Can diet affect kidney stones?

Diet can indeed affect the formation of kidney stones. Dr. Rena Malik, while on the Huberman Lab, explains that dehydration, along with a slight metabolic abnormality causing an increase in urinary calcium or oxalate, can lead to kidney stones. To prevent them, general recommendations include increasing fluid intake to two to three liters a day, reducing oxalate intake (with particular attention to foods like spinach and nuts), and limiting protein intake, especially from purine-rich sources such as red meats. Increasing citrate intake, which is an inhibitor of kidney stone formation, is also advised, using fruits, vegetables, or products with a high citrate composition, such as Crystal Light. A 24-hour urine analysis and blood work can assess specific metabolic abnormalities, leading to targeted dietary or medication interventions 1.

This knowledge emphasizes that diet quality and hydration levels are integral to preventing kidney stones, amongst other diet-related health concerns.