Food to Avoid with Kidney Stones

A kidney stone can be a very painful experience. It is usually formed by either a urinary tract infection or a buildup of calcium and oxalate or phosphate. A person's urine usually contains a chemical that keeps the crystallization required for a kidney stone from happening, but sometimes these chemicals don't work as well as they should.

Chemicals

• The three most common chemicals used in the creation of kidney stones are calcium, oxalate and phosphate. These chemicals are part of a body's regular diet, and are also used in the creation of bones and muscles.

Food to Avoid

• If a person is experiencing kidney stones, a doctor may recommend that she not eat foods rich in oxalate.

Oxalate-Rich Foods

• Spinach, peanuts, chocolate and sweet potatoes are oxalate-rich foods that a person prone to kidney stones should avoid eating.

Medium-Oxalate Foods

• Grits, grapes, green peppers and strawberries have a medium amount of oxalate. While these foods can be eaten by people with kidney stones, they should be eaten only in small amounts.

Prevention

• Plenty of water, orange juice, potassium-rich vegetables and small amounts of red meat can help to prevent kidney stones from forming.