Whether a stone patient can eat eggs depends on the exact type of stone. There are two main groups:
- Hepatobiliary stones (gallbladder or bile-duct stones)
- Pathogenesis: anything that raises the cholesterol-to-bile-acid ratio or causes bile stasis can provoke stone formation.
- Egg issue: yolks are rich in cholesterol and stimulate gall-bladder contraction, which may precipitate biliary colic or acute inflammation.
- Recommendation: avoid eggs, especially yolks, as well as other high-cholesterol foods (offal, fatty meats) and stimulants such as alcohol and coffee that increase gall-bladder motility.
- Urinary-tract stones (kidney, ureter, bladder)
- Pathogenesis: calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid or mixed stones.
- Egg issue: eggs supply high-quality protein; excessive animal protein can modestly raise urinary calcium and oxalate, but moderate intake (e.g., 3–4 eggs per week) is usually harmless.
- Recommendation: eggs may be eaten in moderation; avoid large daily amounts. Simultaneously restrict high-fat, high-sugar items (fried chicken, cakes) that may indirectly favour stone formation.
General daily advice for both groups
- Increase fruit and vegetable intake (oranges, celery, etc.) for vitamins and fibre.
- Maintain a high fluid intake.
- Attend scheduled follow-up imaging to monitor for new or recurrent stones.
| Stone Type | Main Pathogenesis | Egg Yolk Risk | Egg Recommendation | Other Dietary Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatobiliary (gallbladder / bile-duct) | ↑ cholesterol : bile-acid ratio + bile stasis → gallstones | High cholesterol stimulates GB contraction → colic / inflammation | AVOID eggs (especially yolks) and other high-cholesterol foods (offal, fatty meats); no alcohol or coffee | Keep diet very low-fat, non-stimulating |
| Urinary tract (kidney / ureter / bladder) | Calcium oxalate / phosphate / uric acid stones | Modest protein load; large excess can slightly ↑ urinary Ca & oxalate | Eggs OK in moderation (≈ 3-4/week); avoid large daily amounts | Limit high-fat, high-sugar foods (fried items, cakes); drink plenty of water; eat fruits & vegetables (oranges, celery, etc.); schedule regular imaging follow-up |