To prevent kidney stones, avoid high-oxalate foods such as dark leafy greens, chocolate, and tea, but maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and fluids. Moderate intake of low-oxalate fruits and vegetables is recommended, along with potassium and calcium-rich foods like yogurt and cheese. Consult a nutritionist for guidance.
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 the main culprit, but many other foods like chocolate, tea, and okra can also be high in oxalate. At the same time, it is important to eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium, to prevent oxalate absorption, and plenty 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 dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, and spinach; chocolates and teas; misery; wheat germ; okra; soy; and sweet potatoes. All of these foods should be eaten in small amounts, and it’s important to cook them well to promote the breakdown of any oxalates they contain. Some foods contain minor amounts of oxalate and should be eaten in moderation, but you don’t need to avoid them completely. These include fresh fruits, celery, and liver.
While fruits and vegetables are high on the list of foods to avoid with kidney stones, it’s not a good idea to eliminate them completely from your diet. Many vegetables, such as carrots, are perfectly safe to eat, and fruits can have varying amounts of oxalate; Apples and bananas, for example, are good food options. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a number of benefits, and it’s important to keep them in the diet and maintain variation to avoid getting bored.
Liquids can include water, herbal teas, and juices. Increasing the intake of potassium and calcium will also help people with kidney stones. Yogurt, beans, almonds, cheese, and sardines can be a good addition to the diet. Calcium and potassium will bind to oxalate and limit absorption through the intestine. This reduces the amount available for kidney stone formation. Animal protein is not specifically on the list of foods to avoid, but should be eaten in moderation, as high protein diets appear to be linked to stone development.
Patients evaluating a list of foods to avoid with kidney stones may feel overwhelmed by the extent of the changes they need to make to their diets. It may help to talk to a nutritionist about the options available. Nutritionists can help patients make an easier transition to a healthy kidney stone diet and will offer tips and tricks for addressing food cravings.
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