Kidney stones, renal calculi in medical terms, are formed by crystallization of minerals accumulated in the kidneys or in other regions of the urinary system.
Usually, the stones are made up of calcium combined with oxalates.
Though the cause of kidney stones formation is not directly attributed to food intake, patients are advised by their doctors to observe strict kidney stone diet.
This includes foods of low oxalate content which the patient should avoid.
For a kidney stone diet the foods to avoid are spinach, peanuts, cocoa, chocolate, carbonated drinks, plenty of meat, salty food and beans.
Salt intake must be minimized because it can weaken the body absorption of calcium; thus, the calcium is sent to the urine that can possibly form renal calculi.
Note that dark green leafy vegetables also produce a significant amount of oxalates in the body.
Note that calcium should also not be taken in excess.
This is a bit tricky because the body requires calcium in many vital processes.
The type of calcium found in dairy products such as milk and cheese is easily absorbed by the body.
What to watch out for is the calcium in excess, the type not readily absorbed by the body, because it is excreted through the urine.
Foods like beans and dark green leafy vegetables should be avoided because they contain this type of calcium compounds that increases risks of kidney stone crystallization.
The best addition to this diet is simply water.
10 to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water a day is a good measure, providing a flushing mechanism for the body and the urinary system.
It naturally dilutes the concentration of oxalates and carbon in the urine, greatly reducing chances of further renal calculi formation.