Nephrolithiasis refers to the medical condition commonly known as kidney stones as defined by Kelley M. Bishop, M.D. from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It involves the formation of hard deposits within the kidneys or urinary tract.
It is not advisable to follow the Optavia 5 and 1 diet if you are concerned about kidney health because it includes highly processed food and restrict fruits, which do not align with the dietary recommendations for kidney stone prevention.
A study by Pietro Manuel Ferraro PhD from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore found that high meat/animal protein intake can harm kidney stone incidence and recurrence rate. On the flip side, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy carries the lowest risk for kidney stones (nephrolithiasis).
Determining whether Optavia is bad for your kidneys or if it can cause kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) relies on various factors, such as the type and amount of protein consumed, the inclusion of an adequate amount of vegetables in the meal plan, the incorporation of low-fat dairy products, and maintaining proper hydration through adequate water intake.
On the contrary, modifying the Optavia plan to include more fruits and vegetables, along with a sufficient intake of low-fat dairy products and proper hydration, can be beneficial in minimizing potential side effects, particularly related to kidney health.
What are Kidney stones? (Nephrolithiasis)
Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the renal calyces and pelvis. They contain crystalline and organic components and are formed when urine becomes supersaturated with a mineral, according to Nature Reviews Disease Primers.
The main constituent of most stones is calcium oxalate. Stone formation is prevalent, with rates of up to 14.8% and increasing. Recurrence rates can reach up to 50% within the first 5 years of the initial stone episode.
Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin area as they obstruct the urinary tract or pass through it.
According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition Research, the majority (approximately 70-80%) of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. The remaining stones consist of 10% struvite, 10% uric acid, and less than 1% cystine or drug-related stones.
Calcium and uric acid stones are more prevalent in men, while women are more prone to struvite stones. To assess dietary factors related to kidney stones, various methods can be used, including the 24-hour recall, food record, diet history, and food frequency questionnaire.
What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
The symptoms of kidney stones can include severe pain in the back or side, pain during urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and a persistent urge to urinate.
These symptoms are related to the presence of a kidney stone in the urinary tract and are not specific to any particular diet, including the Optavia diet. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends solutions for kidney stones. These include pain control, medical expulsive therapy, follow-up imaging, active stone removal if needed, risk assessment for recurrence, lifestyle modifications (like drinking more fluids), and prescription medications for recurrent calcium stones.
Can Optavia Diet Cause Kidney Problems?
Yes, the Optavia 5 and 1 diet can cause kidney problems and other side effects. The Optavia diet involves consuming five Fuelings per day and one lean and green meal with protein and low-carb vegetables while excluding fruits, grains, and potatoes.
According to research by Giovanni Gambaro from the University of Verona, the following dietary factors can influence the risk of kidney stones:
- Fluid intake: Reducing fluid intake can lead to increased urine saturation, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
- Sodium intake: Increasing sodium intake can result in elevated urine calcium levels and reduced citrate excretion, both of which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Calcium intake: Reducing calcium intake can lead to increased urinary oxalate excretion, which is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone formation.
- Meat intake: Consuming higher amounts of meat can contribute to a lower urine pH, increased urine calcium levels, and reduced citrate excretion, thereby increasing the risk of kidney stones.
- Fruits intake: Reducing the consumption of fruits can lead to a lower urine pH and reduced citrate excretion, which are risk factors for kidney stone formation.
- Diet content in oxalate foods: Increasing the intake of foods high in oxalate can result in increased urinary oxalate excretion, which is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone formation.
Scientific evidence published by Dr. Giovanni Gambaro also confirms that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and balanced low-fat dairy carry the lowest risk of kidney stone incidence.
According to Dr. Gambaro, a balanced vegetarian diet, including dairy products, appears to be the most protective diet for individuals with kidney stones. The specific effects of vegetables and fibers alone on stone formation risk are still not fully understood.
Is Optavia Hard On Kidneys?
Yes, Optavia 5 and 1 plan is hard on the kidneys becasue it primarily consists of processed foods in the form of bars, shakes, desserts, and entrees, and includes only one meal with vegetables.
In contrast, the Optavia 3 and 3 diet is considered safe for kidney health due to its emphasis on a high intake of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, this diet allows for the inclusion of dairy products such as milk and cheese and includes foods that are high in oxalate content, such as beets, potatoes, and beans. These dietary components align with recommendations for maintaining kidney health.
What’s more, if you choose to modify your diet by creating your own Fuelings using fruits and vegetables, it may be more kidney-friendly.
Are there any cases of Optavia side effects related to kidney problems?
While Optavia has been associated with reported cases of side effects such as migraines, headaches, and stomach problems, there have been no reported cases linking Optavia directly to kidney stones or kidney diseases.
Can a Bad Diet Cause Kidney Stones?
Yes, diet plays a crucial role in the development of kidney stones. Insufficient fluid intake is also a prominent dietary risk factor for the formation of urinary stones, as highlighted by Roswitha Siener from the University Hospital Bonn in Germany.
It has been demonstrated that maintaining adequate hydration by consuming a high volume of fluids can have a beneficial impact in preventing the occurrence of kidney stones.
Additionally, other nutritional factors, including dietary protein, carbohydrates, oxalate, calcium, and sodium chloride, can influence the urinary risk profile and contribute to the risk of kidney stone formation.
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, it is recommended to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, stay properly hydrated, and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.
What is the impact of doing Optavia on your own on kidney health?
Self-guided Optavia allows for flexibility and more control in food choices to incorporate into your Fuelings and lean and green meals.
This flexibility helps people with kidney problems make personalized dietary choices that align with their specific needs and restrictions, such as managing protein intake and limiting phosphorus and potassium levels.
To design a kidney-friendly diet with Optavia, consider these tips.
- Consult a healthcare professional
- Opt for low-phosphorus foods
- Monitor protein intake
- Limit sodium (salt) intake
- Stay properly hydrated
- Monitor potassium and phosphorus levels
- Follow Optavia under medical supervision
If you have kidney problems, it is advisable to follow Optavia under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can help monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure your dietary choices align with your kidney health needs.
