Stop Eating These Foods That Cause Kidney Stones

Certain foods that cause kidney stones need to be consumed in moderation if you have the condition. (Image via Unsplash/ Lily banse)
Certain foods that cause kidney stones need to be consumed in moderation if you have the condition. (Image via Unsplash/ Lily banse)

Kidney stone pain is no less than a nightmare, and eating foods that cause kidney stones can surely make your life difficult. You may need to stick to a special diet plan if you have kidney stones.

Diet and kidney stones are linked. Although medical professionals do not concur with the specific foods that cause kidney stones, your diet does have an impact once you develop them. Whether you have calcium oxalate, uric acid, or another form of kidney stone, it will determine the best diet for you.

The majority of the attention will be placed on calcium oxalate stones as they are the most prevalent as we discuss foods to avoid kidney stones.


List of Foods That Cause Kidney Stones

Everybody has heard of kidney stones, which often form in one or both kidneys. It develops when the concentration of chemicals that readily crystallize, such as calcium, cystine, oxalate, and uric acid, exceeds the maximum that can be diluted by urine.

When the stone passes through the urine, the discomfort can be terrible. Most of the time, they may be treated non-invasively by making minor dietary adjustments and using prescribed drugs.

Some foods may cause kidney stone symptoms, depending on the type of kidney stone you have a history of getting. Having your kidney stone examined after it has passed can help you determine which foods to avoid for kidney stones.

Here is a list of foods that cause kidney stones:

1) Foods high in oxalate

Speaking of foods that cause kidney stones, high-oxalate foods top the list. Eating such foods results in passing too much oxalate through the urine. Stones made of calcium-oxalate may occur as a result. Sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, white corn, and soy products are a few examples of foods high in oxalate.


2) High dosage of Vitamin C supplements

Oxalates, a bodily waste product, are formed when the body excretes excessive amounts of vitamin C. The foods that cause kidney stones also include supplements with a lot of vitamin C. This could lead to a rise in oxalate levels in urine, which could raise the risk of kidney stone formation.

Foods high in Vitamin C must be consumed in moderation. (Image via Unsplash/ Element5 Digital)
Foods high in Vitamin C must be consumed in moderation. (Image via Unsplash/ Element5 Digital)

Not just supplements, foods that contain vitamin C should be consumed in moderation if you have a history of kidney stones.

Here’s a list of such food items:

  • Lemon
  • Papaya
  • Strawberries
  • Broccoli
  • Kiwis
  • Kale

3) High-sodium foods

A high-sodium diet can create kidney stones by raising the level of calcium in your urine. Less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium should be consumed daily, according to the guidelines. If you have a history of kidney stones, you may want to reduce your sodium intake even further.

Table salt contains sodium, although it isn't typically a person's primary source of sodium in the diet. Foods that have been processed are the main source of salt.

Examples of high-sodium foods that cause kidney stones include:

  • Canned food items like pizzas and burritos
  • Canned beans that have added salt
  • Salty snacks like pretzels, chips, etc.

4) Animal proteins

For uric acid, calcium phosphate, and calcium oxalate kidney stones, it may be suggested to limit the consumption of animal protein, especially organ meats, cattle, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs. You also need to limit your consumption of milk, cheese, and other dairy items.

Lean animal proteins can also increase the risk of kidney stones. (Image via Unsplash/ Estudio Gourmet)
Lean animal proteins can also increase the risk of kidney stones. (Image via Unsplash/ Estudio Gourmet)

However, cutting back on animal protein does not entail completely cutting it out of your diet. Several of these vegetarian alternatives that are high in protein can easily replace animal protein.


5) Foods with added sugars

In addition to increasing your risk of kidney stones, added or refined sugars can also increase your risk of heart disease and a number of other dangerous illnesses. A sugary beverage can increase urine calcium levels while reducing urine volume.

Avoid or cut back on sugary or especially high-fructose corn syrup-flavored meals and beverages.


It is advised not to consume excessive amounts of certain foods that cause kidney stones. If your diet causes you to get dehydrated, encourages the growth of substances that form crystals, or does both, you may develop kidney stones.

Not all foods associated with kidney stones are unhealthy or must be completely avoided, it should be noted. While maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is important, your doctor may need to provide you with a more detailed, diet to prevent kidney stones while still getting the nutrition you require.

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