Eat This, Not That: Preventing Kidney Stone Recurrence

If you’ve had kidney stones before, we understand why you might be anxious about having them again. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, board-certified urologist Dr. James Stocks knows kidney stones. His unique expertise provides specific, customized dietary insights into your diet and how it can control your recurrence risk rate. 

What causes kidney stones?

When trying to prevent kidney stone recurrence, one of the most valuable pieces of information you can learn is the type of stone. Dr. Stocks may suggest a kidney stone analysis, in which lab testing pinpoints the materials in them. 

With this information, Dr. Stocks can tailor your treatment to help you greatly reduce the likelihood of new kidney stones. 

Kidney stone composition and how food can contribute

Eight in ten kidney stones are calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. These substances occur naturally and are also found in many common foods. 

Your body produces about 50% of the calcium you excrete in urine, so you can’t control that. However, you can control the other half, which comes from food sources. That’s why people who have kidney stones should consider limiting certain foods. 

Foods to limit when you have kidney stones

If your kidney stones are calcium oxalate or phosphate (or a mixture), we may recommend avoiding foods high in oxalate, such as: 

• Spinach
• Wheat bran
• Nuts

Consider cutting back on:

• Beef, pork, and chicken (particularly organ meats)
• High-sodium foods
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Fish and shellfish
• Convenience foods (which tend to be processed and unhealthy)

If you have calcium kidney stones, make sure you get enough calcium. You simply need to get it from sources other than usual. We may recommend calcium-fortified foods, plant-based proteins, and low-oxalate veggies like kale to up your intake of calcium without spiking your risk of kidney stones.

Personalized kidney stone management plans

We provide personalized kidney stone management tailored to your needs, including urine testing, stone analysis, and metabolic evaluations. You can rely on our team to craft the most effective treatment plan for you, including nutritional guidance. 

If you need treatment for recurrent stones, in-office solutions like shockwave therapy can blast bigger stones to tiny pieces you can comfortably eliminate. Dr. Stocks also performs ureteroscopy and, where necessary, percutaneous nephrolithotomy. 

After treatment, we’re here for the long haul with you. Kidney stone prevention is an ongoing effort, and your diet can play a big role. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need help with your kidney stone diet or think you might need treatment.

Call 281-304-2521 to schedule your appointment in our Cypress office.