Is Potato Good for Kidney Stones Patients?

Kidney stones (or renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) is a medical condition referring to the hardened deposits of salts, minerals, etc. that get accumulated in our kidneys. Kidney stones of insignificant size do not cause pain; however, a big kidney stone can not only result in unbearable pain but result in severe health complications as well. Ayurvedic treatment of kidney stones concentrates on the removal of renal stones via appropriate Ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda offers a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones.

Causes of Kidney Stone

• Severe dehydration
• Family history of renal stones
• High protein diet
• Digestive surgery
• Obesity
• High sodium diet
• Calcium-based antacids, laxatives, etc.

Symptoms of Kidney Stone

• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flank pain
• Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs that fluctuates and comes in waves
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Fever and chills, especially when you are infected

Is Potato Good for Kidney Stones Patients?

Potatoes, as we all know, are rich in carbs and nutrients. They are a rich source of potassium and vitamin C, an antioxidant. If you are a renal patient, then nephrologists may discourage you from including potatoes in your diet as they are a rich source of potassium. In addition, potatoes also contain oxalates. Consuming potatoes in higher amounts can significantly increase your risk of getting oxalate-based renal stones. If you have renal stones, then staying away from potatoes can be a wise decision for you. However, if you still want to include potatoes in your diet, take care of the following things:

• Drink lots of water: Drinking plenty of water after eating potatoes will help your kidneys flush out excess oxalates from the body effectively.
• Eat calcium-rich foods: Calcium and oxalate bind together in the body; eat calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, almonds, figs, etc. to avoid the formation of oxalates in the body.
• Cut and boil: Cutting and boiling potatoes significantly reduce potassium content. Boil the potatoes and drain the water, then again boil the potatoes in fresh water. This reduces the potassium content in the potatoes.
• Avoid certain cooking methods: Baked potatoes, microwaved potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and French fries should not be consumed by kidney stone patients. These cooking methods retain much of the potassium content in the potatoes.
• Use dairy alternatives: If you love eating mashed potatoes, make use of unsweetened cashew milk instead of dairy milk.

Kidney Stones Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda offers a thorough treatment for renal stones. Ayurvedic treatment of renal stones makes use of effective natural herbs to flush out renal stones from the body. Some of the best medicines for treating renal stones are:

• Varuna: It is an excellent natural medicine for kidney stones. Its diuretic properties assist in the removal of toxins from the body. This natural herb also inhibits the formation of oxalate in the body. This helps your chances of reducing the formation of oxalate-based kidney stones in the body.
• Pashanabheda: Pashanabheda disintegrates the already-present kidney stones into smaller fragments and flushes them out of the body. It is also helpful in alleviating pain, inflammation, and other symptoms often associated with renal stones.
• Gokshura: Gokshura’s diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties promote a smooth flush-out of toxins from the body and also reduce inflammation in the kidney tissues. it is important, however, that you consult with your doctor before you consume any medicine for health purposes.

Useful Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Renal Stones

• Stay Hydrated: At least 8-10 glasses of water daily helps you flush out toxins from the body effectively. This discourages the formation of renal stones in the body.
• Reduce Salt Intake: A low-on-sodium diet helps you regulate blood pressure. Avoid processed and frozen foods as salt is used to preserve them. A low-sodium diet also inhibits the formation of salt-based stones in the kidneys.
• Reduce Protein Consumption: Meat, fish, red meat, chicken, etc. should be consumed in extreme moderation if you have recurrent renal issues. When you eat a higher proportion of animal-based protein, your body produces more creatinine. This puts your kidneys under a lot of stress. If possible, replace animal-based proteins with plant-based ones.
• Oxalate-Rich Foods: Oxalate-rich foods like beets and nuts must be consumed in moderation, that too after consulting with your nephrologist. These foods may increase your risk of getting oxalate-based kidney stones.
• Keep your weight in check: Obesity is a major cause of renal disorders; maintain a healthy weight via appropriate exercises. If you have been suffering from any sort of renal disorder, then exercise in moderation.
• Limit Caffeine and Soda Intake: Caffeinated beverages and sodas dehydrate you and harm your renal health too; avoid carbonated and aerated drinks. Herbal teas like dandelion root tea, green tea, etc. are healthy alternatives to cold drinks and soda.

Renal stones can be troublesome and pretty painful too. Treating them early is key to a complete recovery from them. Consuming potatoes while you are suffering from renal stones will not be a good idea, as they are rich in potassium and may aggravate your renal stone symptoms.