What is oxalate?

Why oxalate matters

For most people, oxalate in food is not a concern.

But if you've had calcium oxalate kidney stones, your doctor may ask you to cut back on high-oxalate foods to lower the amount in your urine.

A common mistake is cutting calcium.

• Calcium does not cause these stones.
• The right amount of calcium in a meal can bind oxalate in the gut before it reaches the kidneys.

Because stone types differ, the right diet depends on which stone you had.

If you've had kidney stones

If you've had calcium oxalate stones, drinking enough fluid, mainly water, is the single most important step, unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids.

Other steps:

• Ask your doctor or a dietitian which high-oxalate foods to limit, such as palak, nuts and peanuts, rather than guessing.
• Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, curd or paneer with meals instead of avoiding them.
• Dals and lentils are lower in oxalate and can replace some animal protein.

Don't start calcium or other supplements without medical advice.