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Calcium Oxalate Diet

The calcium oxalate diet relies on the idea that too much oxalate in your diet puts you at greater risk for kidney stones. If you have a family history of kidney stones or have had them yourself, these are simple changes to your diet that anyone can do. Remember to consult your physician before changing your diet.

  1. Kidney Stones

    • Calcium oxalate stones are the most common form of kidney stones, affecting about 1 million people every year. Kidney stones can be very small and pass without pain, but most are large enough to cause severe pain and surgery. Kidney stones are most common in men between 20 and 40 years of age. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of kidney stones.

    Oxalate

    • Oxalate combines with calcium in the intestines, and it prevents too much calcium from being absorbed. When you do not eat enough calcium, then too much oxalate is sent to the kidneys, causing stones to form. Oxalate is found mostly in plant-based foods.

    Food Regulations

    • Foods high in oxalate should be consumed rarely if you are at risk for kidney stones. Those foods include rhubarb, spinach, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, black tea and grits. Foods moderate in oxalate can be consumed no more than two to three times per day and include yogurt, apples, pineapples, brown rice, fennel and lettuce. There are also foods that are low in oxalate and can be consumed as often as you like, including green tea, milk, wine, cheese, butter, avocados, bananas, cherries, pasta, wild rice, cabbage, cauliflower, honey and maple syrup.

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