What to eat when you are at risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones?

By Cristiano Antonino On May 22, 2023

Which foods to prefer and which to avoid when one is at risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones? It is difficult to find non-contradictory data on the oxalate content of certain foods, which sometimes also contain a fair amount of calcium that should help prevent absorption of free oxalate

For example, hibiscus (used in infusion as a tea for its hypotensive properties which I love).

In the case of kidney stones, in addition to acting, when possible, by removing the stones with the various techniques available today, with the help of a urologist, it is also important to consult a nephrologist to get to the bottom of the problem with specific tests on the causes and to obtain advice tailored to one’s needs.

For example, in the case of calcium oxalate stones, supplementation with potassium citrates is often recommended.

KIDNEY STONES – WHAT TO AVOID

As far as nutritional advice is concerned, it is generally recommended to limit as much as possible the following foods that contain high amounts of oxalates

spinach
asparagus
dried fruit
cola-based drinks
rhubarb
beetroot
wheat bran
strawberries
chocolate

Kharkadè (the infusion made from hibiscus flowers), on the other hand, although it contains oxalates, is fine because it also contains many citrates.

USEFUL TIPS IN CASE OF KIDNEY STONES

In addition, it is important to consider these further cautions

maintain a urine volume of more than 2 litres per day (a simple check is the colour of the urine, which should always be clear)
limit salt intake as much as possible, not only added salt, but also salt contained in food (e.g. pickled products, bread substitutes, sausages, cured meats, mature cheeses, salty snacks, etc.)
limit meat and favour vegetable sources of protein (cereals and legumes)
consume fresh dairy products (milk, yoghurt, fresh cheese, cottage cheese)
consume vegetables freely, limiting only those high in oxalates
limit intake of simple sugars, cholesterol and saturated fatty acids
use extra virgin olive oil as a condiment
maintain a normal weight
exercise regularly