|
|
|
Kidney Stones and Diet
February 16, 2009 |
Kidney stones can take on many different shapes and sizes and over ten percent of
Americans will have at least one in their lifetime. Men are affected with kidney
stones about twice as often women.
Dr. Paul Bretton is a urologist on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. He says, “The most common type of kidney stone is those made of calcium.
The most common type is calcium oxalate.” Because of this, many doctors have told
their patients to cut down on calcium.
However, recent studies suggest that such a diet might not prevent kidney stones
after all. “Calcium is good for you. Ok, calcium can actually protect you from kidney
stones,” says Dr. Bretton. So doctors are now prescribing low-salt, low-protein
diets. Dr. Bretton adds, “If you present the kidney with a lot of sodium, the kidney
will preferentially save that sodium and get rid of the calcium. Therefore, increasing the concentration of calcium in your urine.”
Dr. Bretton also recommends limiting your animal protein intake to about 12 ounces
a day and avoid drinks such as iced tea, grapefruit juice and caffeinated drinks.
“You should drink at least two liters of fluid per day, but most people don’t. What
type of fluid? Mainly water,” says Dr. Bretton.
For most patients the pain associated with kidney stones can’t be ignored. Dr. Bretton
adds, “Most women say that a kidney stone is worse than childbirth and that’s how
severe the pain is.” Depending on the size of the kidney stone and where it’s located,
there are several treatment options available. Be sure to ask your physician what
would work best for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
