What to eat for kidney stones?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on May 08, 2025
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Patients with kidney stones do not have particular dietary prohibitions, but it is generally advised to avoid long-term, large consumption of foods that promote stone growth. For instance, one should not regularly consume foods high in calcium, such as dairy products like milk and cheese, or soy products like tofu, soy milk, etc. These foods should be consumed in smaller quantities. Also, it is advisable to eat less food high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, and others. If the stones are uric acid stones, it is recommended to reduce the intake of foods high in purines, such as seafood, as well as beer, beverages, and animal offal. These foods have high purine content and should be limited to prevent or reduce the formation of uric acid stones.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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What should be noted for kidney stones?

If you have kidney stones, you should avoid vigorous exercise and heavy physical labor in daily life, and avoid eating foods that may aggravate kidney stones. For example, do not eat persimmons, drink tea, consume tofu, or eat too many soy products, etc. The reason to avoid persimmons is that they contain tannins, which can contact stomach acid and more easily bond with plant fibers, forming a stone that may worsen kidney stones. In other aspects, pay attention to a light diet because inflammation is more likely to occur with kidney stones, so avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods. It is recommended that patients go to a regular hospital for examination and treatment.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should you not eat if you have kidney stones?

Since the main component found in kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones, it is necessary to eat less food high in calcium and oxalates in our diet. Common foods that are high in calcium include soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and dairy products like cow's milk and cheese, which should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it is advisable to eat fewer foods high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, strawberries, and chocolate. Moreover, if the stones are uric acid stones, it is important to consume less seafood, animal organs, beer, and other foods high in purines. It is best to drink more water every day and urinate frequently to dilute the urine, which can reduce the formation of stones.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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Kidney stone symptoms

The symptoms of kidney stones depend on the size and shape of the stone, as well as its location in the kidney, whether there are infections, obstructions, and other factors. Smaller kidney stones, which are smooth, can be expelled with the urine without causing noticeable symptoms. Stones lodged in the lower part of the renal pelvis or in the calyces can be asymptomatic. If the kidney stones are larger, located in the calyces or the renal pelvis, they can compress the kidney and cause back pain or dull pain because the stones can lead to the dilation or obstruction of the renal pelvis or kidney. Patients may experience back pain, fever, and if there is an infection, localized fever may occur. Additionally, kidney stones can scratch the mucous membrane of the ureter or kidney, causing bleeding.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the size and location of the stone, and whether there is associated hydronephrosis. If the stone inside the kidney is relatively small, most patients experience no discomfort, and it is generally discovered during an ultrasound examination at physical check-ups. However, if such a small stone falls into the ureter, it can irritate the ureteral walls and cause ureteral spasms, resulting in renal colic and, in some cases, hematuria. If the kidney stone is relatively large and causes kidney hydronephrosis or even pyonephrosis, the patient will experience sour swelling and pain in the waist on the side of the stone. If an infection occurs, symptoms such as chills and high fever may also appear.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the size of the stones and whether they cause obstruction. If the stones are relatively small, they can usually pass smoothly through the ureters and urethra and be expelled from the body without causing any symptoms. When the stones are expelled, small stones can be seen in the urine. If the kidney stones are relatively large but do not cause obstruction in the kidneys or bladder, they generally do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms occur only when larger stones move downward and become lodged in the ureters, causing back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The stones can scratch the walls of the ureters, leading to blood in the urine. When stones get stuck in the urethra, it can cause painful urination discomfort and perineal pain. Since the stones can scratch the inner walls of the urethra, they may also cause blood in the urine.