Kidney Stone Diet Taboos
High levels of oxalate in your urine is a well documented risk factor for the formation of kidney stones. If your seeking advice on a kidney stone diet, then you’ll want to avoid foods that increase your levels of urinary oxalate.
The foods listed below, a partial list, are known to play a key role in increasing urinary oxalate levels. It’s advised that these be minimized in any kidney stone diet:
- soda
- strawberries
- tea
- soybeans
- nuts (including almonds and peanuts)
- spinach
- chocolate
- sugar
You’ll also want to maintain low levels of urinary calcium. You can reduce urinary calcium levels by including more bran in your kidney stone diet. Bran is an insoluble fiber which lowers the absorption of calcium. This in turn helps keep urinary calcium levels down and prevent kidney stones from forming.
Overall, your kidney stone diet should be low in protein and sodium. It’s important not to limit calcium as it’s a critical requirement for our bodies. Calcium isn’t the culprit anyhow – the problem is when calcium binds with oxalate in the intestinal tract. The most advisable course of action is to focus on reducing foods that are high in oxalate.
Additionally, in any kidney stone diet, it’s important to reduce the consumption of animal protein. High in sulfur, animal protein robs the calcium from your bones and can cause kidney stones.
In summary, be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid foods high in oxalate, and maintain a diet low in protein and sodium. With these tips you’re well on your way to maintaining a healthy kidney stone diet.
