Kidney stone disease is a disease that affects one in every 11 people in society. Up to the age of 70, 19% of men and 9% of women may face this disease. Although there are many options for the treatment of the disease, a plan is generally made according to the patient's condition, location and size of the stone. The way to minimize the risk of recurrence of kidney stones is to change your lifestyle and create a healthy diet. Prof. from the Department of Urology. Dr. Abdullah Gedik gave information about 7 ways to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation before March 8, World Kidney Day.
1- Increase the amount of water you drink
The amount of fluid that should be taken daily varies depending on the person and the climate. The best thing to do is to consume enough fluid to ensure 1.5-2 liters of urine output per day. However, fluid intake should be spread throughout the day and excessive consumption should not be consumed in a certain part of the day. A glass of water every hour is the most practical and ideal. You should drink 2 glasses of water, especially after 2 hours of meals.
2- Take walks and exercise
The risk of stone formation increases in office workers. For this reason, daily exercises play an effective role in preventing kidney stones. Another important factor that increases the risk of kidney stone formation is obesity. For this reason, individuals with weight problems should reach their ideal weight levels with personalized nutrition programs. In this regard, unhealthy diets should be avoided. High blood pressure also increases the risk of stone formation for patients. It is important for hypertension patients to use their medications regularly and limit their salt intake.
3- Prefer freshly squeezed fruit juices
Homemade lemonade and fresh fruit juices. Fruit juices containing vitamin C, such as squeezed orange, tangerine and grapefruit juice, are drinks that will prevent kidney stone formation. These drinks contain a substance rich in citrate, called an inhibitor, which prevents stone formation. Lack of citrate in the body increases the risk of stone formation. Therefore, abundant consumption of such drinks is very important. However, ready-made and boxed fruit juices and grapefruit juice are not recommended.
4- Eat foods with high fiber content
There should be food diversity in the diet. Excessive consumption of a single food should be avoided. Foods with high fiber content should be preferred. Because constipation caused by a diet low in fiber also accelerates stone formation. Foods such as vegetables, fruits and legumes with high fiber content prevent constipation. Fibrous foods shorten the transit process of food through the intestine and therefore reduce the absorption of oxalate, which forms a significant part of stones.
5- Limit the consumption of protein-containing foods
Animal products. Consumption of proteins should be reduced. Excessive intake of animal foods such as red meat, offal and chicken increases the risk of stone formation. Therefore, protein intake must be calculated accurately on an individual basis. Animal and vegetable protein consumption should be balanced in the daily nutrition program. If a large amount of animal protein is consumed at one meal, a balance should be achieved by choosing vegetables at the next meal. In general, if individuals do not have protein restrictions, a 70 kg individual can consume 70 grams of protein per day.
6- Pay attention to salt use
Food should be less salty. Excessive salt consumption increases calcium absorption from the intestines. This causes more calcium to reach the kidneys, increasing the risk of stone formation. For this reason, very salty foods should not be consumed. Daily salt consumption of individuals who are genetically predisposed to stone formation should be 3 - 5 grams (about a teaspoon). In daily nutrition; It should not be forgotten that vegetables, fruits and bread contain salt. For this reason, vegetable dishes should be made without adding extra salt
7- Limit foods that pose a risk of stones
One of the most risky substances in terms of kidney stone formation is It is oxalate. For this reason, foods rich in oxalates should be excluded from the daily diet. Kidney stone patients should limit the consumption of some foods.
Beverages: Tea, coffee and alcohol…
Vegetables: Spinach, chard, beet, okra, corn, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, soy, parsley, dill, mallow, arugula, cress…
Fruit items: Figs, raspberries, red plums, strawberries, blackberries, currants…
Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts…
Sesame, chocolate, cocoa, mustard, soy…
Regular doctor check-up is important
Kidney stone disease is a genetic trait. It is a disease that is symptomatic and recurrent. For this reason, there is a risk of stone recurrence despite all preventive measures being taken. Regular urology check-ups are necessary to prevent permanent kidney damage in stone patients.
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