The Vegan Kidney Stone Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Kidney stones are no joke. If you’ve ever experienced the excruciating pain of a kidney stone, you know how important it is to take steps to prevent future stones from forming. For those following a vegan diet, this can be a bit of a challenge. Certain foods that are staples in vegan diets, like spinach and nuts, can be high in oxalates, which contribute to kidney stone formation. But fear not, vegan friends! There is a way to prevent kidney stones while still maintaining a plant-based diet.

Love your kidneys?

Are you a fan of a vegan diet and kidney stones? Then you must love your kidneys! And if you do, then you need to avoid oxalates! These sneaky compounds are found in many vegan diet staples such as nuts, spinach, and beans. But have no fear, with a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy all the benefits of a plant-based diet while avoiding those pesky kidney stones. So, be sure to add low-oxalate options like cucumbers, mushrooms, and zucchini as your go-to veggies, and switch to lower oxalate nuts like almonds and cashews. Love your kidneys, and your vegan diet will love you right back, without any pesky kidney stones getting in your way!

Can’t imagine life without spinach and nuts?

Are you a fan of spinach and nuts but worried about how they fit in with your vegan kidney stone diet? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered with some great alternatives! While spinach and nuts are definitely healthy choices in a vegan diet, they can also be high in oxalate, a compound that increases the risk of developing kidney stones. But fear not, there are plenty of other delicious plant-based options that won’t put your kidneys at risk. Try swapping out spinach for kale or collard greens, and get your nut fix with almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts instead. With a little creativity and some expert guidance, your vegan kidney stone diet can still be packed with flavor and nutrition!

Need an excuse to eat more fruit

Did you know that following a vegan diet can actually help prevent kidney stones? That’s because a diet rich in fruits can alkalinize your body and decrease the chances of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. So, need an excuse to eat more fruit? There it is! On a vegan diet, you can enjoy a variety of fruits, from antioxidant-rich berries to potassium-packed bananas. But, it’s important to also know what to avoid. High oxalate foods, like spinach and rhubarb, should be eaten in moderation, while nuts like almonds and cashews should be consumed sparingly.