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Individuals with kidney stones should avoid foods high in oxalate, excessive salt, and animal protein. These foods increase crystal formation in the urine, triggering stone development and causing existing stones to grow. Dietary regulation is a fundamental component of the treatment process.
Foods high in oxalate are among the leading factors increasing the risk of kidney stones. Spinach, beetroot, chocolate, tea, and nuts are rich in oxalates. Excessive consumption of these foods increases calcium oxalate accumulation in the urine, facilitating stone formation.
Excessive salt consumption supports stone formation by increasing calcium excretion through the kidneys. Processed foods, pickles, brined products, and packaged snacks contain high amounts of sodium. Following a low-sodium diet is an important step in protecting kidney health.
A diet rich in animal protein increases uric acid and calcium levels, raising the risk of stone formation. Red meat, organ meats, and excessive protein intake may disrupt urinary balance. Balanced protein intake and preference for plant-based sources provide a protective effect.
Foods to Avoid According to the Type of Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are among the most common urological problems worldwide and can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. In addition to genetic factors, dietary habits also play a major role in stone formation. Since each type of stone has a different formation mechanism, the foods that should be avoided also vary.
In Calcium Oxalate Stones: Calcium oxalate stones are among the most common types of kidney stones. Excessive consumption of foods high in oxalate plays an important role in the formation of these stones. Oxalate is naturally found in many vegetables, fruits, and nuts. However, when consumed excessively, it can combine with calcium and form stones in the kidneys.
For this reason, people with calcium oxalate stones should primarily avoid foods such as spinach, chard, beetroot, chocolate, cocoa products, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts. In addition, black tea, coffee, and some legumes should also be consumed carefully because they are rich in oxalates.
Another important point is reducing excessive salt and refined sugar consumption. Salt increases the risk of stones by increasing calcium excretion through the kidneys. Refined sugar may disrupt the body’s mineral balance.
However, completely eliminating calcium is not correct. Because calcium deficiency causes oxalate to be absorbed more in the intestines. This triggers stone formation. The correct approach is to consume natural calcium sources such as milk and yogurt in balanced amounts.
- In Uric Acid Stones: Uric acid stones generally occur as a result of a high-protein diet. Especially red meat, organ meats, seafood (anchovies, sardines, shrimp), and processed meats (sucuk, salami, sausage) increase uric acid levels in the body and raise the risk of stone formation.
- In addition, alcohol (especially beer and wine) disrupts uric acid metabolism and facilitates stone formation. Sugary and carbonated drinks should also be limited because they increase uric acid.
- The most important dietary rule in uric acid stones is reducing animal protein and turning to plant-based proteins. Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans can be consumed in moderation.
- In Cystine Stones: Cystine stones occur due to a genetic disease called cystinuria and are rarer than other types of stones. In patients with cystinuria, the kidneys cannot adequately filter the amino acid called cystine. This leads to cystine accumulation in the urine and stone formation.
It is very important to pay attention to protein intake in controlling cystine stones. Especially animal proteins such as red meat, chicken, and fish may increase cystine levels. Therefore, these foods should be consumed in moderation.
In addition, salt consumption is one of the most important factors triggering cystine stones. Excess salt increases cystine excretion through the kidneys and raises the risk of stone formation. Therefore, patients should avoid pickles, processed foods, packaged foods, and fast-food products.
What Should Be Eaten to Pass Kidney Stones?
Passing a kidney stone is both painful and a process that requires patience. In addition to treatment methods, proper nutrition can help the stone pass more easily. So, what should a person who wants to pass a kidney stone eat, and which foods should they choose?
The first and most important step is consuming plenty of fluids. Drinking at least 2.5–3 liters of water daily dilutes the urine and facilitates the movement of the stone. In addition to water, lemon water and citrus juices may help prevent stone growth and support dissolution thanks to the citrate they contain.
Vegetables and fruits rich in fiber also play a major role in nutrition. Low-oxalate fruits such as apples, pears, melons, and grapes reduce the risk of stones, while vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber are also healthy choices. However, vegetables high in oxalates such as spinach, beetroot, and chard should be avoided.
Balance in protein consumption is very important. Excessive red meat, chicken, or fish may increase uric acid levels and make stone formation more difficult to control. Instead, plant-based protein sources (lentils, chickpeas, beans) should be preferred. In addition, moderate calcium sources such as low-fat milk and yogurt may reduce the risk of stones by binding oxalate in the intestines.
Whole grains, oats, and bran products regulate the digestive system while also maintaining the body’s mineral balance. In addition, reducing salt consumption eases the burden on the kidneys and facilitates the process of passing stones.
What Dissolves Kidney Stones the Fastest?
There is no miraculous food or medication that directly dissolves stones. However, thanks to modern treatment methods developed today, stones can be removed safely and effectively.
- ESWL: It is one of the most preferred treatment methods, especially for kidney stones smaller than 2 cm. During this procedure, high-energy sound waves sent from outside the body focus on the stone and break it into small pieces. These pieces are then expelled from the body through urine. Its advantage is that it can be performed without a surgical incision, and the patient can usually be discharged on the same day.
- URS / RIRC: In some cases, the stone may be located in the ureter (urinary canal) or inside the kidney. In such situations, endoscopic methods are applied. A thin camera is inserted through the urinary tract, and the stone is fragmented with a laser. This method is especially used successfully in hard stones or cases where ESWL is not effective.
- PNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): One of the most effective methods in the treatment of large stones is PNL. In this method, the kidney is reached through a small incision made in the back area, and the stones are broken and removed with special devices. It is generally preferred for stones larger than 2 cm. It is less invasive compared to open surgery and has a high success rate.
Open or Laparoscopic Kidney Stone Surgery: Thanks to advancing technology, open surgery is now rarely needed. However, open or laparoscopic surgery may be required in very large, complex, or stones that cannot be treated with other methods. Since laparoscopic surgery is performed with smaller incisions, the recovery process is faster.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Kidney Stones from Forming?
Once a kidney stone forms, the possibility of recurrence is quite high. Therefore, the main goal after treatment is to prevent the formation of new stones. Certain changes in daily habits to protect kidney health can significantly reduce the risk of stones.
The first and most important step is drinking water regularly. When sufficient fluids are not consumed, the urine becomes concentrated and stone-forming minerals may crystallize and come together again. To prevent this, water should be consumed at regular intervals throughout the day. Consuming an average of 2.5–3 liters of water helps keep the kidneys continuously clean and significantly reduces the risk of stone recurrence.
Nutrition also plays a critical role in stone formation. Excessive salt, sugar, and processed foods put a burden on the kidneys and increase the risk of stones. Instead, a diet based on more natural, fresh vegetables and fruits should be preferred. However, since everyone’s stone structure is different, a personalized diet plan is the most accurate approach. At this point, the support of a urology specialist and dietitian is of great importance.
A sedentary lifestyle also prepares the ground for kidney stones. Regular exercise maintains the body’s mineral balance and has a protective effect against stone formation. Even daily walks are beneficial in this respect. At the same time, reducing stress and getting regular sleep positively affect metabolism and support kidney health.
Finally, regular doctor check-ups should not be neglected. Thanks to blood and urine tests, mineral imbalances causing stone risk can be detected at an early stage. If necessary, recurrence of stones can be prevented with preventive medication treatments.
What Happens If a Kidney Stone Remains for a Long Time?
Kidney stones are generally treatable when detected at an early stage. However, remaining in the kidney untreated for a long time may lead to serious health problems. Therefore, even if the stone is small, it should not be neglected with the thought that it is “harmless.”
The most common problem caused by stones remaining in the kidney for a long time is urinary obstruction. When the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder is blocked, pressure inside the kidney increases and kidney tissue gradually begins to be damaged. As this condition progresses, swelling of the kidney called hydronephrosis occurs. If untreated, hydronephrosis may result in permanent kidney damage.
Kidney stones also create a basis for infection. When there is obstruction in the urinary tract, bacteria can multiply more easily and recurrent urinary tract infections may occur. As these infections progress, life-threatening conditions such as high fever, kidney infection (pyelonephritis), and even sepsis spreading into the bloodstream may develop.
Another consequence of stones left untreated for a long time is chronic kidney failure. Damage and loss of function in kidney tissue may lead to an irreversible permanent condition. In advanced cases, the patient may require dialysis.
Is Laser Kidney Stone Removal Dangerous?
One of the most preferred methods in the treatment of kidney stones in recent years is laser stone fragmentation. This procedure, known medically as URS (Ureterorenoscopy) or RIRC (Flexible ureterorenoscopy), is based on entering through the urinary tract with a camera and breaking the stone into small pieces using a laser. So, is this method dangerous?
The greatest advantage of laser stone fragmentation is that there is no need for open surgery. No large incision is made in the body. In this way, the patient returns to daily life in a short time and the recovery process is quite fast. In addition, since the laser breaks stones into very small pieces, the risk of recurrence is lower.
As with any surgical intervention, laser stone fragmentation also has some risks. Temporary burning during urination, bleeding, or pain may occur during the procedure. Rarely, narrowing or trauma in the urinary canal may develop. However, these complications are generally temporary and treatable. Antibiotic protection is provided before and after the procedure against the risk of infection.
Laser kidney stone fragmentation is a highly effective method, especially for stones smaller than 2 cm. However, if the stone is very large or spread to different parts of the kidney, other methods (for example PNL) may be preferred. Therefore, the urology specialist should decide which patient is suitable for laser treatment.
Laser kidney stone fragmentation is currently accepted as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method. Its dangers are almost negligible, and the risk of serious complications is quite low. When the right patient selection is made, laser stone fragmentation both increases patient comfort and provides an important advantage in protecting kidney health.
The Easiest Way to Pass a Kidney Stone
The easiest way to pass a kidney stone varies from person to person. Today, different methods are successfully applied.
In small stones with the potential to move, the easiest way is generally plenty of fluid consumption and medication treatment. Drinking plenty of water together with medications that relax the urinary tract may help the stone pass on its own. This method is quite comfortable as long as pain control is maintained.
In larger or non-passing stones, ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy) comes into play. This method breaks the stone into small pieces with sound waves delivered from outside the body. Its advantage is that it does not require an incision and can generally be performed on an outpatient basis. However, if the stone is hard or large, more than one session may sometimes be required.
Laser stone fragmentation (URS/RIRC) is frequently preferred for stones in the ureter or inside the kidney. The laser is applied through the urinary tract and the stone is fragmented. The advantage of this method is that it can break stones into very small pieces. The recovery period is also generally quite short.
In larger stones, the PNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) method stands out. The stone is directly removed by reaching the kidney through a small incision in the back area. It is more invasive compared to ESWL and URS, but it is a highly effective solution especially for stones larger than 2 cm.
Prof. Dr. Berkan Reşorlu, born in Ankara in 1979, completed his medical education at Ankara University between 1997 and 2003, and his specialization in urology at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine between 2003 and 2008. Academically, he received the title of associate professor in 2013 and professor in 2022.
He has conducted extensive case series studies in the field of endoscopic stone surgery, contributed surgeries performed on children under the age of 1 to the literature, and has gained international recognition with his stone scoring system and experimental surgical models.
