Diet factors associated with calcium oxalate kidney stone and crystal formation.
Water Consumption
Drinking too little water is a major factor contributing to calcium oxalate kidney stones. Drinking extra water dilutes the substances in urine that lead to calcium oxalate crystals. Strive to drink enough fluids to pass 1 ½ to 2 liters of urine a day, which is roughly six to eight standard 8-ounce cups.
It may help to include some citrus beverages, like lemonade and orange juice. The citrate in these beverages helps block calcium oxalate crystal and stone formation.
Diet
Even though calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of stones, it does not mean to eliminate calcium from your diet! Getting too little calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise and actually lead to calcium oxalate crystals. To prevent this, make sure to take in an amount of calcium appropriate to your age.
Ideally, obtain calcium from eating foods, since some studies have linked taking calcium supplements to calcium oxalate crystals. Men 50 and older should get 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, along with 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D to help the body absorb the calcium. Women 50 and older should get 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, along with 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D to help the body absorb the calcium.
High-Sodium Diet
A high-sodium diet can trigger calcium oxalate crystals and stones to form because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. So a low-sodium diet is recommended for the crystal prone.
Salt and sodium contribute to calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys
Current guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg. If sodium has contributed to your calcium oxalate crystals in the past, try to reduce your daily intake to 1,500 mg. This will also be good for your blood pressure and heart.
Meat and Animal Protein Intake
Eating too much animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, boosts the level of uric acid and could lead to uric acid crystals. A high-protein diet also reduces levels of citrate, the chemical in urine that helps prevent several types of crystals from forming.
Meat and animal proteins can contribute to calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys
If you are prone to stones, limit your daily meat intake to a quantity that is no bigger than a pack of playing cards. This is also a heart-healthy portion.
Calcium Oxalate Rich Food Intake
Avoid calcium oxalate crystal and stone-forming rich foods such as beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea and most nuts. Also avoid cola sodas as they are rich in phosphate. Both oxalate and phosphates can contribute to calcium oxalate stone formation. If you suffer from calcium oxalate crystals, your doctor may advise you to avoid these foods or to consume them in smaller amounts.
Fructose (Sugar) Intake
Eating too much fructose correlates with increasing risk of developing uric acid crystals. Fructose can be found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Manufactured fructose increases the amount of uric acid excreted in urine; natural fructose from fruit does not.
Sugar and fructose intake increase the chances of calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys
High levels of uric acid, or hyperuricemia, encourage crystal formation and gout. You should avoid fruit juices and sodas containing high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners to possibly reduce this risk.
Vitamin C Intake
Some studies have shown that men who take high doses of vitamin C in the form of supplements are at slightly higher risk of calcium oxalate stones. That may be because the body converts the vitamin C into oxalate.
