Kidney Stone Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Last updated: 3 October 2026
If you’ve had kidney stones, the right kidney stone diet can help reduce the risk of new stones forming while supporting your overall kidney health.
The best dietary plan depends on the type of kidney stone you’ve had. The most common is calcium oxalate, but others include uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. While each type has slightly different dietary needs, many general principles apply to all.
Kidney Stone Diet: 5 Tips to Help Prevent Kidney Stones
The following nutrition strategies can help reduce the risk of most kidney stones:
1. Eat a balanced diet
A healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins supports kidney health.
2. Stay hydrated
Drink 2–3 litres of fluid per day (preferably water) to help flush out minerals that can form stones. Staying well hydrated is one of the most important steps for prevention.
3. Choose lean proteins
Include moderate portions of chicken, fish, eggs and plant-based proteins like lentils. Avoid excess red meat and shellfish, especially if you’re prone to uric acid stones.
4. Eat whole grains
Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and oats are excellent sources of fibre that support kidney health and help reduce stone risk.
5. Lower your sodium intake
Avoid salty and processed foods. A high-sodium diet can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, increasing your stone risk.
Looking for meal ideas? Browse our kidney-friendly recipes, or see our guide to eating out with chronic kidney disease for lower-salt choices at restaurants.
Foods to Avoid With Kidney Stones
Your healthcare team may recommend limiting or avoiding certain foods based on your specific stone type. Below are common dietary triggers:
High-oxalate foods (for calcium oxalate stones)
- Spinach, beets, rhubarb, sweet potatoes
- Nuts, chocolate, black tea
For detailed guidance, see the Harvard oxalate food list, hosted by Kidney Stone Diet.
Excess animal protein
- Red meat and shellfish can raise uric acid levels, contributing to uric acid stones.
Sugary and carbonated drinks
- Colas (contain phosphoric acid) and beverages with added fructose have been linked to stone formation.
Processed and salty foods
- Chips, deli meats, canned soups and fast food are all high in sodium, which can increase calcium in the urine.
High-dose vitamin C
- Avoid supplements over 1000 mg/day, as excessive vitamin C can increase oxalate production.
📱 Not sure how much sodium is in your food? Scan barcodes and track your nutrients with the Kidney Ally app. Download it on the App Store.
Diet Tips by Kidney Stone Type
Calcium oxalate stones (most common type)
- Stay well hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet
- Pair calcium-rich foods (milk, yogurt, tofu) with meals. This helps bind oxalate in the gut, reducing absorption
- Include a source of calcium with every meal
Uric acid stones
- Reduce intake of red meat, shellfish and alcohol
- Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Stay well hydrated
Cystine stones
- Drink large amounts of water to dilute urine
- Follow a low-sodium diet
- Speak with a kidney stone specialist for personalised advice
Struvite stones
- These often result from infection
- Stay well hydrated and treat any underlying urinary infections promptly
- There is no specific diet for struvite stones
Kidney Stone Diet FAQs
How much water should I drink to prevent kidney stones?
Aim for 2–3 litres of fluid a day, preferably water. Staying well hydrated helps flush out the minerals that can form stones.
Should I cut out calcium if I have calcium oxalate stones?
No. Pairing calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt or tofu with meals helps bind oxalate in the gut, which reduces how much your body absorbs.
Which foods are high in oxalate?
Spinach, beets, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, nuts, chocolate and black tea are all high in oxalate. Your healthcare team may advise limiting them if you form calcium oxalate stones.
Can vitamin C cause kidney stones?
High-dose supplements can contribute. Avoid taking more than 1000 mg a day, as excessive vitamin C can increase oxalate production.
Final Thoughts
Diet plays a key role in preventing kidney stones from coming back. While each type of stone has unique triggers, most people benefit from staying hydrated, reducing sodium and eating a balanced diet with adequate calcium and fibre. Speak with your doctor or renal dietitian to tailor your diet to your stone type.
Further Reading
- National Kidney Foundation: Kidney stone diet plan and prevention
- National Kidney Foundation: Kidney stones diet and prevention
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or renal dietitian.
Put Your Kidney Stone Diet Into Practice
Knowing what to eat is one thing. Doing it every day is easier with the right tools.
📱 Download the Kidney Ally app. Scan barcodes, track sodium and other nutrients, and browse dietitian-reviewed kidney-friendly recipes.
👉 Download Kidney Ally on the App Store
📚 Prefer a book? Explore our range of kidney-friendly recipe books and guides to help you manage your kidney health with confidence.
