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Kidney stones are hard masses that form from crystals in the urine. Sometimes, they do not have recognizable symptoms, but often, kidney stones can be very painful. Either way, you will want to avoid them, or maybe you’ve had them and you’re in no rush for them to return. There are preventative actions you can take with changes to your diet plan that will help keep kidney stones from building.

Before we begin with diet recommendations, it’s important to note that all kidney stones are not the same. The most common type of kidney stone is a calcium stone, with uric acid stones following close after. Diet and medical treatment are different depending on the stone type.

The National Kidney Foundation gives these diet recommendations dependent on the kidney stone type.

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones: most common stones

Oxalate is naturally found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains, legumes, and even chocolate and tea. Some examples of foods that have high levels of oxalate include peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Limiting intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones which is the leading type of kidney stone.

Eat and drink calcium foods such as milk, yogurt, and some cheese and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. The oxalate and calcium from the foods are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before entering the kidneys. This will make it less likely that kidney stones will form.

Calcium is not the enemy but it tends to get a bad rap! This is most likely due to its name and misunderstanding that calcium is the main cause in calcium-oxalate stones. A diet low in calcium actually increases your chances of developing kidney stones.

Don’t reduce the calcium in your diet. Work to cut back on the sodium in your diet and to pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods. The recommended calcium intake to prevent calcium stones is 1000-1200 mg per day (you can eat 3 servings of dairy products with meals to meet the recommendation).

Extra sodium causes you to lose more calcium in your urine. Sodium and calcium share the same transport in the kidney so if you eat high sodium foods it will increase calcium leakage in the urine. Therefore, a high sodium diet can increase your chances for developing another stone. There are many sources of “hidden” sodium such as canned or commercially processed foods as well as restaurant-prepared and fast foods.

You can lower your sodium intake by choosing fresh low sodium foods which can help to lower calcium leakage in the urine and will also help with blood pressure control if you have high blood pressure.

2. Uric acid stones: another common stone

Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish have high amounts of a natural chemical compound known as purines. High purine intake leads to a higher production of uric acid and a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete. Higher uric acid excretion leads to more acidic urine. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form.

To prevent uric acid stones, cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, beer/alcoholic beverages, meat-based gravies, sardines, anchovies and shellfish. Follow a healthy diet plan that has mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those that have high fructose corn syrup. Limit alcohol because it can increase uric acid levels in the blood and avoid short term diets for the same reason. Decreasing animal-based protein and eating more fruits and vegetables will help decrease urine acidity and this may help reduce the chance for uric acid stone formation.

As family travels from near and far to be together during the holiday season, it’s an opportune time for you to not only cherish the time with your loved ones, but also gain a deeper understanding of your family’s health history. Take the time to have important conversations about family health history. Discussing your family’s health background doesn’t have to overshadow the festive atmosphere, however, it can be a valuable way to understand potential health issues that may be hereditary, allowing you to proactively address them with your healthcare provider.

Understanding your family’s health history is crucial for everyone. It empowers you to develop a strategy for managing any potential health concerns. For instance, a family history of breast cancer can be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Certain genetic mutations that elevate the risk of breast cancer also raise the likelihood of prostate cancer in men. Therefore, if you discover a family member has had breast cancer, it’s important to discuss your own cancer risk with your doctor.

This holiday season, take a moment to engage in discussions with your family about the significance of understanding your health history. The more you comprehend potential health impacts, the better equipped you and your doctor are to address them early on, allowing you to continue relishing those special holiday moments.

INTEGRATED ONCOLOGY NETWORK ANNOUNCES HIGH DESERT ONCOLOGY JOINS cCARE

Advancing a Shared Commitment to Elevate Local Oncology Care

[NASHVILLE, TN, September 1, 2023] — Integrated Oncology Network (ION) is excited to announce High Desert Oncology in Victorville, CA has joined the California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence (cCARE) network. This strategic collaboration extends access to cCare’s leading hematology, oncology and research services to patients in the High Desert region and beyond.

ION’s top priority is to enhance community-based specialty healthcare through key partnerships and services. Barry Tanner, CEO of Integrated Oncology Network says this collaboration affirms ION’s commitment to provide the highest quality, advanced oncology care to communities.

“We are excited that this partnership aligns with the common goal of providing the most advanced and comprehensive oncology care to our patients in a setting close to their home and support network of family and friends,” said Tanner. “Through this collaboration, the combined efforts of High Desert Oncology and cCARE will enable us to elevate the quality of care and assistance we offer patients within the ION network.”

The transition of High Desert Oncology into cCARE will be a seamless process for patients. cCARE Board President and Medical Director of Radiation/Imaging, Jedidiah Monson, MD, says both clinics are dedicated to ensuring a smooth integration to minimize any disruptions to ongoing patient treatments and care.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Vir Nanda and the High Desert community to cCARE! Current and future patients of High Desert Oncology can expect to stay local and receive care with the same trusted team,” said Dr. Monson. “cCARE supports High Desert Oncology with access to advanced healthcare services and groundbreaking resources in cancer research and treatment.”

“This is a momentous occasion for current and future patients of High Desert Oncology. The integration of High Desert Oncology into cCARE represents a significant step forward in our fight against cancer,” said High Desert Oncology fellowship-trained and board certified Oncologist, Vir K. Nanda, MD. “Through this partnership, we are empowering our patients with access to a network of advanced research and treatment options and expert medical care.”

About Integrated Oncology Network

Integrated Oncology Network partners directly with physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers to offer the latest services and technologies to their patients. Founded in 2008, ION has grown to more than 50 centers across the country, providing a complete and integrated continuum of care – diagnostic testing, radiation oncology, medical oncology, urology and other ancillary services. For more information, visit www.ionetwork.com.

About cCARE

California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence, cCARE, is the largest full-service private oncology and hematology practice in California. cCARE delivers the highest quality medical oncology, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, supplemented by a large research and clinical trials program. With eight clinical and business offices in the San Diego and Fresno areas, cCARE provides patient with care beyond treatment no matter where they call home. For more information, visit www.ccare.com.

About High Desert Oncology Center

High Desert Oncology Center works with patients every step of the way. With a highly-trained team of board-certified oncologists, High Desert Oncology is committed to provide personalized solutions for patients in the High Desert Region. For more information, visit www.highdesertoncology.com.