What Foods Should Be Avoided with Kidney Stones?

Aug 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
In general, there are no absolute dietary restrictions for individuals with kidney stones; however, it is not recommended to consume foods such as spinach, lamb liver, strong tea, beets, milk tea, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows: Additionally, individuals with kidney stones should also avoid eating bamboo shoots, chocolate, and similar foods as much as possible. At the same time, in daily life, attention should be paid to drinking plenty of plain water to promote urination and reduce the possibility of stone formation.

Generally speaking, there are no absolutely forbidden foods for people with kidney stones. However, it is not recommended to consume foods such as spinach, lamb liver, strong tea, beetroot, and milk tea. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Spinach

Spinach contains large amounts of oxalic acid. After entering the body, oxalic acid easily combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which is a common component of kidney stones. Excessive spinach consumption increases oxalate levels in the body, potentially promoting stone formation or enlarging existing stones, which is unfavorable for controlling the condition. Therefore, it is not recommended.

2. Lamb Liver

Lamb liver is a high-purine food. Purines are metabolized into uric acid in the body. When uric acid levels are too high, it can combine with calcium to form calcium urate stones. It may also reduce the urine's ability to dissolve calcium oxalate, indirectly promoting stone formation, which is detrimental to the recovery of patients with kidney stones. Therefore, it is best to avoid consumption.

3. Strong Tea

Strong tea contains significant amounts of tannic acid, which can combine with calcium in food to form calcium tannate, an insoluble compound. This substance easily deposits in the kidneys and forms stones. Long-term heavy consumption of strong tea increases tannic acid intake, raising the risk of stone formation and being detrimental to kidney health. Therefore, it is not recommended.

4. Beetroot

Beetroot, like spinach, contains relatively high levels of oxalic acid. Once ingested, oxalic acid combines with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate crystals that are difficult to excrete. Accumulation of these crystals may develop into kidney stones, increasing the physical burden on individuals with existing kidney stones. Therefore, it is best to avoid consumption.

5. Milk Tea

Milk tea contains large amounts of added sugar. Excessive sugar intake can affect the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body, potentially increasing calcium excretion in urine while lowering urine pH. This creates a favorable environment for stone formation and may also lead to weight gain, indirectly increasing the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, consumption should be avoided.

In addition, individuals with kidney stones should also avoid eating bamboo shoots, chocolate, and similar foods as much as possible. At the same time, they should pay attention to drinking more plain water in daily life to promote urine excretion and reduce the likelihood of stone formation.

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