what not to eat in kidney stone - #43801
I am dealing with some painful kidney stones, and honestly, it's been a real mess. Just last week, I had this intense pain that landed me in the ER, and the doctors said I need to change my diet a lot. They kinda threw some info at me about what to avoid, but I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and confused about what not to eat in kidney stone. Like, I love spinach and nuts, but I heard they might be bad for me now? Also, I've been eating way too much salty junk food lately, and I’m trying to figure out how serious that is for my situation. My friend mentioned something about oxalates and calcium being involved but like, how do all these things mix together? Is there a list or something? What I don’t understand is, while I try to avoid those foods, are there sneaky things I should be looking out for too? I mean, if I’m getting all crazy about reading every label and checking everything, what if I miss something super obvious? Does anyone have real tips or a simple guide on what not to eat in kidney stone totally? Just trying to figure all this out so I don’t end up in pain again. Any advice or personal experiences would help a ton! Thanks!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
When dealing with kidney stones, especially those that are calcium oxalate based, adjusting your diet can be a game changer. Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in many foods, and they can combine with calcium in the kidneys to form stones. Spinach, nuts, and other high-oxalate foods like beets and rhubarb should definitely be limited. Even though you might love these foods, moderation is key here, as they might contribute to stone formation.
Your salty junk food indulgence is another concern. Excessive sodium in your diet can increase calcium in your urine, which can lead to stones. So, cutting down on salty foods is really important! Try to keep your sodium intake less than 2300 mg per day. It might also be wise to check out the labels for hidden salts in processed and packaged foods.
About the balancing act between calcium and oxalates: it’s actually beneficial to consume calcium-rich foods when eating oxalate-rich foods. Calcium can bind to oxalate in your intestines, reducing oxalate absorption and blocking it from reaching your kidneys. Instead of a calcium supplement, get your calcium from foods like dairy products, which can help in preventing stones.
There are sneaky sources of oxalates, like cocoa powder and black tea. When scanning labels, also be wary of vitamin C supplements, as high doses can convert to oxalate. Drink water adequately, sip throughout the day, maintaining hydration helps flush the kidneys.
Active attention to your hydration is crucial. Aim for 2 to 3 liters a day, depending on your activity level. Lemon water or adding citric acid-rich foods can be helpful, as citric acid inhibits stone formation. Avoid excessive animal protein, which can acidify urine, promoting stone development.
It’s advisable to keep your meals balanced with low-oxalate vegetables like cauliflower, cucumbers, and prioritize a diet rich in whole grains, legumes, and fruits that are low in oxalate. This holistic adjustment, rooted in Ayurveda’s focus on lifestyle and dietary balance, is sustainable and effective. For a more personalized diet plan, an appointment with an registered dietitian could help tailor your diet, ensuring you don’t miss any critical adjustments.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
