Does consuming spinach and tomatoes together on a regular basis cause stones to form?
N.R. Raghuram, Hyderabad
Kidney stones are crystallised masses of minerals in varying sizes that form in the kidneys but can be found in other parts.
Stones of small size pass through the body and are excreted with urine; however, larger stones may stay within the urinary tract and cause blockades leading to severe pain.
In essence, kidney stones form because of excess of calcium, phosphate, oxalate and uric acid. While a normal amount of these substances is sent out by the body, excesses may remain in the kidney to form stones. This depends on the individual’s metabolism mainly. There is also a rare condition where such a tendency to have excess of calcium or oxalate runs in the family, genetically.
Among the various substances that lead to the formation of kidney stones, oxalates are found in some soft drinks, uric acid in mutton, calcium in milk products and tomatoes or green leafy vegetables. While it is wrong to completely reject these foods, they must not be consumed in such large proportions that they cause kidney stones to form.
One way to avoid kidney stones is to drink large quantities of water and keep the body hydrated. Also consuming the above mentioned foods in restricted amounts, which is not to say that they must be avoided entirely.
There are medical and surgical treatments for kidney stones, where the former involves using citrates. The mode of surgical treatment varies depending on the place where the stone is located.
Science desk, The Hindu
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