Ep. 104 Dietary Modifications for Kidney Stone Prevention with Dr. Kristina Penniston

In this episode of BackTable Urology, urologist Dr. Manoj Monga (UC San Diego) and clinical nutritionist Dr. Kristina Penniston (UW Madison) discuss the role of diet in kidney stone prevention and how urologists can partner with dietitians to create integrated stone clinics. --- SHOW NOTES First, the doctors explore how to adjust fluid intake based on the patient's body size and consistency of bowel movements. They also cover ways to be creative with fluids, including incorporating low sugar, low calorie, and low alcohol beverages into the diet, as well as scheduling and flavoring options. They review the importance of mineral content in hard and soft water, and the potential benefits of alkaline water. Finally, they discuss the recommended sodium intake per day. Next, Dr. Penniston explains that oxalate, a common component of kidney stones, is found in many plant foods, such as spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, rhubarb, beets, nuts, and grains. She discusses how oxalate bioavailability can be reduced by the simultaneous consumption of foods and beverages containing calcium. Finally, she outlines the many non-dairy alternatives for calcium that are available. Lastly, the doctors discuss how certain diets can increase and decrease the acidity of the urine. They debate the effects of intermittent fasting on stone risk, as well as the healthiest diet to lose weight without increasing stone risk. They end by emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and how a balanced and varied diet is key to successful weight loss.