Kidney stones refer to the formation of crystals in the urinary tract which grow to block the passage of urine, and it can cause abdominal pain and irritability. There are a number of different chemical components which may form the crystals such as calcium oxalates, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite and cystine.

1. Calcium oxalate reduces the formation of acidic urine and calcium oxalate is found in vegetables, nuts and fruits.

2. Calcium phosphate is a substance which is formed due to increased level of pH in urine.

3. Uric acid stones are formed when the person takes a greater quantity of proteins found in meats and fishes.

4. Struvite is the stone which is formed due to infection in kidney.

5. Cystine stones are mostly caused due to genetic disorders. In cystine the amino acid found in proteins is leaked to the kidneys and it forms the crystals.

To prevent kidney stone, one should know which type of stone a person has and the doctor examines the patient who is prone to stone formation. It has been found that drinking a good amount of water is most effective in treating a number of different types of kidney stones and therefore, one should increase the intake of water to prevent the formation of stones.

Some of the food products which should be taken or avoided to reduce the risks of kidney stones are

1. Avoid grapefruits, colas and cranberry juices. Grapefruits and colas increase the formation of calcium oxalate but cranberry juice prevents stone formation.

2. Reduce intake of sodium as excess sodium is excreted from urine and certain food products such as hot dogs, fast food, canned soups, processed frozen food and certain packaged meat contain a high amount of sodium.

3. Meat, eggs and fish contains purines which are broken down into uric acid and it can result in formation of calcium oxalate stones and it should be reduced in case one has stones formation of calcium stones. It has also been found that non dairy products increase excretion of calcium and it can cause calcium stone formation. Citrate reduces the formation of kidney stones and it should be taken in diet which is reduced by animal protein.

4. Intake of calcium in diet should be increased because calcium binds oxalate and prevents it from entering the blood. Calcium is found in dairy products such as yoghurt and if somebody is lactose intolerant one should take calcium from fruit juices. Calcium supplements can be taken to prevent deficiency.

5. Oxalate increases the risk of formation calcium oxalate stones and there are certain vegetables which produce oxalate such as spinach, nuts and wheat bran.

6. Alcohol increases the formation of kidney stones although it is not found with beer and wine. Alcohol increases the formation purines which can increase the formation of kidney stones.

7. Certain vitamin supplements such as vitamin D and C supplements may contribute to the formation of kidney stones. It is found that vitamin C can convert to oxalate and bind calcium. Therefore, people who are on a weight loss diet and are taking excess of vitamin C to reduce weight should take calcium supplements.

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