The Best Diet to Avoid Kidney Stones

Knowing a person's risk for developing which type of kidney stone is essential for creating a kidney stone prevention diet. The two most common types of kidney stones, calcium and uric acid stones, respond differently to different foods. The goal for both diets is to reduce the substances traveling to the kidneys that cause kidney stones.

For All Types of Kidney Stones

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent all types of kidney stones. According to Health Magazine, water decreases kidney stones by flushing away substances in the kidneys that contribute to kidney stone formation. Prevent this by drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day. Slowly increase water intake to this amount, drinking one additional glass per day until it reaches this range.

Calcium Kidney Stone Prevention

For people at risk for calcium kidney stone formation, reducing sodium intake can help. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), excess sodium intake causes calcium to mix into the urine, contributing to calcium kidney stones. Eating the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of sodium, 2,400 mg, can decrease this risk. To reduce sodium intake, check nutrition labels on packaged food for sodium levels and avoid salty food. Avoid eating processed foods such as hot dogs, canned soup, frozen dinners or fast food, which contain a high level of sodium.

Further Calcium Kidney Stone Prevention

People at risk for developing calcium kidney stones should also avoid caffeinated drinks, dark green vegetables, peanuts, dark red fruit such as beets and cranberries, beans, tofu, draft beer, oranges and sweet potatoes. These foods contain a high level of oxalate, a contributor to calcium kidney stone formation.

Uric Acid Kidney Stone Prevention

For people at risk for developing uric acid kidney stones, avoiding meat-based products helps reduce their risk. Limit consumption of meat to 6 oz. per day and avoid organ meats if possible--it is the richest in purines, which causes uric acid kidney stones. According to MedicineNet.com, a diet with a emphasis on soy, dairy and healthy greens also helps reduce purine levels. Eat a diet rich in dairy, legumes, soy, whole grains, lentils and vegetables while avoiding alcohol consumption to prevent uric acid kidney stones.