Final answer:
High protein diets increase the risk of developing renal stones due to increased acidity of the urine and increased excretion of calcium. The risk is higher when the diet is also low in fluids.
Step-by-step explanation:
High protein diets increase the risk of developing renal stones due to several factors. One of these factors is that protein metabolism results in the production of acid residues, such as sulfuric acid. These acid residues then need to be excreted by the kidneys, leading to an increase in the acidity of the urine. The higher acidity promotes the formation of certain types of renal stones, such as calcium oxalate stones and uric acid stones.
Another factor is that a high intake of animal protein can lead to an increase in the excretion of calcium in the urine. This can increase the risk of calcium-based renal stones, as calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate or phosphate, to form stones.
It is important to note that not all high protein diets increase the risk of renal stones. The risk is higher when the diet is also low in fluids, as this can concentrate the urine and make it easier for stone-forming substances to crystallize and form stones.