What Causes Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small clumps, usually about a centimeter in diameter, that are formed due to the formation of oxalate and calcium.  Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium when urine is being produced by the kidneys.

Since kidney stones are formed due to mineral and calcium buildup, there are some foods that may make kidney stones worse. Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalates and/or uric acid buildup and combine to create what looks like small stones.

The best way to help prevent kidney stones is hydration, below is a breakdown of how much water you should drink in a day.

• Adults – 1 gallon
• Teens – About 1/2 gallon
• Little Children – About 1/3 of a gallon

List Of Different Foods That Can Cause Kidney Stones

Here is a list of the top foods you might want to avoid if you think you have or have been diagnosed with kidney stones.

• Nuts – peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, almonds, etc…
• Spinach – Spinach is on the top of the list because it contains heavy minerals
• Wheat & Bread – Bread has high sodium content, which can increase the amount of calcium in urine
• Chocolate – Chocolate is also high in oxalates
• Rhubarb -Rhubarb is especially high in oxalates
• Tea – Tea may contain oxalates, chemicals that help form kidney stones

Read more about foods that cause kidney stones here.