Managing kidney stones isn’t just about avoiding certain foods—it’s equally important to include kidney-friendly foods that help prevent stone formation, ease symptoms, and support overall kidney health. Here’s a guide to the best foods to include in your diet if you have kidney stones:

1. Stay Hydrated with Water-Rich Foods

Proper hydration is the most crucial factor in preventing kidney stones. Along with drinking plenty of water, eating water-rich foods can help keep your urine diluted and reduce the risk of stone formation. Some great choices include:

• Cucumber

• Watermelon

• Celery

• Lettuce 

• Zucchini

2. Citrus Fruits for Natural Stone Prevention

Citrus fruits are rich in citrate, a natural compound that helps prevent kidney stones by reducing calcium buildup and breaking down smaller stones. Adding citrus fruits to your diet can be highly beneficial. But it is important to avoid adding extra sugar and salt in fruit juices. Try:

• Lemons & lemon water

• Oranges

• Grapefruits

3. Calcium-Rich Foods – The Right Kind Matters

Contrary to common belief, getting enough calcium can actually help prevent kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate stones. Dietary calcium binds with oxalates in the gut before they reach the kidneys, reducing stone formation. Good sources include:

• Low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)

• Fortified plant-based milks (almond, soy)

• Leafy greens like kale (in moderation)

4. Whole Grains for a Healthy Balance

Whole grains provide fiber, which helps maintain balanced calcium levels and promotes healthy digestion, reducing the risk of kidney stones. They are also low in oxalates, making them a safer option. Healthy choices include:

• Brown rice

• Whole-wheat bread

• Quinoa

5. Low-Oxalate Vegetables – Safe & Nutritious

While some vegetables are high in oxalates and should be limited, there are plenty of kidney-friendly vegetables that can be enjoyed freely. These include:

• Cauliflower

• Broccoli

• Bell peppers

• Cabbage

• Mushrooms

6. Lean Proteins – Choose Wisely

High animal protein intake can increase the risk of kidney stones, but lean proteins can be a better alternative. Try:

• Chicken, fish (in moderation), and turkey (in moderation)

• Plant-based proteins like beans and lentils (these offer protein without increasing uric acid levels)

7. Flavor with Herbs & Spices (Not Salt!)

Reducing sodium intake is crucial because too much salt can raise calcium levels in urine, increasing the risk of stones. Instead of salt, season your food with:

• Basil

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Garlic powder (without added salt)

8. Berries – Packed with Antioxidants

Berries are a low-oxalate fruit option that provides antioxidants and natural sweetness without processed sugar, which can be harmful to kidney health. Great options include:

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

9. Potassium-Rich Foods for Fluid Balance

Potassium helps regulate fluid balance and can lower the risk of kidney stones. Some potassium-rich foods to include are:

• Bananas

• Cantaloupes

• Potatoes (with skin on)

10. Healthy Fats to Reduce Inflammation

Healthy fats support overall kidney function and help the body absorb vitamins from food. Adding good fats to your diet can be beneficial. Try:

• Olive oil

• Avocados

• Flaxseed oil

Final Thoughts

If you have kidney stones, making smart dietary choices can go a long way in preventing future stones and keeping your kidneys healthy. Staying hydrated, choosing the right foods, and avoiding high-oxalate and high-sodium foods are key steps in managing kidney stone risk.

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, and your diet plays a key role in their formation. Certain foods can increase the risk of developing stones by affecting calcium, oxalate, and uric acid levels in your urine. If you are prone to kidney stones, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat. Below are some of the top foods to limit or avoid to reduce your risk of stone formation.

1. Oxalate-Rich Foods

Oxalates are natural compounds found in some foods that can bind with calcium in the urine and form calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone. If you are prone to these stones, moderation is key when consuming:

• Spinach

• Rhubarb

• Beets

• Sweet potatoes

• Chocolate

• Black tea

• Nuts and seeds

2. High-Sodium Foods

Too much sodium (salt) in your diet can lead to increased calcium in urine, which raises the risk of kidney stones. Common high-sodium foods to limit include: 

• Processed meats (bacon, sausages)

• Canned soups

• Fast food and salty snacks

• Pickles and Pappad

3. Animal Proteins (High in Purines)

Excessive consumption of animal proteins, especially those high in purines, can increase uric acid levels, leading to uric acid kidney stones. Foods to consume in moderation include:

• Red meat (beef, lamb, pork)

• Poultry (chicken, turkey)

• Seafood (shellfish, anchovies, sardines, mackerel)

4. Sugary Foods & Beverages

Excess sugar and fructose can raise the levels of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine, increasing the likelihood of stone formation. Common culprits include:

• Sodas and sweetened beverages

• Candy and desserts

• High-fructose corn syrup (found in processed foods and packaged snacks)

5. Shellfish (High in Purines)

Shellfish contain high levels of purines, which break down into uric acid and contribute to uric acid stone formation. Limit:

• Shrimp

• Crab

• Lobster

6. Vitamin C Supplements (Excessive Intake)

While vitamin C is essential for overall health, taking high doses of vitamin C supplements can increase oxalate levels in the urine, contributing to stone formation. It’s best to get your vitamin C from natural food sources rather than excessive supplementation.

7. Phosphorus-Rich Foods

Too much phosphorus in combination with calcium can contribute to calcium phosphate stone formation. Foods high in phosphorus include:

• Seafood

• Processed foods

8. Caffeine (Excessive Consumption)

Caffeine can increase urine calcium levels and contribute to dehydration, making kidney stone formation more likely. Be mindful of your intake from:

• Coffee

• Black tea

• Energy drinks

9. Alcohol (Dehydration & Uric Acid Build-Up)

Alcohol, especially in excessive amounts, can cause dehydration and raise uric acid levels, both of which contribute to kidney stones. The biggest risks come from:

• Beer

• Hard liquors (spirits, whiskey, vodka, etc.)

Making Smarter Food Choices

While these foods don’t need to be completely eliminated, limiting their intake and balancing your diet with hydration, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. If you are prone to stones, speak with a healthcare provider or dietitian to develop a personalized plan that supports kidney health.

What is a Ureteral Stent?

A ureteral stent is a soft, flexible tube placed inside the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). It helps keep the ureter open and allows urine to flow freely, especially when blocked by kidney stones, ureteral stones, scarring, or tumors.

Why is a Ureteral Stent Needed?

Ureteral stents are commonly used in kidney stone treatment to:

• Relieve Blockage – Prevent urine buildup caused by large stones.

• Post-Surgery Support – Keep the ureter open after lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.

• Prevent Obstruction – Avoid swelling or stone fragment blockages.

• Reduce Pain and Pressure – Alleviate kidney swelling (hydronephrosis).

• Aid Healing – Prevent scarring after stone removal.

• Help Manage Infections – Ensure proper urine flow while treating infections.

How is a Ureteral Stent Placed and Removed?

• Placement - A stent is inserted using a small camera (cystoscope) under anesthesia.

• Removal - If temporary, it may have a string for easy removal. If longer-term, a doctor removes it with a simple outpatient procedure using a cystoscope.

What Happens If a Kidney Stent is Not Removed on Time?

• Higher Infection Risk – Increases chances of UTIs and kidney infections (pyelonephritis).

• Stent Encrustation & Stone Formation – Leads to urine stagnation, pain, and complex removal procedures.

• Ureteral Damage & Scarring – Can cause inflammation, strictures, and require additional treatments.

• Chronic Pain & Discomfort – May lead to flank pain, bladder irritation, and abdominal cramps.

• Stent Migration & Breakage – Stents may shift or break, making removal difficult.

• Kidney Function Impairment – Blocked stents can result in chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

How Long Can a Kidney Stent Stay in Place?

• Post-Kidney Stone Removal: 1–6 weeks.

• Chronic Conditions: Up to 3 months.

• Leaving it too long can be dangerous and requires urgent medical attention.

A kidney stent helps maintain urine flow and support healing, but must be removed within the recommended timeframe. Delayed removal can lead to serious complications, including infections, stone formation, pain, ureteral damage, and kidney dysfunction. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider ensure timely stent removal and prevent complications.

What Are Ureteral Stones?

Ureteral stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the ureters, causing pain and urinary obstruction. They can be located in the upper ureter (closer to the kidney) or the lower ureter (near the bladder), with symptoms varying based on location.

When Do They Need to Be Removed?

Stones may require removal if they cause:

• Persistent pain

• Urinary obstruction

• Infection

• Large stone size (>5-6 mm)

• Risk of kidney damage

Treatment Options for Upper Ureteral Stones:

1. Ureteroscopic Retrograde Stone Lithotripsy (URSL) / Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

   • Minimally invasive procedure using a ureteroscope.

   • Laser fragments the stone, which is removed or passed naturally.

   • Pros: No external incisions, quick recovery.

   • Cons: Requires general anesthesia; multiple sessions may be needed.

2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

   • Surgical procedure for large stones (>2 cm).

   • Small back incision allows direct removal of the stone.

   • Pros: Highly effective for large stones.

   • Cons: More invasive, longer recovery, risk of bleeding/infection.

Choosing the Right Treatment depends on Size of Stone, Stone Location & Patient's Preference

Conclusion

Timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications like infections, kidney damage, and severe pain. Consulting a urologist helps determine the best treatment based on stone size, location, and patient health.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) for Kidney Stones

What is RIRS? 

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones. It involves inserting a flexible ureteroscope through the urinary tract to access the kidney and break stones using a laser. Unlike traditional surgeries, RIRS requires no large incisions, ensuring minimal pain and a faster recovery.

How is RIRS Performed?

1. Anesthesia & Preparation : General anesthesia is administered, and a catheter may be placed to empty the bladder.

2. Accessing the Kidney : A thin ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra, bladder, and ureter to reach the kidney.

3. Locating the Stone : A high-resolution camera provides real-time imaging for precise navigation.

4. Stone Fragmentation : A laser is used to break the stone into tiny pieces.

5. Stone Removal : Fragments are either flushed out naturally or extracted using special tools.

6. Recovery : The procedure takes about 45-60 minutes. A temporary stent may be placed to aid healing, and most patients can return home the same or next day.

Who Can Benefit from RIRS?

• Patients with stones in difficult-to-reach kidney areas

• Individuals requiring a minimally invasive approach

• Those seeking a quick recovery with minimal discomfort

Limitations of RIRS:

• May not be suitable for very large stones (3 cm)

• Might require multiple sessions for complex or multiple stones

Recovery & Aftercare: 

Patients may experience mild discomfort, which subsides in a few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed within a week. Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing.

RIRS is a safe, effective, and advanced solution for kidney stone removal, offering a quicker and less painful recovery. Consult a urologist to determine if RIRS is the right choice for you.