Low-oxalate diets are used primarily to control kidney stones. Approximately 1 in every 1,000 adults is hospitalized annually in the United States for kidney stones (renal calculi). Although kidney stones can be composed of different substances, more than 75% of the kidney stones in patients in the United States are made of calcium oxalate. All further mention of kidney stones in this section refers only to calcium oxalate stones. The information provided here does not apply to other forms of kidney stones.

• Avoid high-oxalate foods such as beans, spinach, chocolate, wheat, and peanuts.

• Drink plenty of fluids, limit your sodium intake, and consume adequate calcium (but do not take calcium supplements between meals).

• Talk to a healthcare professional such as a doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure you’re following the best diet for your condition before you make any changes to your diet.

Best bets: Lean beef, pork, and lamb, vegetables like peas and lettuce, and cheese