Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
What are the Foods to Avoid with Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones pain symptoms, in the more mild cases, can be inconvenient.
In the more severe cases, they can require surgery to remove, with enough pain to induce
nausea or vomiting.
Foods to avoid with kidney stones include anything high in oxalate, a chemical that
contributes to the development of stones in the urinary tract.
Dark leafy greens are a leading culprit, but numerous other foods including chocolate,
tea, and okra can also be high in oxalate.
At the same time, it is important to eat a balanced diet, high in calcium, to prevent
oxalate absorption, and lots of fluids to keep the urinary tract flushed.
Research suggests that a medium protein diet is optimal for people with a history of kidney
stones.
High-oxalate foods to avoid include any dark green leafy vegetables like kale, chard, and
spinach; chocolates and teas; peanuts; wheat germ; okra; soy; and sweet potatoes.
All of these foods should be eaten in small amounts, and it is important to cook them
thoroughly to promote the breakdown of any oxalate they contain.
Some foods contain lesser amounts of oxalate and should be eaten in moderation but do not
need to be completely avoided.
These include fresh fruits, celery, and liver.
While fruits and vegetables rank high on the list of foods to avoid with kidney stones,
it is not a good idea to cut them out of the diet completely.
Many vegetables, like carrots, are perfectly safe to eat, and fruits can have varying amounts
of oxalate; apples and bananas, for example, are good food choices.
Fluids can include water, herbal teas, and juices.
Increasing potassium and calcium intake will also help for people with kidney stones.
Yogurt, beans, almonds, cheese, and sardines can all be good additions to the diet.
The calcium and potassium will bind to the oxalate and limit absorption through the gut.
This reduces the amount available for kidney stone formation.
Animal protein is not specifically on the list of foods to avoid, but it should be eaten
moderately, as higher protein diets appear to have a link with the development of stones.
Patients evaluating a list of foods to avoid with kidney stones may feel overwhelmed by
the extent of changes they need to make to their diets.
Visit Website.