What is a low oxalate diet? 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.
How can I add low oxalate foods into my usual diet? Changing what you eat and drink may be hard at first. You may need to make these changes part of your daily routine. Following a low oxalate diet may help to treat and prevent other stones from forming in your kidneys.
Keep a list of items allowed on this diet in your kitchen to remind you about the diet.
Carry the oxalate food list with you to remind you about the diet when you are away from home. Tell your family and friends about this diet so that they can remind you about the diet.
Ask your caregiver, a dietitian or a nutritionist any questions you may have about your diet plan. A dietitian or nutritionist works with you to find the right diet plan for you. They can also give you other suggestions for adding low oxalate foods into your usual diet.
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.
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.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your diet. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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.
