at an increased risk for kidney stones, according to MayoClinic.com. Consuming an unhealthy diet that includes high-fat foods also may make you more likely to form calcium oxalate stones.
Considerations
If you are prone to forming kidney stones, you may be more sensitive to a high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, which can contribute to stone formation. If you have hyperoxaluria, or excessive urinary oxalate, lowering the fat and oxalate in your diet can reduce your chance of developing calcium oxalate stones. However, not all health experts agree that a low-fat diet is necessary to limit stone formation. The July 2000 issue of "Urology" published a study by G.G. Bailly, R.W. Norman and C. Thompson called "Effects of Dietary Fat on the Urinary Risk Factors of Calcium Stone Disease." The authors found dietary fat didn't significantly affect urinary risk factors of calcium stone disease.
Recommendations
If you are concerned about the formation of calcium oxalate stones or have a family history of the condition, keep in mind that oxalate is fat-soluble. Consequently, reducing your dietary fat, especially saturated fat, may reduce the amount of oxalate you absorb. Otherwise, dietary recommendations are based on a number of factors as well as your individual requirements. Ask your health care provider for a referral to a dietitian who can help design a meal plan to decrease your risk of kidney stones.
Warning
If you experience any signs or symptoms of kidney stones, including pain so severe you can't sit still or find a comfortable position, pain with nausea and vomiting, or pain accompanied by fever and chills, you should see your health care provider as soon as possible.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Kidney Stones
- The Stone Center: Kidney Stones Prevention
- PubMed: Effects of Dietary Fat on the Urinary Risk Factors of Calcium Stone Disease
- "The New York Times": Health Guides--Kidney Stones In-Depth Report
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse (NKUDIC): Kidney Stones in Adults
