6 'healthy' foods that may aggravate kidney stones

The kidneys sometimes produce hard mineral deposits known as kidney stones, which trigger severe pain, and can result in additional health complications. The management of kidney stone risk heavily depends on diet, yet particular 'nutritious foods' can actually lead to the development of stones, since they contain oxalates, purines and calcium. Knowledge about which healthy foods increase kidney stone risk, enables people to eat a balanced diet. Here are 7 "healthy" foods that can actually lead to kidney stones...

Spinach, or palak, is a powerhouse of nutrients, including iron, vitamins and antioxidants. It is a much loved vegetable, and is often relished as a sabji, or soup. However, an excess of oxalates in spinach creates a risk for developing calcium oxalate kidney stones, because these compounds link with urinary calcium to create stones. People who have had kidney stones face an elevated risk of stone development when they consume big portions of raw or cooked spinach, because it increases their urine oxalate concentration. People should limit their spinach consumption, because eating calcium-rich foods helps block oxalate absorption in the human body.

Who does not love nuts! Nuts, including almonds, cashews and peanuts, are superfoods that contain healthy fats, protein and dietary fiber. On the flipside however, the high levels of oxalates in nuts create a risk for kidney stone development in people who have a sensitivity to these compounds. The consumption of large amounts of nuts and nut butters, results in elevated urine oxalate levels, which increases the probability of developing calcium oxalate stones. Those who have had kidney stones, should go easy on the nut, though moderate consumption will not cause any harm.

Beets, or beetroot, deliver various health benefits through their antioxidant properties which help fight inflammation, and promote heart and liver wellness. However, the high oxalate content in beets produces elevated urine oxalate levels, when people consume big portions which can result in calcium oxalate kidney stones. Beet juice production in particular, results in an extremely high concentration of oxalates. People who have had kidney stones should limit their beet consumption. Along with that, they should combine their meals with calcium-rich foods to reduce oxalate absorption. The oxalate content in beets remains immune to cooking, so it does not matter.

Sweet potatoes are quite nutritious, because they contain abundant vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, which is good for the eyes, immunity and digestive wellness. The high oxalate levels in sweet potatoes however, can lead to form kidney stones. People who regularly consume sweet potatoes, face an increased risk of developing calcium oxalate stones, because their urinary oxalate levels become elevated. The process of boiling sweet potatoes then discarding the liquid, reduces their oxalate content to some degree. Drinking enough water with sweet potatoes, produces enough urine volume which dilutes stone-forming substances as well.

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain antioxidants and beneficial compounds, which are good for the heart, and may even improve mood. However, the high oxalate content in chocolate products raises the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones, when people consume it in excess. To counter this, proper hydration and enough dietary calcium is a must. Those who have had kidney stones, should limit their chocolate consumption, however, an occasional treat is fine.

Tea is a popular drink, which contains antioxidants that defend both heart health and brain function. Many people are addicted to their morning chai, and cannot do without it. However, black tea contains high levels of oxalates leading to increased urinary oxalate excretion in urine, thus raising the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. People who have had kidney stones should curb their black tea intake, by switching to green or herbal teas, because these beverages contain lower oxalate levels.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice