For those who follow a vegan diet, there is an increased risk of developing kidney stones. This is due to certain aspects of the vegan diet that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, such as inadequate calcium intake and low levels of citrate. In this article, we will look at what causes kidney stones in vegans, how to prevent them, and what to do if you already have them. Read on to know about the vegan diet and kidney stones.
What Causes Kidney Stones in Vegans?
Research has shown that following a vegan diet can increase the risk of developing kidney stones due to inadequate calcium intake and low levels of citrate. Calcium is important for controlling the acid content of urine and preventing the formation of crystals that can lead to stone formation. Citrate also helps prevent stone formation by binding together ions in urine that would otherwise form crystals. As vegans often consume limited amounts of dairy products or other animal-derived foods high in calcium and citrate, their risk for developing kidney stones increases significantly.
How Can You Prevent Kidney Stones on a Vegan Diet?
The best way to prevent kidney stones when following a vegan diet is to ensure you get adequate amounts of calcium and citrate from plant-based sources. Eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, nuts, and nut butters are all good sources of both calcium and citrate. Additionally, it’s important to drink enough water throughout the day—at least 8 glasses—as this helps flush out any potential crystals before they become too large or form into a stone.
What Should I Do if I Already Have Kidney Stones?
If you already have kidney stones on a vegan diet it’s important to see your doctor right away as they may need medical attention or intervention. Your doctor may recommend medications or supplements such as potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics to help break up existing stones or reduce your risk for new ones in the future. They may also suggest dietary changes such as increasing your water intake or consuming more calcium-rich plant-based foods like tofu or fortified plant milks like almond milk or oat milk.
Concluding Note
Following a vegan diet presents its own unique challenges when it comes to preventing kidney stones due to inadequate calcium intake and low levels of citrate from animal-derived foods like dairy products which are usually not part of a vegan’s daily food choices. However, with careful dietary planning and keeping an eye on your water consumption there are ways you can reduce your risk of developing new stones while still adhering strictly to your chosen lifestyle! With some adjustments to your current routine, you can enjoy all the great benefits that come with being plant-based without having to worry about painful kidney stones down the line!