Avoid these foods if you’ve had kidney stones

             Written by: Mantasha

18 August 2025

If you’ve ever had kidney stones, you already know how painful they can be, which is why preventing them from coming back is so important.

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Along with drinking plenty of water, avoiding certain foods can greatly reduce your risk of another episode.

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Consuming too much sodium raises calcium levels in your urine, which may cause stones to form. Avoid processed snacks, instant noodles, canned soups, pickles, and restaurant dishes that are high in salt.

Too Much Salt

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These foods are high in purines, which can raise uric acid levels and potentially lead to uric acid stones. Limit beef, pork, liver, and other organ meats, especially if you’re prone to this stone type.

Red Meat & Organ Meat

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Since calcium-oxalate stones are the most common, it’s wise to cut back on foods rich in oxalates like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate.

Oxalate-Rich Foods

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Fructose and phosphoric acid (found in sodas) can increase stone formation. Regular consumption of soft drinks, energy drinks, or packaged juices should be avoided.

Sugary Drinks & Sodas

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Cookies, cakes, pastries, packaged chips, and refined carbs can alter your body’s pH and support conditions that lead to stone formation. Keep them as occasional treats.

Refined Sugar

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Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and limiting these high-risk foods can go a long way in preventing kidney stones from returning.

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