Renal Calculi

Drink more fluid, especially water

• Drinking water helps to flush out the kidneys and dilute calculi-forming substances, making calculi less likely to form
• Encourage at least 2-3 litres, or 10 cups, of fluid daily. At least half of this should be water (soda, mineral, spring or plain tap water)
• Have a cup of fluid (250ml) each hour during waking hours, and a large glass of water before going to bed. Encourage a glass of water if the person wakes up during the night.
• Spread out the fluid intake during the day
• AVOID strong black tea and orange juice, as these are high in oxalates
• Colas are also high in phosphates which can contribute to calculi

Salt (sodium) increases the amount of calcium in the urine To reduce salt:

• Buy fresh foods, or foods without salt – fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh meats, chicken, fish, eggs, porridge, rice and pasta
• Most sodium (75%) comes from processed foods. Limit processed foods high in salt, eg. soup, Bonox, processed meats, sauces, gravy, crisps and snack foods.
• "Low salt" or "no added salt" foods are the best choices. Look for a sodium content of less than 150mg per serve as a guideline. Note that some "reduced salt" products can still contain high levels of sodium
• Do not add salt at the table or in cooking. What can be used instead?
  • Freshly ground pepper or dry mustard powder
  • Lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar
  • A sprinkle of dried herbs or chopped fresh herbs
  • Garlic, curry, chilli, onion, fresh ginger or spring onions

Reducing oxalate in the diet helps to reduce the amount of oxalate in your urine. Foods to avoid are:

• Rhubarb, spinach, silver beet, beetroot, eggplant, sweet potato, celery and leeks
• Nuts and peanut paste
• Strong black tea and orange juice
• Chocolate
• Wheat bran and wheat germ
• Berries (eg strawberries, blackberries) and dried figs
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce

• Dietary calcium is important for bones and teeth. A high calcium intake reduces the chance of kidney calculi forming
• Do not limit dairy foods. Too little calcium can cause oxalate levels to rise
• Calcium in the digestive tract binds to oxalate from food and keeps it from entering the blood, and then the urinary tract, where it can form calculi Include at least 2-3 choices from the following list:
  • 250mL milk, eg. Trim, skim, full cream, calcium-fortified soy milk
  • 200mL high calcium milk, eg. Physical
  • 200g (small tub) yoghurt
  • 40g cheese (2 slices)
  • 3 scoops ice-cream

• Limit protein from meat, seafood, fish, chicken and eggs to a moderate serve (120-150g) daily (cooked). Note: 60g meat = 2 eggs
• High protein reduces citrate, a chemical in urine that prevents calculi from forming

Speak with your doctor before taking:

• Vitamin C supplements(also known as ascorbic acid and calcium ascorbate*)* unless directed by your doctor
• Vitamin D supplements or cod liver oil