What it is
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are the formation of stones in the kidneys from salts and minerals.
Symptoms
- Severe pain in the back or abdomen
- Nausea
- Blood in the urine
Nutritional management
- Adequate water intake of at least 2–3 litres per day to increase urine volume
- Reduced salt intake to reduce calcium excretion in the urine
- Normal calcium intake from foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese)
- Limiting foods rich in oxalates in people with calcium-oxalate stones (spinach, beet greens, chocolate, nuts)
- Limiting consumption of red meat and other animal protein sources to reduce uric acid and urinary calcium
- Reducing consumption of processed foods, fizzy drinks and sweets
- Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables to raise citrate intake, which inhibits stone formation
When to consult a dietitian-nutritionist
- When there is a history of kidney stones or recurrent nephrolithiasis
- When there is a family history of kidney stones
- When a personalised nutrition plan is needed to prevent recurrence
- When education is needed on food choices and on limiting nutrients that contribute to stone formation
- When there are co-existing metabolic or renal disorders that affect stone formation