Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis are small stone-like masses that form inside your kidneys. Kidney stones are made of minerals and acid salts that are usually present in urine. Your urinary system is usually able to remove small kidney stones without pain. However, large kidney stones can be very painful to pass. Eating too much spinach can cause kidney stones.
Spinach and Kidney Stones
Spinach contains a high amount of oxalate, which are naturally-occurring substances found in the food you eat and in your body. Oxalate found in urine combines with calcium to form calcium-oxalate kidney stones. There are different types of kidney stones, but calcium-oxalate stones are the most common. If you have a high risk for kidney stones, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit intake of foods that contains high amounts of oxalate.
A Low-Oxalate Diet
A low-oxalate diet can help prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones. Limit your oxalate intake to 40 to 50 mg each day, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Foods high oxalate include spinach, beets, okra, leeks, collard greens, kale, celery, Swiss chard, zucchini, parsley, rhubarb, soy milk and black tea. Avoid large doses of vitamin C, as your body may turn extra vitamin C into oxalate.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones do not usually produce symptoms until they begin to move down the ureters, which is are small tubes that empty urine into the bladder. Symptoms of kidney stones include abdominal pain in the belly area, back pain, groin pain, blood in urine, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting.
Prevention of Kidney Stones
To help prevent kidney stones, drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to increase urination. You are more likely to develop kidney stones if you are dehydrated. Avoid high doses of calcium supplements. Taking calcium supplements may increase the risk for kidney stones. Avoid antacids that contain vitamin D and calcium, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information.
