Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard buildup in the kidney. When kidney stones are too big, it blocks the flow of urine. The kidney swells and causes pain.

What are possible causes?
  • Eat too much protein, salt, and/or sugar
  • Drink not enough water (dehydration)
  • Obesity
What are some symptoms?
  • Sharp pain in back
  • Pain when peeing
  • Blood in urine
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
What to do?
Calcium oxalate stones
  • Limit the amount of oxalate foods such as spinach, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, tea, rhubarb
  • Oxalate and calcium bind to one another so have calcium food or drink with oxalate food
  • Do not limit calcium
  • Limit salt
Uric acid stones
  • Limit high purine foods such as red meats, organ meats, alcholic drinks, meat based gravies, and sardines
  • Limit sugary drinks
  • Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Avoid calcium supplements
  • Drink at least 8 cups of water

Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes

  1. Kidney Stone Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, & Prevention. American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-problems/kidney-stones/. Updated June 17, 2020. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  2. Kidney Stone Diet Plan and Prevention. kidney.org. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/diet. Updated September 25, 2020. Accessed January 24, 2021.