What are the dietary approaches for managing kidney stones?

Dietary Considerations for Kidney Stone Patients

Many kidney stone patients undoubtedly worry about whether their diet could lead to a recurrence of the condition during treatment. In reality, certain foods can actually alleviate kidney stone issues. Let's hear from experts on what dietary approaches kidney stone patients should adopt:

Dietary Methods for Kidney Stones

1. Red Bean Congee for Kidney Stones: Combine 50g of japonica rice and red beans with 2g of chicken gizzard membrane powder. As you cook the rice and beans into a porridge, add the chicken gizzard membrane powder. Sweeten with sugar to taste and consume twice daily.

2. Lotus Root and Winter Melon Soup for Kidney Stones: Prepare 500g of raw lotus root sections and 1000g of winter melon. Clean and slice them, boil in water to make a soup, and consume throughout the day.

3. Rock Candy and Walnuts for Kidney Stones: Mix 20g of rock candy and 120g of walnuts into a fine powder. Take 50g of this mixture four times daily to help soften kidney stones.

4. Walnut Candy for Kidney Stones: Blend 120g of walnuts and 120g of rock candy. Dissolve the rock candy and soak the walnuts. Fry them until crisp in fragrant oil, then store in an airtight container. Consume 30g to 60g three to four times daily. Alternatively, jade walnuts can be used with the same instructions.

Common Misconceptions About Kidney Stone Diet

1. Calcium Avoidance in Kidney Stone Diet: Analysis: Most kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate deposits in urine, resulting from excessive oxalate intake that combines with calcium in the urinary tract. To prevent and manage kidney stones, reduce oxalate-rich foods like spinach and bamboo shoots, boiling them to reduce oxalate content if consumed.

2. Protein Supplementation in Winter: Analysis: Supplements are intended for deficiencies. Current Chinese diets provide sufficient protein, negating the need for supplementation among the general population. Excess protein can burden the liver and kidneys, increase calcium excretion, and lead to calcium deficiency. Therefore, kidney stone patients generally do not need protein supplements unless due to illness or special requirements.

3. Vitamin C and Kidney Stones: Analysis: Vitamin C serves as an enzyme cofactor, related to collagen synthesis, wound healing, and vascular fragility. It also has antioxidant properties, promotes iron absorption, and enhances immune function. Adults are advised to consume 100mg daily, with a tolerable upper limit of 1000mg. Consuming up to 1000mg of Vitamin C daily does not increase kidney stone risk.