15. Beets
Beets are a root vegetable that are commonly used in salads, smoothies, and other dishes. They are a good source of fiber, folate, and vitamin C, and are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, beets are also high in oxalate, a naturally occurring compound that can form crystals in the urine and contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Eating beets regularly can increase the amount of oxalate in the urine, which can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
If you do eat beets, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation:
- Make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out any excess oxalate from your system.
- Try to eat beets with foods that are high in calcium, as calcium can bind with oxalate in the digestive tract and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Consider cooking beets rather than eating them raw, as cooking can reduce the amount of oxalate that is released into the urine.
If you are prone to kidney stones, it is important to limit your intake of high-oxalate foods like beets and to take steps to reduce the risk of stone formation. (11)
