Kidney stones

Kidney stones can form when there is too much calcium, oxalate or uric acid in the urine, a lack of citrate in the urine or not enough water to dissolve waste products. Low-calcium diets were once recommended but we now know that diets low in animal protein and salt but containing normal amounts of calcium are more effective for preventing kidney stones.

Switching from a diet containing meat and dairy products to a vegan diet containing less fat and protein and more fibre can help.

The NHS says: “To avoid developing a uric acid stone, you should reduce the amount of meat, poultry and fish in your diet.”

The animal protein in red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and milk tend to overwork the kidneys causing their filtering abilities to decline. This may make matters worse in a person who already has kidney disease. Additionally, animal protein can cause calcium to be leached from the bones and excreted in the urine, adding further to the burden on the overworked kidney.

It is also very important to drink enough fluids, especially when it’s hot or when you are exercising to replace fluids lost through sweating.

Read more about kidney disease and how a diet change can help.