Cystinuria is a genetic condition wherein the kidneys are not able to reabsorb the cystine from the urine, and as a result, one develops cystinuria. Cysteine is part of the amino acids that make up the essential proteins in the body, and the kidneys often do the grunt work as they break down the various amino acids and reabsorb the proteins, including cystine. When the kidneys cannot reabsorb the cysteine, it can cause the same to build up and form crystals in the urethra, which soon turns into a stone.

This is more common than one would think and affects 1 in 100 adults and 6-8 children in 100; it can affect an individual at any point and can affect both the genders equally. There are effective ways to treat cystinuria, including medication and surgery, but it is always a good idea to go in for non-invasive options to remove the stone. If one has been diagnosed with cystinuria, it is always better to adopt a special diet to help dissolve the stone.

Foods to have and avoid
If one has been diagnosed with cystinuria, they should opt for a diet that helps deal with the condition. It is important to consult a doctor as well as a dietician right away, but a few tips might also help:

• Fluid intake : One should increase their intake of fluids as this can help decrease the level of cystine in the urine.
• Reduce the salt : An increase in salt intake has been directly correlated with the increase in cystine excretion. So if one happens to have cystinuria, they should reduce their salt intake.
• Fruits and vegetables : An individual suffering from cystinuria should increase the intake of fruits and vegetables as this can help with the alkalinization of the urine, and it can lead to a drop in the cysteine levels as well.
• Eat less meat : One of the reasons that the doctor would also recommend one to cut back on their meat intake has to do with the fact that it contains methionine, which is further broken down by the body into cysteine. So, eating meat regularly will result in higher cysteine levels, which crystallizes and turns into stones, leading to cystinuria eventually.
• Maintain normal weight : It has been found that being obese puts one at higher risk of developing various health conditions, including cystinuria. This is why one should opt for a good fitness regimen and maintain their body weight in the normal range.
• Inadequate calcium : Yet another reason that results in cystinuria and the formation of stones is the calcium levels dropping to levels that are way lower than normal. One needs to take supplements that can bring the calcium levels back to normal.

These are some of the dietary tips that one should follow to prevent the rise of cystine levels in the body.