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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Kavinesh, Thank you for the question

Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stone, is the presence of renal calculi caused by a disruption in the balance between solubility and precipitation of salts in the urinary tract and in the kidneys. There are various types of kidney stones such as calcium stones, uric acid stones, cystine stones, etc.

Here are few tips to manage Renal Calculi

• Drink adequate amount of fluids as it reduces the concentration of calcium or oxalate in the urine.
• Limit the intake of high protein foods such as red meat & Organ meat  as excessive protein in the diet can increase both the calcium and oxalate in the urine.
• Limit the consumption of high oxalate foods such as Horse gram, Amaranth leaves, Curry leaves, Drumstick leaves, Neem leaves, Spinach, Tamarind leaves, Almonds, Cashew nuts, Gingelly seeds, Amla, Wood apple, Tea, Cocoa, Colas etc .
• Dietary sodium restriction alone decreases urinary calcium excretion
• High vitamin C intake can be a risk for stone formation by increasing endogenous oxalate. Vitamin C rich foods are acceptable but vitamin C supplements are not recommended since it can increase oxalate in the body.
• B-complex vitamins and magnesium, may help prevent formation of kidney stone. Some of the sources include Lean meat- chicken, fish, prawns. Crabs, Eggs, Milk & milk products, Fortified cereals, Vegetables – Mushroom, beetroot, potato.

For general wellbeing, you can begin by consuming a balanced diet is which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups. The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and for men, the RDA for protein requirement is 54g/d and for  fiber it is 30g/d.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Some of the good sources of protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, nuts & seeds, etc.  
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

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