Hard as a rock

Kidney stones can’t break your bones but it sure can mess with your diet!

Filipinos call it “sakit sa bato.” Medically speaking it’s called urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis or ureterolithiasis depending on the location in the body. This is a very common disease mostly found in men but may also affect women. Symptom is severe pain at the side, back, lower abdomen and groin area. Frequent and painful urination may also be experienced.

Ever wondered how we get kidney stones? Let us take a quick tour of our urinary tract system and discover how kidney stone formation happens. The urinary tract is composed of four parts:

Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs. (Feel the lower part of your ribs and imagine your kidneys at the middle of the back part). Kidneys are responsible for removing wastes and extra water from the blood in the form of urine which is excreted from the body.

Ureters are small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to be stored.

The bladder is triangle-shaped and used as a storage place for urine. It stretches and expands depending on the volume of urine.

The urethra is a tube where urine passes through to be removed from the body as waste. In women, urethra is only used for urinating while males use it for urination and ejaculation of semen.

Kidney stones are formed when minerals crystallize resulting from increased urine concentration due to inadequate fluid intake. High sodium (salt) intake and high doses of Vitamin D also increase risk. The most common type of stone is calcium combined with oxalate or phosphorus. These minerals are obtained from normal food intake. In adequate amounts, these minerals are important to maintain healthy bones and muscles.

If you suspect that you have kidney stones, seek medical help immediately for proper assessment and treatment.

Nutrition intervention is essential in managing and preventing kidney stones. Only a registered nutritionist dietitian can recommend diets related to this condition.

To prevent kidney stone formation and to help break it down and facilitate excretion through the urine, drink at least 2.5 liters or 10 cups of water. If you perspire a lot and during hot weather conditions, more fluids should be consumed.

Some foods need to be avoided or consumed in less amount depending on the type of kidney stone.

Calcium containing foods like dairy products may be lessened but not totally avoided. Calcium supplements must be avoided.

Oxalate containing foods are mostly from plants. Avoid or limit the following foods: nuts, green beans, sweet potato or kamote, turnip, spinach, beets, carrots, okra, tomatoes, pumpkin, rhubarb, parsnips, parsley, celery, strawberries, grapefruit, plum, prunes, raspberries, tangerine, orange, and lemon peel; juices such as orange, cranberry, grape and grapefruit; breads and baked products containing wheat bran; chocolate, coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol, tea, bagoong, fish sauce or patis, soy sauce.

In some cases, kidney stones are formed from uric acid called uric acid lithiasis or stones. This occurs in people with gout, a form of arthritis that affects joints. The kidneys are unable to effectively excrete uric acid.

Since uric acid is formed when purine is broken down in the body, a purine controlled diet should be adapted as part of treatment for uric acid lithiasis. The following foods with high purine content must be avoided: liver and glandular organs; anchovies; sardines; and meat extracts.

Foods that contain moderate purine must be consumed in moderation such as: fish and seafood, lean meat, chicken and other poultry, beans, tofu, soy, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, and oatmeal.

The previously listed foods should not be avoided or limited unless you have kidney stones. These foods are rich sources of nutrients that are beneficial to the body but should always be eaten in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet for normal individuals.

Make an effort to drink lots of water even when you’re not thirsty. Remember that proper hydration is prevention!