Food to Avoid with Kidney Stones

A kidney stone can be a very painful experience. It is usually formed by either a urinary tract infection or a buildup of calcium and oxalate or phosphate. A person's urine usually contains a chemical that keeps the crystallization required for a kidney stone from happening, but sometimes these chemicals don't work as well as they should.

Chemicals

The three most common chemicals used in the creation of kidney stones are calcium, oxalate and phosphate. These chemicals are part of a body's regular diet, and are also used in the creation of bones and muscles.

Food to Avoid

If a person is experiencing kidney stones, a doctor may recommend that she not eat foods rich in oxalate.

Oxalate-Rich Foods

Spinach, peanuts, chocolate and sweet potatoes are oxalate-rich foods that a person prone to kidney stones should avoid eating.

Medium-Oxalate Foods

Grits, grapes, green peppers and strawberries have a medium amount of oxalate. While these foods can be eaten by people with kidney stones, they should be eaten only in small amounts.

Prevention

Plenty of water, orange juice, potassium-rich vegetables and small amounts of red meat can help to prevent kidney stones from forming.