I was reading this article and came across this. I have had Kiney Stones in the past now I'm really concerned about eating the way I have been. Is there any alternative to what I can do??? I don't want to futher damage my kidney's by eating so much protien.


It is true that large amounts of protein can put a strain on your kidneys. Ammonia and urea (waste produced by protein assimilation) are removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and liver and excreted in the urine. When you have a lot of these waste products in your system, your kidneys will have to work harder to keep your system clean.

There has been no major study on the effects of a high protein diet on individuals or athletes with healthy kidneys. There was however, a study done in 1982 with patients who already had kidney problems. The high protein intake, did of course further degrade their kidney functions.

Those with a history of kidney or liver problems should probably not be on a high protein diet. If your kidneys cannot efficiently remove any excess production of ketones from your bloodstream it will increase your blood acidity, which can lead to other problems. Because your liver is also involved in the process of metabolizing protein, if it is not functioning properly, high protein diets can cause further problems due to the added strain.

I don't think they are talking about stones. I think it is more of the actual function of filtering the blood that they are worried about.

I've had a kidney stone, too. Tons of people have.

I don't think they are talking about stones. I think it is more of the actual function of filtering the blood that they are worried about.

I've had a kidney stone, too. Tons of people have.
Well glad to see I'm not the only one :D At least you can understand that I don't want to go through it again (mine was just bigger than a BB:cry: ). I did re-read the quote I posted and what you said about made the article make more sense. I guess I will be ok after all then as long as I don't over do it.

I guess I will be ok after all then as long as I don't over do it.
It might be better to check with your doctor, instead of just guessing that you're okay.

http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-23,GGLG:en&q=protein+kidney+stone

Also, anyone who consumes more than about 1 g of protein per body weight needs to be extra, extra careful that they are drinking enough water.

My doctor told me to drink a lot of fluids. How much is “a lot” Does it matter what kind of fluid I drink?
To lessen your risk of forming a new stone, it is important that you drink at least three to four quarts of fluid throughout the day. In hotter weather, you may need to drink more to make up for fluid loss from sweating. This will help keep your urine less concentrated Less concentrated urine reduces the risk of stone formation. Most of the fluid you drink should be water.

Is there anything else I can do with my diet to help prevent the formation of kidney stones?
Reducing the amount of animal protein may help. Sources of animal protein include beef, chicken, pork, fish and eggs. Most people need only four to six ounces of high protein foods and three servings of milk or cheese a day. Check with your doctor or dietitian to be sure your protein intake is enough, but not too much.

You could easily say that about anything fitness related (and I'm not saying it's not a good thing to check).

Unfortunately, most doctors I've been to are nowhere near experts on sports nutrition.

As to prevention of future stones, depends on what kind of stone you had. Some are caused by calcium, vitamin D, etc.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/#whatis

That link doesn't list protein as things to avoid, so obviously opinions vary.

My doctor wasn't worried about my diet when I had mine.

A guy I work with had stones; he works out occasionally and does use protein supp's. His doctor was very explicit about keeping up on fluids. FWIW