Kidney stones: What to watch out for in your diet to prevent them

It is a very common health problem, estimated to affect 12% of the male population and 5% of the female population, up to the age of 70 years.

See how to protect yourself or get rid of kidney stones through diet:

Consume plenty of fluids: Ideally more than 2 litres per day.

Increase your fibre consumption: Insoluble fibre combines with calcium and is excreted together in the faeces.

Increase potassium intake: Foods such as bananas, nuts, potatoes, tomatoes and carrots prevent calcium from being excreted from the urine due to their high potassium content.

Drink decaffeinated coffee and tea.

Drink fruit juices, lemon juice and milk.

Avoid animal proteins: High meat consumption increases calcium, oxalates and uric acid, which cause the formation of stones.

Increase dairy consumption: They contain phosphorus, which enhances the intestinal excretion of calcium, helping to limit calcification.

Limit salt and sodium-rich foods: In particular, avoid sausages, sauces, pickles, cured meats, canned foods, nuts with salt, ready-made soups, sausages, cheese, olives, crisps and all standardised products.

Limit fast food and opt for fresh produce.

Avoid vitamins: Overconsumption of calcium, vitamin C and D supplements should be avoided if you already have a kidney stone problem.

Avoid foods rich in oxalic acids: These include peanuts, chocolate, tea, instant coffee, spinach and green leafy vegetables, strawberries, beetroot and soya products.