Kidney Stones and Almonds - PaleoHacks.com

Kidney Stones and Almonds

2012-03-10T11:28:00Z

I was wondering if anyone eats almonds somewhat regularly and has had any kidney stones or has any information about a correlation with this because almonds have a large amount of oxalates and I have a theory that there could be a correlation. Research says that oxalates will most likley not cause kidney stones if there is calcium for it to bind to in the same meal but the calcium in almonds also is bound to the phytic acid. Many foods high in oxalates also have a significant amount of calcium in them and when the oxalates bind to the calcium, they are prevented from being absorbed into the body where they bind to calcium in the blood and cause kidney stones. Thank you to anyone who has any advice or who has tried to help.

Answer by Nemesis for Kidney Stones and Almonds

2012-03-10T14:40:33Z

I've had kidney stones without consuming many almonds or almond butters. Since switching to Paleo and thereby greatly reducing my grain intake, I haven't had a stone since. I also eat quite a bit of oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, almonds, potatoes, etc. But because I take calcium citrate and magnesium supplements along with what I get from whole foods, my kidneys have been functioning perfectly.

Also, the only things I drink are water, an espresso each morning, and occasionally green or mint tea in the evening. I usually only drink tea when it's chilly in the house.

Herbal teas are generally low in oxalates, it's the black teas like Earl Grey and chai that have fairly high levels. Consuming less sugar also aids in preventing stone formation. I still eat fruits and both fresh and dried berries, but am averaging well under 50g total sugar (usually around 30g) each day. I don't add any sucrose to my food or coffee.

As a sidenote: Does anyone have a link to definitive recommended total sugar intake per day? The only info I can find is the recommended limit for ADDED sugars, such as what's found in soda, pastries, etc. I want to have a rough idea of total sugar recommendation. I figure that I'm still wayyyyyy under what most people eat in a day, but still, would be nice to know.

EDIT: I'd forgotten about my answer to a kidney stone question last year, some of the info might be helpful to you: http://paleohacks.com/questions/58942/why-do-i-have-kidney-stones/58976#58976

Answer by stevib for Kidney Stones and Almonds

2012-04-24T13:25:19Z

I've had kidney stones once: it was during a short time that I was eating pretty much vegetarian, borderline vegan (tons of bread & pasta!). Eliminating grains & sugars has kept me clear of kidney stones for 4 years now, even though I eat a handful of almonds, spinach and green tea everyday.

Answer by Want2BHealthyGirl for Kidney Stones and Almonds

2012-04-24T20:01:27Z

I haven't personally had kidney stones - but have other medical issues related to high oxalates. There's a couple websites I'd recommend: http://www.lowoxalate.info/ (and http://www.lowoxalate.info/research.html click on Kidney Stones) and joining the Low Oxalates Yahoo Group (http://health.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/Trying_Low_Oxalates). Once you join the Yahoo group you can download a very extensive list of all foods that have high oxalates... and Almonds are off the charts in oxalates.