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A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cambridge, MN

I had bariatric surgery 30 years ago and was diagnosed by Mayo Clinic doctors. They concentrated on minimizing foods with oxalates. It seriously limits options in food.

September 15
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MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

What a journey — 30 years post-bariatric surgery and navigating a low-oxalate diet for your kidneys is no small feat. That's a lot of label-reading and meal planning!

Oxalates are natural compounds found in many plant foods. When oxalate levels get too high, they can form crystals that damage the kidneys. After bariatric Show Full Answer

What a journey — 30 years post-bariatric surgery and navigating a low-oxalate diet for your kidneys is no small feat. That's a lot of label-reading and meal planning!

Oxalates are natural compounds found in many plant foods. When oxalate levels get too high, they can form crystals that damage the kidneys. After bariatric surgery, the body can absorb oxalates more easily, which makes managing intake especially important for kidney health.

High-oxalate foods to generally avoid include:

- Spinach and other dark leafy greens
- Nuts (especially almonds and peanuts)
- Beets
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Soy products
- Tea (especially black tea)

Lower-oxalate options that tend to be safer include:

- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- White rice
- Eggs
- Meat and fish (naturally low in oxalate)

Staying well hydrated is also really important, as it helps flush oxalates through the kidneys before they can cause harm.

Since your dietary needs are quite specific given your history, working closely with a renal dietitian can help you find more variety within your restrictions. They can tailor a plan that balances oxalate limits with your overall kidney health needs.

September 15

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