MAILBAG! Limit THESE foods to reduce kidney stone risks
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 9, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
I’ve heard that kidney stones can be caused by high oxalate foods. Is this true?
–Brenda from Wichita, KS
Yes, this is true. Most kidney stones… around 75 percent… are a combination of calcium and oxalate (called: calcium oxalate stones).
Stones form in your kidneys when the concentration of calcium and oxalate is high, and the pH (acid/base balance) drops to a level that allows these minerals to turn into crystals or stones.
You may have seen a similar effect with tap water that has many minerals dissolved in it. This is called hard water. You only notice the minerals when they become solids and appear in places like on your showerhead, faucets, or windows.
The same is true of urine. Urine has minerals dissolved in it, and those minerals become crystals under certain conditions. Eating a lot of foods with high oxalate levels, changing your pH, dehydration, certain medical conditions, and specific drugs can make crystal formation more likely.
Oxalate is a natural substance found in many foods, including nuts, beets, and green leafy vegetables (especially spinach and Swiss chard).
Once you’ve had an oxalate stone, you’re more likely to have another.
In that case, your best plan to keep calcium oxalate stones from forming is to drink enough water and avoid eating too many green leafy veggies.
PS: Passing kidney stones can feel like torture. If you’re unlucky enough to develop stones, there’s a far better PAINLESS option. Learn more about this powerful technology here.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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