Crystals consisting of uric acid, calcium or oxalates can contribute to kidney stones -- the pain from which has been compared to childbirth in intensity. Typically, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit crystals from forming; however, in some people, stones still form. Crystals that remain small can simply travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body. Uric acid crystals also contribute to a painful form of arthritis called gout. A healthy diet, limited in certain foods, can help minimize gout and kidney stone formation. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Guidelines
Natural substances called purines stimulate uric acid production and as such, limiting purine-rich foods is important if you are prone to high uric acid levels, gout or uric acid-containing kidney stones. Limiting foods high in oxalates lowers your risk for oxalate-containing stones. People who form calcium oxalate stones should emphasize calcium-rich foods. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, drinking water and other fluids is the most important thing a you can do to prevent kidney stones. Because excess body weight increases your risk for gout and kidney stones, your diet should also help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight.
Helpful Foods
Antioxidant and fiber-rich foods can help reduce kidney stone symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Top sources of antioxidants include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens and bell peppers. High-fiber foods include beans, lentils, whole grains, artichokes, peas and raspberries. Eating more plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils and tofu, in place of meat and seafood can lower your uric acid levels, lowering your risk for gout flare-ups and uric acid stones. Valuable sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, fortified soy milk, tofu and almonds.
Foods to Limit
Because animal protein sources, including eggs, meat and fish, are high in purines, the NKUDIC recommends that people prone to uric acid stones limit meat consumption to no more than 6 oz. per day for lowered uric acid levels. To cut back on salt, avoid canned foods, frozen entrees, fast food, processed meats and cheeses and processed snacks, such as pretzels, potato chips and crackers. If you are prone to oxalate stones, limiting your intake of spinach, rhubarb, strawberries, beans, nuts, chocolate and wheat bran can help. Avoiding refined foods, such as white bread, instant rice and enriched pasta, leaves plentiful room in your diet for fiber and antioxidant-rich fare.
Beverages
Although staying well-hydrated is important for minimizing urinary crystal-related health problems, not all beverages are suitable. While adequate intake of low-fat milk, or 16 to 24 fluid oz. per day, can lower your uric acid levels, according to MayoClinic.com, grapefruit juice and dark colas can increase your risk for stone formation. And cranberry juice, coffee and tea are high in oxalates. For best results, drink at least 8 cups of water per day, or more upon your doctor's suggestion.
