Kidney stones often lack a single, definitive cause, though several factors can elevate an individual’s risk. Among these factors, diet is commonly scrutinized, leading to many misconceptions about which foods and drinks to avoid or consume to prevent kidney stones. Dr. Aaron Potretzke, a urologist at Mayo Clinic, clarifies these dietary myths in a Mayo Clinic Minute.
A frequent question Dr. Potretzke encounters from his patients is about dietary risks for kidney stones. His response is often unexpected.
“Generally speaking, there is no particular food or drink that’s totally off-limits,” Dr. Potretzke explains. “If you undergo a metabolic stone evaluation and we identify the type of stone and the specific electrolytes or minerals in your urine, we may advise avoiding certain foods.”
Dr. Potretzke emphasizes that increasing clear liquid intake is crucial for preventing kidney stones.
“The more urine you produce, which depends on your clear fluid intake, the less likely you are to develop a stone,” he states.
Beverages high in citric acid, such as lemon and lime juice, can be beneficial for kidney stone patients. Contrary to popular belief, milk does not cause kidney stones. Dr. Potretzke highlights the importance of calcium intake.
“Restricting milk intake might paradoxically increase your risk of kidney stones. We recommend a normal amount of calcium per day for almost all stone-formers, including dairy products like milk and cheese,” Dr. Potretzke advises.
In summary, while diet can influence the risk of kidney stones, there is no universal food or drink to completely avoid. Individualized dietary recommendations based on specific metabolic evaluations are key, along with maintaining adequate clear fluid intake to reduce the likelihood of stone formation.
