There are different types of kidney stones, which can be formed by calcium and oxalate, such as calcium oxalate stones, or develop after a urinary infection, as is the case with struvite stones, for example.
Kidney stones are a hardened mass that forms inside the kidney and can be caused by factors such as low water intake, a diet rich in protein and/or sodium, for example. Learn more about the causes of kidney stones.
Although all types of kidney stones cause similar symptoms, knowing the type of stone is important to ensure adequate nutrition, thus preventing the formation of new stones.
4 main types of kidney stones
There are 4 main types of kidney stones:
1. Calcium Oxalate Stone
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common and usually arise due to low fluid intake, excessive consumption of foods rich in calcium oxalate or changes in kidney function.
Food: It is important to avoid foods rich in oxalates such as spinach, strawberries, beets, chocolate, coffee, black tea, cola, soy and oilseeds such as chestnuts or walnuts. In addition, you should increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, and avoid using protein, vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium supplements without guidance from a doctor or nutritionist.
It is also important to drink plenty of water, use less salt when preparing food and avoid products rich in salt, such as sausages, ready-made sauces and chicken broths, as excess salt increases the amount of calcium in the kidneys, increasing the chance of forming new ones. calculations.
Furthermore, another tip is to use probiotics with the bacteria Oxalobacter formigeneswhich helps break down calcium oxalate crystals and should be used according to your doctor’s instructions.
2. Uric acid stone
Uric acid stones occur when the pH of the urine becomes too low, increasing the concentration of urine and favoring the formation of uric acid crystals and kidney stones. This type of stone can appear in people who have gout, who drink little water or who consume large amounts of animal proteins, for example.
Food: To prevent new uric acid stones, you must reduce the consumption of animal protein, such as meat, fish, chicken and offal, such as liver, heart and gizzard. Reducing protein in the diet reduces the amount of uric acid in the body, returning the urine pH to normal and preventing new crises.
In addition to meat, you should also avoid meat broths and alcoholic beverages, especially beer, as they also cause an increase in uric acid. See other foods that increase uric acid.
3. Struvite stone
Struvite stones typically form after a urinary tract infection, mainly caused by bacteria. Pseudomonas, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella e Urealisticwhich increase the pH of the urine and facilitate the formation of this type of kidney stone.
Food: To prevent new stones, you should consume foods that strengthen the immune system, such as tomatoes, strawberries, chestnuts and sunflower seeds, as they help prevent and fight new urinary infections. Discover other foods that strengthen the immune system.
Another tip is to consume cranberries daily, also called cranberries or cranberries, which are an antibacterial fruit that helps maintain kidney health. To obtain these benefits, you must consume 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries, 15 g of dehydrated cranberries or 100 ml of its juice daily.
4. Cystine stone
Cystine stones are caused by a rare genetic disease called cystinuria, which causes high levels of cystine, a type of amino acid, in the urine.
Food: To avoid this type of stone, it is important to drink plenty of water, as good hydration helps prevent the formation of stones in the urine. Furthermore, it is also recommended to reduce meat consumption and salt intake in the diet.
