Can Low-Carb Diet Cause Kidney Stones? - A Comprehensive Guide

Low-carb, high-protein diets have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones and bone loss. But why is dietary protein intake sometimes raised as a concern for kidney health? Well, when the kidneys are damaged, one of the first signs is that protein leaks out of the kidney and appears in the urine. This condition is called proteinuria and shows that the kidney's filtering system is malfunctioning. In addition, a moderate to high protein intake against the background of more advanced kidney disease can accelerate the deterioration of kidney function; it is strongly recommended to restrict protein when the kidneys are significantly damaged.

Reducing protein intake to the range of 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (about 40-50 grams per day), or less than half of what most people normally eat, can slow progression to end-stage renal failure, reduce protein in the urine, and delay the onset of end-stage renal failure, and delay the onset of end-stage renal failure, and delay the onset of end-stage renal failure, symptoms of kidney failure. Kidney stones are a well-known potential side effect of the ketogenic diet. Research published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that among children following the ketogenic diet as a treatment for epilepsy, 13 out of 195 subjects developed kidney stones. Children who received potassium citrate supplements in the study noted a decrease in the likelihood of kidney stones. Talk to your healthcare professional about supplementation if you are concerned about kidney stones.

There are several sources that claim that the ketogenic diet can cause kidney stones. Most sources claim that it is the high protein content of the ketogenic diet that is responsible for the formation of kidney stones. However, the ketogenic diet is not high in protein, but in fats. As a result, it becomes difficult to perform day-to-day tasks frequently. Researchers around the world have shown that the ketogenic diet is the best alternative to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

The ketogenic diet and kidney stones have been correlated since ancient times. It is true that a ketogenic diet can cause kidney stones, but the likelihood of this happening is a little lower. The ketogenic diet also has certain misconceptions that it includes a high-protein diet. Eating a lot of animal foods on the ketogenic diet can lead to more acidic urine and an increased risk of kidney stones. This acidic state can also worsen the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Some studies also suggest that the ketogenic diet reduces the amount of citrate released into the urine. Here, we'll dive into 11 potential dangers of the ketogenic diet that any beginner considering this approach should know. Ketogenic Diet May Reduce Bone Mineral Density and Trigger Bone Decay Over Time, Although More Studies Needed. Because of these risks, people with kidney disease, diabetes, heart or bone disease, or other medical conditions should talk to their healthcare provider before trying out this diet. Several animal studies link the ketogenic diet to decreased bone strength, probably due to losses in bone mineral density, which can occur as the body adapts to ketosis (16, 1). Another study of more than 15,000 adults found similar results, but linked low- and high-carb diets to a higher all-cause mortality rate compared to moderate carbohydrate diets in which carbohydrates constituted 50-55% of total daily calories (2).

In contrast, following a functional ketogenic diet has many effects on health when it comes to dealing with kidney stones as they pass through your urinary tract and cause serious health problems. The men consumed their normal diet for a total of six months and a high-protein diet for a total of six months. And while it's true that a ketogenic diet can cause kidney stones, it's important to note that this likelihood is lower than other diets. The ketogenic diet also has certain misconceptions that it includes a high-protein diet. Eating a lot of animal foods on this type of diet can lead to more acidic urine and an increased risk of kidney stones.

This acidic state can also worsen progression in chronic kidney disease. Some studies also suggest that following a ketogenic diet reduces citrate levels released into your urine. As your body adjusts to using ketones and fats as your primary energy source, you may experience flu-like symptoms at the start of this type of diet. Diet itself hasn't been linked to an increase (or decrease) in diagnosis rates for kidney stones, but some doctors say they're already seeing changes as more patients take up this type of lifestyle. In addition, following a ketogenic diet reduces stress levels and balances hormonal changes that occur within your body abruptly.

Bruce Chen
Bruce Chen

Medical & health reporter. Award-winning internet evangelist. Embraced the low-carb keto diet and lost 9 pounds.