Low Oxalate Diet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A low oxalate diet contains foods that are low in oxalate. Oxalates are chemicals that are found in plant foods. Some people may need to eat foods that are low in oxalate to help clear kidney stones, or prevent them from forming. A kidney stone is a hard mass that is formed from crystals that build up in the kidney. The crystals may be formed from oxalate and other types of chemicals. The most common type of kidney stone contains calcium and either oxalate or phosphate. People who have had kidney stones are at a higher risk of forming kidney stones again.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

What should I avoid eating and drinking while on a low oxalate diet? The body absorbs oxalate in larger amounts from some foods more than others. Ask your caregiver if you should avoid the folowing foods and beverages (drinks):

• Spinach.
  
  
• Rhubarb.
  
  
• Beets.
  
  
• Strawberries.
  
  
• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans).
  
  
• Chocolate.
  
  
• Tea (green, black, iced, or instant).
  
  
• Coffee.
  
  
• Cola.
  
  
• Wheat bran.

What foods should I limit while on a low oxalate diet? The foods listed below have more than 10 grams of oxalate per one-half cup serving. Your caregiver will tell you how much of these foods to include in your diet.

• Breads and cereals:
  
  
  • White corn grits.
    
    
  • Wheat germ.
    
    
  • Whole-wheat flour.
  
  
• Fruits:
  
  
  • Berries (blackberries, gooseberries, black raspberries).
    
    
  • Concord grapes.
    
    
  • Red currants.
    
    
  • Damson plums.
    
    
  • Peels from lemons, limes and oranges.
    
    
  • Tangerines.
  
  
• Desserts:
  
  
  • Fruitcake or other desserts that contain the fruits listed above.
    
    
  
  
• Protein foods:
  
  
  • Baked beans with tomato sauce.
    
    
  • Peanut butter.
    
    
  • Tofu.
  
  
• Vegetables:
  
  
  • Sweet potatoes.
    
    
  • Vegetable soups that contain very few vegetables.
    
    
  • Beans (wax, legume and soy).
    
    
  • Celery.
    
    
  • Dark, leafy greens (swiss chard, endive, escarole, parsley).
    
    
  • Eggplant.
    
    
  • Leeks.
    
    
  • Summer squash.
  
  
• Beverages:
  
  
  • Draft beer.
    
    

What other dietary guidelines should I follow?

• Liquids: You should drink plenty of liquids to help clear kidney stones and to prevent them from forming again. Drink about 11 to 13 (eight-ounce) cups of liquids each day. Water is the best liquid to drink. You may need more liquids if you are physically active. The more physical activity you do, the more fluid your body needs. People with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever also need more fluids. Fluid needs also depend on air temperature, what you are wearing, and many other factors.
  
  
• Other diet changes: Your caregiver may suggest that you make other diet changes to help prevent kidney stones.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page