Lao Yang, a 52-year-old worker, was examined for waist discomfort 20 years ago and was diagnosed with multiple stones in his left kidney and ureter. At that time, intraureteral stones were treated by extracorporeal lithotripsy technique while the kidney stones were not moved. In the past 20 years, Lao Yang's diet has not been specially adjusted, and the problem of stones has gradually been ignored. Recently, frequent and severe low back pain forced him to seek medical attention, and CT revealed that the left kidney stone had filled the entire kidney and urgently needed surgery. Doctors eventually removed 320 stones from his body, a rare case in the medical world.
Excessive protein intake significantly increases the risk of kidney stone formation, mainly because these foods increase the concentration of oxalic acid and uric acid in the urine, which can account for about 80% of the stone components. Long-term consumption of a high-protein diet can lead to increased levels of calcium and oxalate in the urine, which in turn increases the chance of kidney stone formation. Local structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as urinary tract obstruction, infection, and the presence of foreign bodies, are also key factors in the formation of stones. Not only can a blocked urinary tract trigger infection and stones, but the stones themselves can also become a foreign body in the urinary tract, exacerbating the blockage and infection. Excessive intake of a high-fat diet also has a significant effect on the formation of kidney stones. High-calorie and high-fat foods make it difficult for the intestines to absorb calcium, reducing urine output, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the body, which in turn leads to the formation of kidney stones.
Irrational dietary habits, such as excessive intake of protein and fat over a long period of time, can lead to increased levels of uric acid, oxalic acid and calcium in the urine, which may lead to the formation of kidney stones if these substances are not excreted in time. Finally, metabolic abnormalities in the body are also a factor in the formation of kidney stones. Cystine, oxalic acid, uric acid and other components in urine are prone to the formation of stones in physiological disorders, which is related to the decrease in the amount of substances in the urine that prevent the formation and aggregation of crystals, and the decrease in urine output.
Avoid foods high in oxalate: Since the vast majority of stones are formed from calcium oxalate, limit foods rich in oxalic acid, such as spinach, coriander, and green peppers, and reduce alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Limit protein intake: The breakdown of protein increases the amount of uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the urine, which are all contributing factors to stone formation. Patients with kidney stones are advised to keep their daily protein intake below 180 grams. Reduce sugar, salt and fat intake: Foods high in sugar can increase oxalic acid levels in the body and promote stone formation; Excess table salt can increase the concentration of calcium in the blood; And the metabolism of meat produces a large amount of uric acid. Therefore, it is recommended that the daily salt intake should not exceed 3 grams.
Control your intake of vitamins C and D: Although vitamins C and D are beneficial to the body, excess vitamin C produces oxalic acid, and vitamin D promotes the absorption and storage of calcium, so it should be limited to no more than 400 mg per day. Avoid high-purine foods: High-purine foods such as organ meats, certain seafood, peanuts, beans and beer should be excluded from the diet to reduce the risk of stone formation.