Diet for uric acid kidney stone patient:

What is the diet for uric stones?

Uric acid kidney stones are a type of kidney stones (5-15%) which results from high uric acid levels in the body (urine).



A high level of uric acid in the urine (low pH) that is not very soluble can lead to formation of crystals and thus stones.  A high uric acid in the urine can result from too much uric acid in urine or normal levels of uric acid but in small amounts of urine. For the treatment of uric acid stones along with good hydration (which is essential for all the types of kidney stones) increasing the urine pH (alkalization) is also essential to dissolve the stones.



The following listed diet tips will help to treat your uric acid stones along with the medications –

1. Like other kidney stones, for uric acid stones it is very important to increase the fluid levels in the body. Fluids can be in the form of water, barley water, coconut water, fruit juices and vegetable juices.
   
   
   
   However make sure that more than 50% of the fluid is in the form of water. This increase in fluid levels will help to dilute the urine, decrease the acid level and flush the toxins from the body.
2. As uric acid levels are high in the body, protein intake or purine rich foods should be avoided. High purine rich foods include meat, minced meat, poultry, anchovies, herring, mackerel, and sardines. Gravies of meat, fish and poultry should also be avoided as they are also high in purine. Organ meats like liver, kidney, brain, heart, and sweetbread are also high in purines and thus should be avoided.
   
   
   
   
3. Alcohol consumption can be completely avoided as it causes uric acid buildup in the body and thus may lead to further development of uric acid stones.
4. To get protein in the diet low fat dairy products, tofu and egg whites can be preferred. Milk and yoghurt especially should be included in the daily diet (one serving each minimum) as it they have a positive effect on lowering the uric acid levels in the body and thus preventing uric acid kidney stones.
5. Emphasis should be laid more on whole grains, cereals and its products like pastas, rice, wheat breads (without yeast) and less on fats, oils, butter, margarine and sugar.
6. Before making any drastic changes in your diet or lifestyle, speak with your specialist to weigh the pros and cons of your treatment and choose which is best for you.