Kidney stones are a common, painful urologic disorder, and there are about half a million people visiting hospital emergency rooms for problems related to kidney stones annually, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), which goes on to state that most kidney stones pass without medical intervention. Kidney stones form in the kidney, ureter and bladder from chemicals in urine which crystallize instead of passing through the urinary tract normally. They are most often formed from calcium, along with oxalate or phosphate. Less often, they form from uric acid or an infection. Eating certain foods may increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
High Oxalate Content Foods
Foods high in oxalate content may spur those already prone to calcium oxalate kidney stone formation to increase stone production. The NKUDIC lists rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, wheat germ, soybean crackers, peanuts, okra and sweet potatoes among those foods kidney stone sufferers should avoid. NKUDIC also advises against eating chocolate or drinking black Indian tea.
Medium Oxalate Content Foods
Medium oxalate content foods are less problematic, but those prone to developing kidney stones should also avoid grits, grapes, green peppers and celery. NKUDIC indicates that raspberries, strawberries, fruit cake, marmalade and liver should also be avoided, or at least eaten in moderation.
Nuts and Meats
The Mayo Clinic lists meats, almonds, beets, collards and okra as foods kidney stone sufferers should avoid. The Clinic also states that star fruit, re-fried beans, sesame seeds and soy beans should be added to the list.
Dairy Products
Although it was once thought that dairy products should be avoided because of their calcium content, the Mayo Clinic states that that is no longer thought valid. According to the Clinic, women with a high calcium intake are actually less likely to develop kidney stones than women with low calcium intake, because dietary calcium binds with oxalates so they can't be absorbed by the kidneys to make stones.
Sodium
Reduce sodium intake to between 2 and 3g per day to help reduce kidney stone formation. The Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding hot dogs, deli meats, sauerkraut, commercially canned food products, dry soup mixes, pickles and convenience foods that tend to have a high amount of sodium.
