Calcium oxalate stones are some of the most common types of kidney stones. These stones form when you have high amounts of oxalate, a substance found in many foods, in your diet. The oxalate can make the environment in your digestive tract more acidic, which can facilitate the development of kidney stones. Because these hardened mineral masses can be extremely painful, your physician may recommend eating a low-oxalate diet to reduce the likelihood of kidney stones. Always speak to your physician before initiating any dietary changes.
Basic Recommendations
When you are beginning your low-oxalate diet, you may wish to carry around a list of the foods highest in oxalate. You should avoid these foods whenever possible because your physician will likely recommend taking in between 40 and 50 mg of oxalate every day. In addition to eating low-oxalate foods, you should also drink plenty of fluids, which can help dilute your urine. Consuming low-sodium foods is also helpful because excess salt in your diet can increase the acidity in your urinary tract, making the formation of kidney stones more likely.
High-Oxalate Foods
Foods that contain more than 10 g of oxalate per serving include nuts, sesame seeds, high-fiber cereals, whole-wheat bread, beans, carrots, spinach, summer squash and eggplant. Fruits and fruits juices also can be high in oxalate. Avoid fruits like blackberries, blueberries, figs, kiwis and tangerines.
Low-Oxalate Choices
You should emphasize foods that have less than 2 mg of oxalate per serving on a low-oxalate diet. Low-oxalate beverages include apple juice, buttermilk, green tea and lemonade. Not all fruits are high in oxalate. Choose sources like avocados, bananas, cherries, melons, nectarines and papayas. Starch options include corn or rice cereals, English muffins, graham crackers, macaroni, white rice and plain pasta. You also can enjoy vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, peas and mushrooms.
Calcium Considerations
While calcium forms a portion of a calcium oxalate stone, always consult your physician before reducing the amount of calcium in your diet. Your body needs calcium to build strong, healthy bones and teeth. Without enough calcium in your diet, you are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis, a bone-softening disease. Your physician will likely recommend reducing oxalate-containing foods first to see if this reduces the incidence of kidney stones. If you continue to experience them, try eliminating high-oxalate foods like chocolate milk, soy milk and soy yogurt. Calcium-containing foods like cheese, buttermilk and milk tend to be low in oxalate and as such, you can still consume them on a low-oxalate diet.
