Kidney Stones (and Calcium Supplements)
I just read a very helpful article on kidney stones that I thought I’d pass on. (Thanks, Jeff!) It was written in 2002 but to my knowledge it is still valid. It also had some information on calcium supplements and kidney stones suggesting that calcium supplements taken with meals could reduce the risk of kidney stone formation whereas taken without meals could increase the risk (in genetically predisposed people).
I modified my calcium recommendations to reflect this, and also added a page on kidney stones to VeganHealth.org and am reproducing here:
The article, Diet and Kidney Stones, by James J. Kenney, PhD, RD, FACN is an excellent resource for treating kidney stones with diet.
A quick summary is that people with calcium-oxalate stones, the most common type, should avoid high-oxalate foods (listed in the chart in the article), limit sodium to less than 1,500 mg per day, do not take vitamin C supplements, limit animal protein, and only take calcium supplements with meals.
You should also drink plenty of fluid, according to The Mayo Clinic:
Drinking as much as 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.8 liters) a day may help flush out your urinary system. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, drink enough fluid – mostly water – to produce clear or nearly clear urine.