Khaberni - Professor Vighen Malkhasian, a urology and oncology specialist, reported that kidney stones usually form as a result of poor nutrition. He identifies the causative foods and how to modify the diet to maintain kidney health.
According to him, if urine analysis shows more than 0.5 millimoles per day of oxalates, this indicates high levels of calcium oxalate (oxalic acid salts), necessitating monitoring of their dietary sources.
For the prevention of kidney stones, it is advised to avoid or reduce intake of certain foods rich in oxalates, such as: cocoa, black tea, chocolate (especially those high in cocoa), as well as leafy vegetables like spinach, sorrel, parsley, celery, green peppers, beets, and fruits such as figs and rhubarb, and nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts, along with buckwheat.
He points out that the belief that calcium should be reduced in patients with kidney stones is a misconception, as the calcium present in dairy products plays an important role in reducing the absorption of oxalates in the intestines.
He explains that the recommended daily amount of calcium for the prevention of urinary tract stones ranges from 1000 to 1200 mg, which is roughly equivalent to a liter of milk or yogurt, or about 7 to 10 slices of cheese, or approximately a kilogram of cottage cheese. Meanwhile, reduction in salt consumption is necessary, as sodium increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which raises the risk of stone formation.
It is also advised not to overconsume animal protein, as excessive consumption of meat, poultry, and fish leads to higher levels of uric acid, which may contribute to the formation of uric acid stones and calcium oxalate stones.
Conversely, it is recommended to increase the intake of fiber, as fruits and vegetables not only contain fiber but also citrate (Citrate), which are natural substances that inhibit stone formation by binding with calcium in the urine and preventing its deposition.
The professor affirms that adhering to these simple dietary guidelines can help reduce the concentration of substances that cause stone formation in the urine, and generally supports kidney health.
