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by Johnson Mayor (Author)
Low Oxalate Diet May Help Prevent Kidney Stones Kidney stones are a common disorder of the urinary tract. Kidney stones are pieces of stone-like material that form on the walls of the kidney. They are caused by a buildup of minerals in urine. Most stones are so small that they pass through the urinary system without pain. However, a large enough stone can cause extreme pain or urinary blockage. This is very painful, and requires treatment or surgery. In the United States, about 1 million people get kidney stones every year. Stones usually affect people between the ages of 20 and 40. They affect men more often than women. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of kidney stones. Some people have kidney stones made from calcium oxalate (OX-uh-layt). For these people cutting back on high-oxalate foods and salt may help prevent kidney stones. On a low oxalate diet, you should limit your oxalate to 40 to 50 mg each day. Oxalate is found in many foods. The following charts will help you avoid foods high in oxalate. They will help you eat foods low in oxalate. This may help prevent kidney stones. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. People likely to get kidney stones should drink 8 to 13 cups of fluid each day. Your body may turn extra vitamin C into oxalate. Avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements (more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day) In the following charts, food and drink serving sizes are 3.5 ounces (100 grams), unless otherwise noted.
