Low-Oxalate Diet
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
What Are Oxalates?Oxalates are substances found in plants, animals, and humans. Why Should I Follow This Diet?In the body, oxalates come together with calcium and iron to make crystals. In most people, these crystals leave the body in urine. For some people, they can grow into kidney stones. This diet may lower the risk of certain types of kidney stones. Each person's body absorbs oxalates differently. This diet does not work for everyone. You can still get all the nutrients you need without having too many oxalates. The BasicsThe diet limits oxalates to 50 milligrams (mg) each day. They are found in many foods. You will need to learn which foods you can limit and which foods you should not eat. It is hard to tell how many oxalates are in foods you eat using current standards. It can vary by food, cooking, processing, and growing factors. Eating GuideThis chart lists foods that are low or moderate in oxalates. People with calcium stones will also need to lower sodium.
TipsBe aware of how many grams of oxalates you are eating. Think about meeting with a dietitian. Here are more tips to help stop you from getting kidney stones:
RESOURCES:Eat Right—American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
http://www.eatright.org The Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation
http://www.ohf.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca The Kidney Foundation of Canada
http://www.kidney.ca References:Diet and kidney stones. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/diet. Accessed July 26, 2021.
Eating, diet, and nutrition for kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition. Accessed July 26, 2021.
Kidney stones. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at:
https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed July 26, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Dianne Scheinberg Rishikof MS, RD, LDN
Last Updated: 7/26/2021 |
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