While several types of kidney stones exist, calcium stones are the most common, according to MayoClinic.com. Kidney stones form when minerals collect, creating uneven, pebble-like stones in the thin nephrons of your kidneys. While calcium kidney stones be made from calcium in your diet, including milk products, this does not mean you should avoid drinking milk to prevent kidney stones.
Crystal Components
While calcium can be a major component of a kidney stone, it often is not the only component. Calcium binds with oxalate or phosphate in your kidneys to produce kidney stones. Oxalate and phosphate are two minerals that can stimulate your bones to release calcium. This means the presence of calcium from drinking milk in your diet is rarely to blame -- instead, it is other components of your diet, such as a high oxalate or phosphorus intake, that can contribute to kidney stone formation.
Research
A study conducted at Washington State University examined the difference between drinking milk and apple juice to determine if drinking milk caused an increased risk for kidney stone formation, according to the Dairy Council of California. The study found that drinking milk did not increase the risk for developing kidney stones. A calcium-rich diet also has been shown to reduce risk for kidney stones in men ages 40 to 75.
Considerations
Your body relies on you including calcium sources like milk in your daily diet. Calcium is responsible for strengthening your bones, keeping your heart beating and building healthy teeth. If you avoid drinking milk for fear of developing kidney stones, you may be missing out on needed calcium. You can drink as much as 600 mg of calcium in milk with no risk of developing kidney stones, according to the “Journal of Young Investigators.” This is about the equivalent of three 8-oz. glasses of milk.
Solution
Instead of reducing the amount of milk in your diet, your physician may recommend making other changes to reduce the likelihood calcium stones will form. For example, excess salt in your diet can contribute to calcium stone formation. Also, if your kidney stones are made from oxalate, which is most commonly found in high-protein foods, you may wish to reduce your intake of these. You may wish to avoid taking excess amounts of calcium supplements, as these may contribute to kidney stone formation, according to the Dairy Council of California. Talk to your physician about the appropriate calcium supplement intake.
