From the Guidelines
To reduce the risk of uric acid kidney stones, it is essential to limit foods high in purines, such as meat, chicken, and seafood, and instead focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods that can cause renal stones due to uric acid include 1:
- Meat, especially organ meats like liver and kidneys
- Chicken
- Seafood, particularly shellfish, anchovies, and sardines
- Alcoholic beverages, especially beer
- High-fructose foods and beverages
A diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help raise the urine pH and reduce the risk of uric acid crystal formation 1. Additionally, staying well-hydrated by drinking 2-3 liters of water daily can help dilute urine and prevent crystal formation. It is also crucial to maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is linked to higher uric acid levels, and avoid crash diets that can temporarily increase uric acid 1.
Some key points to consider when modifying your diet to reduce the risk of uric acid stones include:
- Decreasing the consumption of meat, chicken, and seafood to decrease purine intake and uric acid production 1
- Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables to raise the urine pH and reduce the risk of uric acid crystal formation 1
- Staying well-hydrated to dilute urine and prevent crystal formation
- Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding crash diets to prevent temporary increases in uric acid levels.
From the Research
Foods that can cause renal stones due to uric acid
- Foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and some vegetables, can increase uric acid production in the body 2
- A diet high in protein and low in calcium can also increase the risk of uric acid stones 2
- Foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, beets, and rhubarb, can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones, which are often associated with hyperuricosuria 2
- A diet low in citrate, such as one that is low in fruits and vegetables, can also increase the risk of uric acid stones 2
Dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of uric acid stones
- A balanced diet that is low in protein, low in salt, and high in calcium and magnesium can help reduce the risk of uric acid stones 2, 3
- Increasing fluid intake to at least 2 liters per day can also help reduce the risk of stone formation 2
- Avoiding foods that are high in purines and oxalate can also help reduce the risk of uric acid stones 2
- Increasing citrate intake through foods such as citrus fruits and melons can also help reduce the risk of uric acid stones 2
Medical treatment of hyperuricosuria
- Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, can be effective in reducing uric acid production and preventing calcium stone formation in patients with hyperuricosuria 4, 5, 6
- Febuxostat, a newer xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, may also be effective in preventing calcium stones by reducing urinary uric acid excretion 6