Kidney Stones Avoiding Foods High in Oxalates

Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid salts, are naturally occurring compounds found in a variety of foods, plants, and even produced by the human body. They can form salts by combining with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, creating compounds like calcium oxalate, which is commonly found in kidney stones.

In foods, oxalates are present in varying amounts. High-oxalate foods include spinach, rhubarb, beets, beet greens, sweet potatoes, peanuts, chocolate, and tea. While oxalates are not a concern for most people, they can pose health issues for individuals with certain conditions, such as kidney disorders or a tendency to form kidney stones. In such cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a low-oxalate diet to reduce the risk of stone formation.

The body absorbs oxalates from the gastrointestinal tract, and they can bind to minerals to form crystals, which may contribute to the formation of kidney stones if not properly excreted through the urine. However, consuming a diet rich in calcium can help reduce oxalate absorption in the body, as calcium binds with oxalates in the intestines, which is then excreted in the stool rather than being absorbed.