Patient's question:
Hello, I heard today that kidney stones are related to excessive protein intake. Is that correct? Protein is beneficial to health, so why does excessive protein intake lead to kidney stones? What's going on here? Please explain in detail. Thank you.Doctor's answer:
Hello, it is indeed true that the formation of kidney stones is closely related to protein intake. Consuming excessive amounts of animal protein, such as pork, beef, chicken, and lamb, can increase urinary calcium, uric acid, and oxalate. Additionally, animal protein is acidic and can lower urine pH, which exacerbates uric acid precipitation and leads to stone formation. If you have a history of excessive uric acid, you should limit your daily intake of high-protein foods to less than 180 grams, which includes meat, cheese, chicken, and fish. Experts remind us that in daily diet, we should not be overly partial to certain foods just because they are delicious or nutritious. It is essential to pay attention to food combinations. Even if a test reveals that your body is deficient in a certain nutrient and requires a specific food to supplement it, it is not advisable to consume large amounts frequently. This is because the human digestive and absorption system has limitations, and if nutrients cannot be absorbed, it creates space for "stone growth." Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.