Tomato health benefit and myths of kidney stone associated to it

New Delhi : Tomato is rich in Vitamin C and is one of the most common fruit to be consumed on daily basis. Not only they make food look delicious, but they also add nutritional benefit to it. Vital antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients are found in this flavorful fruit and we need those on a daily basis.

However, there are myths that the fruit is responsible for the cause of Kidney stones. Well, in this article we will try to understand the real facts associated to the myth.

It is a known fact that kidney stones can be caused due to oxalates present in tomatoes. But, no one explains that the amount present in the fruit is not enough that it can give you kidney stones.

For the unversed, 100 g of tomatoes contain around 5 mg of oxalates. And the intake of tomatoes for kidney stone patients depends on case to case.

The people who have been already diagnosed with the oxalates stone must be mindful about the consumption of the tomatoes and may consult the physician before opting it in regular diet.

Aside from tomatoes, foods such as brinjals or eggplants and milk are also linked with kidney stones too. But just like tomatoes, chances of them causes kidney stones are also less.

The prime reasons behind the cause of kidney stones are poor hydration, deficiency of certain enzymes, metabolic problems among others. Kidney stones symptoms include pain on the side or back of the body, cloudy urine, unusual color, such as pink or brown of urine, feeling a need to urinate but urinating in small amounts and fever among others.

Those who are suffering from kidney stones can take the following precautions and stay healthy.

One of the main reasons for kidney stones is poor hydration.

So, make sure you drink at least 2-3 litres of water/fluids every day. Also, ensure that you religiously drink fluids/water throughout the day to dilute the urine. 

If the kidneys are not functioning properly or if you suffer from diabetes and hypertension, then a diet low in proteins is recommended. 

One should also limit the intake of salt.

One should restrict foods that contain high levels of oxalates.

Get enough calcium.

Limit the intake of seafood.

Reduce the intake of oxalate containing foods like tea, coffee, spinach, nuts and aerated drinks.

Reduce the intake of red meat as it is loaded with uric acid.

Reduce or avoid the intake of alcohol and cigarettes.