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Originally Posted by aluhall  I hope this helps...
Apparently dietary oxalate is a cause; it's not clear if dietary calcium plays a role in stone formation; there may be a positive correlation between coffee intake and kidney stones.
In a 2002 study (Borghi et al) -- a normal calcium intake, decreased Na and animal protein showed reduced stone formation events compared to low calcium intake.
Williams et al (2001) showed that high intake of dietary calcium decreases the risk of oxalate stones, supplements may increase the risk.
Try to reduce the amounts of oxalates in your diet if you can... High amounts are found in spinach, strawberries, rhubarm, beets, nuts, chocolate, coffee, black tea, cola, beans, soybeans, and beets. Vit. C is a precursor of endogenous (i.e., stuff produced by our bodies) production of oxalates therefore mega-doses of vit. C may hurt you.
Also, oxalate absorption may be blocked by magnesium carbonate or cholestyramine...
I want to add that some individuals are simply predisposed to stone formation (although males more than females), some medications (diuretics, protease inhibitor indinavir), excessive use of Vit. D supplements, and urinary tract infection may increase the risk of stone formation. |
I have read all this; my problem is that the only high oxalate foods I really eat is chocolate, and that's really mainly ice cream and in shakes.
My dad has passed a few stones, as has my brother. After I'm done nursing, my nephrologist wants to do a full analysis (I had one done and my calcium level was slightly elevated, but my parathyroid levels were normal). I may have to be put on medications if we can't get these under control. I currently have 6-7 left (4 in one kidney, 2-3 in the other). One is quite large; we did lithotripsy and they think they zapped a few, but we're not sure.
Urologists treat them, but they really don't get into prevention; that's why I'm consulting a nephrologist. I refuse to live in fear; every time I feel a twinge I start worrying. Yeah, this coming from someone who had six unmedicated, natural births.
Kidney stones suck.