Keeping Calcium Stones at Bay

Kidney stones can be a real pain, and it turns out that about 80% of them are made of calcium.¹ We all have calcium in our urine – it's totally normal! But when there's too much, it can clump together and form those pesky stones.

One of the best ways to understand what's going on with your calcium levels is through a 24-hour urine test. Your doctor can use this test to get a clear picture of your urine and help you create a personalized plan.

Here are some tips to help you manage calcium in your urine and keep those stones away:

Drink Up!

Staying hydrated is super important. The American Urological Association (AUA) suggests drinking at least 3 liters of fluid every day if you have high calcium in your urine. ² Think of it like this: the more you drink, the more you dilute your urine, making it harder for calcium to form stones.

Easy Tips: 

·      Water is your best friend here, but other drinks like lemonade, tea, coffee, soda,

cola and juice count too!  Just try to avoid sugar-sweetened drinks.

·      Track your fluid intake by carrying a trendy water bottle.

Watch the Salt!

Salty foods can actually cause your body to release more calcium into your urine. The AUA recommends keeping your sodium intake to 2300 mg or less per day. ⁴

Easy Tips:

• Cooking at home more often is a great way to control your sodium.

• Get to know nutrition labels! Look for the sodium content and aim for less than 600 mg per meal and under 200 mg per snack.

• Fast food and restaurant meals can be sneaky sources of sodium, so try to limit them.

  
  

Sugar, Sugar

Just like salt, too much added sugar can also increase calcium in your urine. ⁴ The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugars to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men. ⁵

Easy Tips: 

·      Check those nutrition labels for ‘added sugars’, too! They're listed just like sodium.

·      Ignore the ‘total sugars’ as that includes healthy, natural sugars.

Don't Ditch the Calcium!

You might think cutting back on calcium is the answer, but actually, the AUA recommends a normal calcium diet, even if you have high calcium in your urine. Getting enough calcium from your diet can actually help prevent kidney stones! ⁶ ⁷ The sweet spot is usually between 1,000 and 1,200 mg per day.

Easy Tips:

• Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are great sources of calcium. Check out the USDA website for more ideas: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/food-sources-calcium

• Calcium supplements can be a bit tricky. While they may increase calcium in your urine, research suggests they might actually lower your overall risk of kidney stones when used correctly. It's always best to chat with your doctor about supplements.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Managing calcium kidney stones is all about balance. By staying hydrated, watching your salt and sugar intake, and getting the right amount of calcium, you can take control of your kidney health. And remember, your doctor and dietitian are your best resource for personalized advice! They can help you create a plan that fits your specific needs.

Florida Residents:

Looking for personalized kidney stone prevention? The Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic of Florida provides virtual consultations with nephrologist Dr. Paul Dreyer and dietitian Kidney Kat. We'll work with you, wherever you are in Florida. Follow the link to schedule your free 15-minute discovery call with the Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic of Florida today!

Stone Clinic

References:

1.    Coe F. L., Evan A., Worcester E. Kidney stone disease. J Clin Invest. 2005; 115(10):2598–2608.

2.    Pearle MS, Goldfarb DS, Assimos DG et al. Medical management of kidney stones: AUA Guideline. J Urol 2014;192:316.

3.    Nouvenne A, Meschi T, Prati B et al. Effects of a low-salt diet on idiopathic hypercalciuria in calcium-oxalate stone formers; a 3-mon randomized condrolled trial. ACJN 2010; 91: 565.

4.    Yin S, Yang Z, et al. Associate between added sugars and kidney stones in U.S.adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018. Fron Nutr. 2023 (10)1226082.

5.    American Heart Association. Added Sugars. Heart.org. 2019. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars

6.    Domrongkitchaiporn S, Sopassathit W, Stitchantralkul W, et al. Schedule of taking calcium supplement and the risk of nephrolithiasis. Kindey Int. 2004, 65, 1835-1841.

7.    Sromicki J, Hess B. Simple dietary advice targeting five urinary parameters reduces urinary supersaturation in idiopathic oxalate stone formers. Urolithiasis 2020, 48, 425-433.

Important Disclaimers:

This article is general advice for those with kidney stones.  Not sure if you have or are at risk for calcium containing stones?  Ask your doctor or dietitian about it.  Avoid any urge to self-diagnose. 

As with any dietary advice, this information is appropriate for most people, but not for everyone.  Yes, there are exceptions to every rule!  If your situation is complicated or unique, ask your medical provider for a referral to see a registered dietitian. 

Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by your personal physician, pharmacist, dietitian or medical team. Please, do not use this information to self-diagnose or to treat a health problem or disease on your own. Contact your physician immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.