Why is Knowing Which Type of Kidney Stone I Have Important?

In order to prevent kidney stones, it is important to understand what is causing the stones to form. This will help your health care provider suggest diet changes to prevent future stones from developing.

Drink enough fluids to produce at least 2 liters of urine a day!

Notably, drinking enough fluids help prevent all kinds of stones by keeping urine diluted and flushing away materials that might form stones.
Health care providers recommend 2-3 liters of fluid a day.

Diet Recommendations based on type of kidney stone:

	Calcium Oxalate Stones	Calcium Phosphate Stones	Uric Acid Stones
Reduce Sodium	Yes	Yes
Reduce Animal Protein	Yes	Yes	Yes
Increase Calcium	Yes	Yes
Avoid foods high in oxalate	Yes

Sodium: 

Sodium causes kidneys to excrete more calcium into the urine. Concentrations of calcium in the urine mix with oxalate and phosphorus to create stones. The U.S recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day, but Americans' intake averages about 3,400 mg.

Animal Protein (eggs, fish, meat):

Purines are found in animal protein, which are known to break down into uric acid in the urine. People who form uric acid stones should limit consumption to 6 oz. each day. The acid found in animal protein reduces citrate in the urine, which are known to prevent kidney stones.

Calcium:

Calcium from food found in the digestive tracts keeps oxalate from food from entering the blood, and the urinary tracts where it can form stones. People who form calcium oxalate stones should include 800 mg of calcium a day. However, calcium supplements may increase the risk of these stones if they are not taken with food.

Oxalate:

Because some oxalate in the urine is formed by the body, eating foods high in oxalate can increase the amount in our urine and it can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate stones.



Sources:

National Kidney and Urologic DiseasesInformation Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kidneystonediet/

Kidney stones. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/basics/prevention/con-20024829

Pinterest. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2014, from www.pinterest.com