Proper lifestyle adjustments are important for preventing both liver and kidney stones. This includes aspects such as diet, hydration, emotional well-being, exercise, and work. Let's take a look at how stone patients should properly regulate their lives.
A Balanced Diet
1. Cholesterol
Supersaturation of cholesterol is the main mechanism for cholesterol stone formation. Dietary cholesterol intake is the main source of cholesterol in the body. Therefore, to prevent cholesterol stones, a low cholesterol diet is recommended, with a daily intake of less than 300mg. Avoid high cholesterol foods such as animal organs, egg yolks, and fish (shrimp, crab) roe.
2. Fat and Protein
Fatty foods can stimulate the release of cholecystokinin and enhance gallbladder contraction. During acute attacks of gallbladder stones, fatty foods should be avoided. In the chronic phase, animal fats should be consumed in moderation (plant oils have a beneficial effect on bile and do not need to be restricted). High-risk individuals, especially those who are obese, should limit their consumption as an excessive intake can contribute to stone formation.
Protein is an important physiological substance and the diet should meet the body's needs. Long-term low-protein diets and a lack of essential amino acids are risk factors for bilirubin stone formation. It also reduces tissue damage resistance, leading to an increased incidence of bile duct stenosis and secondary biliary tract infections, which are favorable for pigment stone formation. However, excessive protein intake is also detrimental to tissue repair.
3. Carbohydrates and Fiber
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. During acute attacks of gallstones, fatty foods should be avoided and a high-carbohydrate liquid diet can be adopted. In the chronic phase, carbohydrates should be supplemented appropriately, with a daily intake of 300-350g. Excessive intake and excessive total calorie intake can lead to increased cholesterol levels. This should be especially restricted for individuals with hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and obesity. Some people believe that excessive intake can also promote kidney stone formation.
Fiber can increase bile salt excretion, inhibit cholesterol absorption, and stimulate intestinal peristalsis, which is beneficial for bowel movements. Therefore, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in fiber such as green leafy vegetables, radishes, legumes, fruits, and whole grains for the prevention and treatment of gallstones and infections.
4. Vitamins
Vitamin A has a preventive effect on gallstones and large doses can promote bile duct repair. Many studies have also shown that vitamin C has a preventive effect on gallstones. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes, improves liver cell function, accelerates glycogen synthesis, maintains calcium homeostasis in liver cells, normalizes bile acid metabolism, increases bile acid pool, and prevents gallstone formation. Most leafy vegetables and fruits contain rich vitamin C and fiber, which are beneficial for preventing gallstones. However, excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to high oxalate urine and promote the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys.
5. Water
Hydration is important for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water can dilute urine, increase urine flow, reduce the chance of stone formation, promote the excretion of small stones, and facilitate drainage in case of infection. Develop the habit of drinking plenty of water, maintaining a daily urine output of 2000-3000ml or more, and ensuring that the urine appears colorless or pale yellow, especially during hot and sweaty summers and at night. Avoid drinking hard water with high mineral content and prefer magnetized water with lower mineral content. Experimental studies have also shown that fluoridated water can inhibit the formation of kidney stones, possibly by inhibiting endogenous oxalic acid synthesis and uric acid secretion. Drinking plenty of water can dilute bile, promote bile excretion, prevent stasis, and is also beneficial for the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
6. Classification-based Prevention of Urinary Stone Disease
For high-risk populations with urinary stone disease, such as those who repeatedly develop stones, 24-hour urine volume, pH, and excretion of calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, oxalate, cystine, and citrate, as well as blood levels of uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus, should be measured to guide dietary adjustments.
Notes:
1. High Absorption of Calcium in Urine
Calcium intake should be limited (such as dairy products, etc.). Meat and sugar can promote intestinal absorption of calcium and should also be limited.
2. High Urinary Uric Acid
Uric acid is the end product of human purine metabolism, so purine intake should be controlled. Avoid high purine foods such as animal organs, bone marrow, clams, etc. Fish, shrimp, meat, peas, spinach, etc. also contain a lot of purine and should be consumed as little as possible. Vegetables and fruits can be consumed freely as they do not contain purine. Milk, eggs, etc. can be consumed, but individuals who are obese should be mindful of excessive calorie intake.
3. High Oxalic Acid in Urine
Foods high in oxalic acid should be avoided, such as spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, seaweed, nuts, tea leaves, cocoa, chocolate, etc., and soy products should be consumed in moderation.
4. High Cystine in Urine
A low-protein diet should be adopted, limiting the consumption of animal (acidic) foods and consuming more plant (alkaline) foods to make the urine alkaline.
In addition to daily water intake, the formation of stones is mainly related to diet. To prevent stone formation, it is important to have a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of certain foods. Kidney stone patients, in particular, should avoid foods high in oxalic acid to prevent worsening of the stones.
