Final answer:
The primary diet recommendation for calcium nephrolithiasis includes hydration to produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily, a low protein and low sodium diet, restriction of oxalate-rich foods, and maintaining an adequate intake of dietary calcium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Dietary Prescription for Calcium Nephrolithiasis
The primary dietary prescription for managing calcium nephrolithiasis involves several key modifications aimed at reducing the risk of stone formation. It is recommended to drink sufficient water to produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day. The diet should be low in protein, nitrogen, and sodium intake to reduce the excretory load on the kidneys. Furthermore, a restriction of oxalate-rich foods is advised, which includes foods such as chocolate, nuts, soybeans, rhubarb, and spinach. It is equally important to maintain an adequate intake of dietary calcium, contrary to the misconception that a low-calcium diet is beneficial. Adequate calcium can bind ingested oxalate in the gastrointestinal tract, which prevents its absorption and reduces oxalate excretion in the urine, thereby lowering the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.
In some cases, medication such as thiazides, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, or allopurinol may be prescribed, depending on the specific cause of the stone formation. Regular medical checkups and diagnostic tests like X-rays or CT scans are recommended for monitoring the condition.