From the Guidelines
Foods that increase urine pH are fruits and vegetables, as they provide an alkali load that raises the urinary excretion of citrate and increases urine pH 1.
Key Foods
- Fruits
- Vegetables These foods are beneficial for patients with cystine stones, uric acid stones, and may also be beneficial for patients with calcium phosphate stones 1.
Mechanism
The consumption of potassium-containing foods, such as fruits and vegetables, increases the urinary excretion of citrate, an important inhibitor of calcium oxalate stone formation, and also raises urine pH 1.
Clinical Implications
A diet high in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of uric acid crystal formation and increase the solubility of cystine, making it easier to prevent stone formation 1.
Medication
Potassium citrate therapy can also be used to raise urinary pH to an optimal level, especially for patients with uric acid and cystine stones, with a target urine pH of 6.0 for uric acid stone formers and 7.0 for cystine stone formers 1.
From the Research
Foods that Increase Urine pH
- Fruits and vegetables, as they are associated with a more alkaline urine pH 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Plant-based dietary supplements, which have been shown to increase urinary pH 4
- Alkali-rich foods, such as those high in potassium and magnesium, which can help increase urine pH 5
- Vegetarian diets, particularly those that are well-planned and balanced, which have been shown to reduce the risk of uric acid stone formation and increase urine pH 6
Key Findings
- A more alkaline diet, characterized by high fruit and vegetable intake and lower meat consumption, is associated with a more alkaline urine pH 2
- Urine pH can be increased by consuming a plant-based dietary supplement, which can help increase the alkalinity of the body 4
- Alkalization of urine through dietary changes can facilitate the excretion of uric acid and reduce the risk of uric acid stone formation 5, 6
Dietary Patterns
- Omnivorous diets, particularly those that are high in meat and low in fruits and vegetables, are associated with a more acidic urine pH and increased risk of uric acid stone formation 2, 3, 6
- Vegetarian diets, particularly those that are well-planned and balanced, are associated with a more alkaline urine pH and reduced risk of uric acid stone formation 6