How does calcium help prevent kidney stones?
While kidney stones are formed primarily from calcium salts and some other minerals, it may be strange that prevention tips include eating foods rich in calcium, but Dr. Megan Pollner, a urology expert at the University of Southwestern Texas Medical Center, provides an explanation for this, in an article she published on Monday, Health Day Network.
“Once you remove one kidney stone, you have a 50 percent chance of developing another stone within the next 10 years, but many factors to prevent the return of kidney stones are under your control, including changing your eating habits, including food rich in calcium.
Despite what seems contradictory between calcium salts being a popular component of kidney stones, and calcium foods being the advice for prevention, Pollner explains that the normal amount of calcium is critical to regulating this element in the body, as calcium from food combines with calcium salts in the intestine, which pushes salts towards the stool instead of urine, and this reduces the risk of developing calcium salts stones.
The right amount for daily intake, says Pollner, is between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day, which can be provided from dairy products, soybeans, fortified tofu, and green vegetables (kale and broccoli are good sources).
This calcium advice does not replace the other advice that Pollner refers to, and stresses the need to adhere to all of them, especially during the summer, when the chances of developing this painful condition are higher during hot times, including eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which can help with increasing urinary tracts and prevent kidney stones.
Pollner also advises to reduce animal protein, which can increase the risk of stones, and this includes not only red meat but also chicken, fish, and even eggs, as she recommends that the rate of animal protein intake be within 8 ounces (an ounce is equivalent to 28 grams) per day.
Pollner also stresses the need to monitor how much we eat of foods rich in calcium salts, even if they are healthy, such as spinach, beets, nuts, wheat germ, and soybeans, as large quantities of them increase the chances of stone formation, and we must eat an amount of dairy products after eating these foods rich in calcium salts to prevent the formation of stones.
The American expert did not forget to emphasize drinking more fluids to avoid dehydration and advises in this context to drink 8 glasses of water a day if you had kidney stones previously, and if the rate increases to 12 cups, that is better.
She points out the need to drink more water if it’s hot outside and you’re sweating and recommends adding lemon juice to the water because the citrate in lemon binds to calcium to help prevent stone formation.
Finally, Pollner stresses the importance of limiting salt intake so that the daily intake does not exceed 2,300 milligrams, which is equivalent to about a teaspoon.
It is worth noting that the incidence of kidney stones is about 1 in 10 people, with men at a slightly higher risk. In addition to dietary choices, contributing factors include other causes, such as family history, underlying kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, chronic dehydration, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Symptoms of the disease include unilateral lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and bloody urine, and some may not show any symptoms.
How does calcium help prevent the formation of kidney stones?
E to dehydration.
One of the main reasons why calcium is effective in preventing kidney stones is because it inhibits the absorption of oxalate – a compound that binds with calcium to form kidney stones. High levels of calcium in the body can actually prevent the oxalate from binding and crystallizing, thus reducing the risk of stone formation.
In addition, calcium can also help prevent the formation of other types of kidney stones, such as uric acid stones. When there is an excess of calcium in the urine, it can prevent the crystallization of uric acid, reducing the likelihood of stone formation.
It is important to note that calcium intake should be accompanied by adequate fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the urine, making it less concentrated and reducing the risk of stone formation. In fact, increasing fluid intake is one of the most important preventive measures for kidney stones.
It is also worth mentioning that calcium supplements should be taken with caution. While dietary calcium is generally beneficial for kidney stone prevention, excessive intake of calcium supplements may actually increase the risk of stone formation. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain calcium from food sources rather than relying solely on supplements.
In conclusion, calcium plays a crucial role in preventing kidney stones. A balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of calcium, along with sufficient fluid intake, can significantly reduce the risk of developing these painful stones. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on calcium intake and other preventive measures.
Great read! Calcium often gets a bad reputation, but this article sheds light on its crucial role in preventing kidney stones. Understanding the importance of proper calcium intake is key to maintaining kidney health.
Calcium’s vital role in preventing kidney stones cannot be underestimated. Contrary to popular belief, increasing calcium intake is actually recommended to inhibit stone formation. By binding with oxalate, calcium prevents its absorption into the kidneys, reducing the risk of stone development. However, it is important to strike a balance and consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper calcium intake without exacerbating the problem.