What Is The Relationship Between Oxalates And Kidney Stones?
Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
However, the compound has the property to accumulate in the kidneys and the constant intake of oxalate-rich foods ...
Oxalate is an organic compound present in many foods. Beets, kiwi, cocoa, sweet potatoes, okra, spinach, black pepper - all useful foods whose oxalate levels, although elevated, do not pose a threat to health. However, the compound has the property of accumulating in the kidneys and the constant intake of oxalate-rich foods can lead to the formation of kidney stones .
Kidney stones are solid formations with mineral and crystalline structure that form in the kidneys or along the urinary tract. The disease is also called nephrolithiasis . Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen , hips or groin . Manifestations of kidney stones are considered to be one of the most painful conditions in medicine.
In the body, oxalic acid binds to divalent metal cations such as calcium, iron and magnesium. With them it forms crystals of the corresponding compounds: calcium oxalate , the cause of about 80% of kidney stones; iron and magnesium oxalate are responsible for about 15% of them, and 5% are oxalates of other compounds.
For those suffering from kidney disorders , gout , rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain syndromes, it is contraindicated to drink even beer , because it is rich in oxalates and iron , and ethanol increases the absorption of iron, while lowering magnesium levels, which increases strongly the likelihood of an attack of gout.
Smokers should be aware that tobacco smoke contains certain levels of cadmium , which catalyzes the conversion of vitamin C to oxalic acid. Thus, cigarettes not only deprive the intake of vitamins, but also predispose smokers to gout and kidney stones.
Kiwi is one of the richest in oxarlate foods. Medium-sized fruit contains between 25 and 100 mg of oxalate. Although it is a good source of vitamin C, its high oxalate content makes it unsuitable for people with kidney problems. Alternative fruits, sources of vitamin C with low concentrations of oxalates are bananas, oranges, melons and others.
Figs - fresh as well as dried, are also a highly oxalate food. An average fig contains about 100 mg of the compound, and a typical serving of several fruits can lead to a sharp rise in oxalics in the blood.
Dried apricots contain about 40-80 mg of oxalates per fruit, but fresh or canned apricots have a relatively low concentration.
According to the World Health Organization, about 20% of patients who often develop kidney stones receive relief from their symptoms by following an oxalate-poor diet. For a detailed list of foods on this diet, it is imperative to consult a personal physician who is able to assess the individual needs of each patient.