The ketogenic diet can stress the kidneys and possibly cause kidney stones. Kidney stones are a well-known potential side effect of the ketogenic diet. Our clinical experience is that kidney stones are rare during a well-formulated ketogenic 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 may also worsen the progression of chronic kidney disease. In conclusion, the ketogenic diet is a risk factor for kidney stones, and hypercalciuria was more common in those with kidney stones. Maximising fluid intake and alkalinising urine is recommended to prevent the development of kidney stones. Regular urinary studies, including calcium-creatinine ratio and ultrasonography, are highly recommended to detect this potential complication in children on the ketogenic diet, 9,10 Any evidence of haematuria, dysuria or crystalluria should be evaluated with both renal ultrasonography and referral to nephrology.
The ketogenic diet and kidney stones have long been linked. It is true that a ketogenic diet can cause kidney stones, but the likelihood of kidney stones is somewhat lower. The ketogenic diet also has some misconceptions that it includes a high-protein diet. 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 high in fat. Some studies also suggest that the ketogenic diet reduces the amount of citrate released into the urine. The ketogenic diet may reduce bone mineral density and trigger bone breakdown over time, although more studies are needed.
Dietitians recommend that anyone following the keto diet consult with their doctor to find out if it is the right choice for their body type and medical history, as well as to think about the best things to eat on the plan to stay healthy. According to the Journal of Child Neurology, among children who followed the keto diet as a treatment for epilepsy, 13 of 195 subjects developed kidney stones. And, because people associate low-carbohydrate diets with a high protein content, this leads some to wonder whether low-carbohydrate diets cause proteinuria. But while decades of research suggest that a keto regimen can treat epileptic seizures and control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, what the diet can do for a wider population has not yet been studied.
The diet itself has not been linked to an increase (or decrease) in kidney stone diagnosis rates, but some doctors say they are already seeing a change as more of their patients go keto. While the keto diet is linked to weight loss and other health benefits in the short term, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive problems, poor bone health, and other problems over time. Ideal Protein's weight loss protocol requires a client or patient following a keto diet to drink at least two litres of water each day to mitigate the chances of kidney stone formation. A diet rich in healthy low-carbohydrate foods, such as avocados, nuts and non-starchy vegetables, provides more nutrients than processed meats and keto treats.
That said, it is possible for someone following a keto diet - despite containing low amounts of purines - to develop kidney stones. Because of these risks, people with kidney disease, diabetes, heart or bone disease, or other medical conditions should talk to their health care provider before trying the keto diet. Many weight loss programs similar to the Ideal Protein diet attempt to avoid ketosis altogether by eating a low-calorie diet with a moderate amount of protein. If you are prone to kidney stones, it is essential that you watch your diet, regardless of the eating plan you follow.
Because the ketosis diet restricts several foods, especially fruits, whole grains and nutrient-dense legumes, it may not provide the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals.
