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Can Chocolate Cause Kidney Stones

Study Comparing Oxalate Levels In Commercial Made Chocolate And Cocoa Powders

What Foods Cause Kidney Stones?

In this study, chocolate and cacao products were collected from Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden.; Their oxalate levels in 15 cocoa powder products and 34 chocolate products were measured and compared.; They also looked at where the cacao was grown, as well as the variety of Theobroma cacao the products were made from.;

The 15 cocoa powder products analyzed

The 34 dark chocolate products analyzed

The researchers responded to previous studies that used what is now considered outdated and unreliable methods for collecting oxalate data. ;These older studies often reported only total oxalate and disregarded soluble oxalate, which we now know is responsible for the formation of kidney stones.; As well, the researchers here observed higher levels of oxalate content in the products they tested compared to levels listed in older studies,;likely due to more efficient extraction techniques used today.; They suggested that ;perhaps there may also be a difference in the way chocolate and cacao is processed today compared to the past.;;;

What Causes Kidney Stones

Stone disease has plagued humanity since ancient times. Kidney stones have been identified in Egyptian mummies. The Hippocratic oath describes their treatment: I will not use the knife, not even verily, on sufferers from stone, but I will give place to such as are craftsmen therein.

Prevention Of Kidney Stones

When you are in;Ketosis; you get rid of;calcium;in your urine, and when you are;eating;spinach, tea, chocolate & cruciferous;vegetables; these are all high in oxalates. These oxalates combine with the calcium and create;Kidney stones.

So, when you consume;calcium;through your food and high oxalates;foods; they will combine in your digestive system instead of going into the;blood;and out through the;urine;through the kidneys. So when you are not consuming enough calcium in food, it ends up in the kidneys. It would help if you ate more calcium to protect your kidneys. Also,;people;get low on citrates. You need to use;lemon;juice regularly. 2-3 ounces every meal.

  • Maintain high potassium vegetables in your food.
  • Take Citrate Potassium and products that include Citrate
  • Consume Citrus Fruits like lemons and oranges .
  • Take some Sea salt
  • Take Vitamin K2 as a major cause of kidney stone formation if you are likely to be kidney stones as a K2 deficiency.
  • The best way to avoid most;kidney stone formation;while on;a;low-carb diet;is with sufficient liquids. It is worth taking 8 to 12 cups of;water;or any liquid a day. If you have;kidney disease;and need to be limited to several fluids, ask your;doctor;how much fluid or water you can have each day.

    Your;doctor;may prescribe;medicine;to help prevent;calcium;and;uric acid stones from forming. Talk to your doctor if you have had a kidney stone or are at;risk;of getting a kidney stone and discuss the best prevention methods.

    Also Check: What’s Good For Healthy Kidneys

    The Relation Between Kidney Stones And Ketones

    The lack of;water;throughout your;keto diet;or;low-carb diet;might be one of the causes of;kidney stones. You should bear in;mind;that the body goes through a;ketosis;state during your ketogenic diet that helps the;ketones;to eliminate urine. Some many minerals and salts are often eliminated through the elimination of ketones.;Sodium;removal mainly occurs because it is positively charged.

    The idea here is that the ketones are full of negative charges and involve positively charged compounds. The elimination of;sodium;can be observed for this reason. It begins;to accumulate when there is an excess amount of sodium in the;kidneys, and the;formation of calcium;stones;begins. This is why keeping yourself hydrated and avoiding the;risk;of this is necessary.

    Go Greek With Tzatziki Sauce

    Precision Urology Melbourne

    Cool and refreshing, tzatziki sauce is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, and a little bit of salt and pepper. A good source of calcium and protein, itâs usually served with Middle Eastern foods like gyro and falafel. Try on black bean burgers or use as a dip for veggies or chips. It also works wonders as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.

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    B Levels Of Oxalate Pre/post Fermentation

    Overall, fermentation greatly reduced the levels of total oxalate. ;Fermented cacao seeds contained about 280-235 mg fewer oxalates than unfermented cacao seeds. ;As well, the levels of insoluble oxalate were greatly reduced during the first few days of fermentation from about 300 mg to 27-77 mg. ;However, after this initial plunge, there was a slight steady increase between fermentation days 3 and 7. As the mass ferments, the acidity levels become more alkaline, which also encourages soluble oxalates to bind to minerals . This could be the reason for the slight increase in insoluble oxalate as fermentation progressed. ;Its worth noting that in a study that observed the fermentation of kimchi, insoluble oxalate levels decreased as fermentation progressed, so this idea of increased pH and increased insoluble oxalate requires further studies.;The soluble oxalates seemed to rise and then drop slightly between days 3 and 7.

    Pick The Perfect Pickle

    From sweet gherkins to salty dills, pickles are a popular companion to deli sandwiches and burgers. Pickles start out as cucumbers that are fermented, brined, or fresh-packed with vinegar. Spices, sugar, and salt are added. Eat with restraint: One medium whole sour pickle has 785 mg of sodium. Thatâs about a third of the salt you should get in a day. Luckily, just a few slices can add zip to your sandwich.

    Also Check: Is Watermelon Good For Your Kidneys

    Kidney Stone Diet Chart

    Sample of Kidney Stone Diet Chart for patients. In this part of the article, we are going through this chart. You can follow this chart and prevent kidney stones. Be aware of foods that cause kidney stones.

    Mealing time
    Vegetables made from legumes or roti can be used for eating with vegetables containing low oxalate.

    Notes:- The kidney stone diet chart given above is just a sample, which has been prepared to keep. Be sure to consult a doctor once for a better diet chart based on the required nutrition.

    Can Diet Alone Treat Kidney Stones

    How to Avoid Kidney Stones – Speaking of Chemistry

    For some people, dietary changes may be enough to prevent kidney stones from occurring.

    In other cases, additional treatment may be necessary, including medication to break the stones up or surgery to remove the stones.

    If stones become extremely painful, it is best to seek consultation with a doctor or nephrologist so they can recommend the best course of action.

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    It’s Not Just The Oxalate

    Oxalate is naturally found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains, legumes, and even chocolate and tea. Some examples of foods that contain high levels of oxalate include: peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Moderating intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones, the leading type of kidney stones.

    A common misconception is that cutting the oxalate-rich foods in your diet alone will reduce the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. While in theory this might be true, this approach isn’t smart from an overall health perspective. Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium while urine is produced by the kidneys.

    It is important to eat and drink calcium and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. In doing so, oxalate and calcium are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before the kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones will form.

    Do You Know Chocolate Increases Risk Of Kidney Stone

    People Also Like To Read:;World Kidney Day 2018

    For many of us, kidney stones do not occur only at one time, if a person has a stone then the another may appear in seven years without preventive measures.

    According to a research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center which reveals that dark chocolate contains some oxalates in it that promotes the increase in the risk of kidney stone.

    Chocolate is one of natures most delicious delicacies thanks to the cocoa bean it is made from. One bite makes you want another, then another, other useful components of chocolates helps in lowering the blood pressure.

    For people who live with high blood pressure, helping to develop their mood, which increases serotonin and endorphin levels, provides some essential nutrients for your body, including antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.

    I want you to notice that chocolate or its compounds have no negative effect on your kidney function. However, if you have already been diagnosed with kidney disease, you should limit your chocolate intake mainly because of the high levels of potassium or other minerals.

    Did you know that every tenth person has kidney stones throughout his life? Recent studies have shown that kidney stone levels are increasing throughout the world.

    The role of the kidney is to get rid of waste in the body. This process takes place through the passage of urine, although urine is important to dissolve waste and remove it from the body.

    Read Also: Can You Live Off Of One Kidney

    Red Meat And Animal Protein

    Animal-based protein and fat are associated with the formation of kidney stones and kidney damage. This is why a study published in The Journal of Urology suggests that its consumption should be limited or avoided if you have kidney stones.

    This food is also high in uric acid and purines. When these levels are too high, you can get gout or kidney stones. To a lesser extent, we recommend limiting your consumption of other meats such as chicken and fish.

    Robin’s Rescue: Eating To Prevent Kidney Stones

    Kidney Stones: 10 Foods That Cause Kidney Stones

    Question: I’ve had five kidney stones removed and I’ve researched the topic a lot. I discovered that 10 percent of the U.S. population will experience them. I think a warning to your readers is appropriate, so please share with us what we can do to help prevent kidney stones.

    Robin’s Rescue: You’re spot-on. Kidney stones are quite prevalent and a strong body of evidence suggests they’re increasing globally, affecting both men and women, and all races and ages. Why? Researchers believe our dietary practices are to blame.

    There are four main types of kidney stones. Knowing what type you have aids treatment.

    • Calcium stones: These are the most common kidney stones and occur in two major forms, calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.
    • Uric acid stones: A diet rich in purines substances found in animal protein such as meats, fish and shellfish may increase uric acid levels.
    • Struvite stones: These are often the result of kidney infections.
    • Cystine stones: These stones are the result of a genetic disorder.

    The first step in preventing kidney stones is to understand what’s causing them. For example, limiting oxalate in the diet may help prevent calcium oxalate stones but won’t help prevent uric acid stones.

    Preventing kidney stones through diet

    Try making a few, simple dietary changes:

    Additional tips for preventing stones

    Ask Robin Miller

    Read Also: How To Stop Kidney Pain

    Does The Food Intake Or Diet Affect The Kidney Stones

    Yes, food intake affects the kidney stones especially if you are already experiencing it. Knowing which type of kidney stone it is can help in avoiding few foods which lead to that particular kind of stones in the kidneys. Prevention of kidney stones is also possible by avoiding an excess of calcium, oxalate, animal protein, and salts in a diet. Since these are the few main culprits for the kidney stones.

    A slight modification of the daily diet might be required to help combat the kidney stone problem.

    A Cacao Oxalate At Varying Maturity Stages

    They compared the oxalate content of raw cocoa powder derived from cacao seeds which were harvested from pods at varying levels of maturity . ;It’s a known fact that oxalate levels in other plants we consume differ according to their maturity. For instance, the level of oxalate in spinach and kiwi decreases as they mature, while rhubarb oxalate levels increase with maturity. ;They found that maturity of cacao had a small effect on the level of oxalates in the raw cocoa powder. The mean oxalate level was 632 mg / 100 g dry matter being soluble oxalate. Soluble oxalate levels were highest at maturity stages 3 and 4 , while insoluble oxalate levels were highest at the two youngest stages, 1 and 2. ;

    This CaOx crystal formation indicates not only a calcium regulation mechanism, but also a defence to protect the seeds from herbivorous pests. ;As the pods ripen, the levels of these crystals drop, perhaps encouraging animals to disperse the seeds only after they are ready to be dispersed. ;;

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    Types Of Kidney Stones

    The different types of stones are made of different types of substances. It’s important to know the type of stone you have, so you can know what may have caused it and how to prevent it.Â;

    If you pass a kidney stone, you should take it to your doctor so they can send it to the lab and find out what kind it is:

    • Calcium stones. Most kidney stones are made from calcium, in the form of calcium oxalate. There are two kinds of calcium stones:

    • Calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a substance made daily by your liver. Some fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolate, are high in it. Your body absorbs the substance when you eat these foods. Other things that can make the concentration of calcium or oxalate in your urine to rise are taking high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery and certain metabolic disorders.

    • Calcium phosphate. This type of stone happens more often in people with metabolic conditions, like renal tubular acidosis or with people who take medications to treat migraines or seizures.

  • Struvite stones. These can form from a urinary tract infection . The bacteria that cause the infection make ammonia build up in your urine. This leads to formation of the stones. The stones can get large very quickly.

  • Uric acid stones. These form in people who lose too much fluid because of chronic diarrhea or malabsorption; eating a high-protein diet; or having diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Certain genetic factors also may increase your risk of uric acid stones.

  • Four Myths About Kidney Stones

    How much dark chocolate can I have as a kidney stone former? / Kidney Stone Diet with Jill Harris

    If you’ve ever had a run-in with kidney stones, then you’ve also had a run-in with a relative/neighbor/obnoxious over-sharer who has the home remedy that fixed them right up.

    And while unsolicited after-dinner medical advice may sometimes sound reasonable, there’s a lot you need to know about your own kidney stones before you start adjusting your diet based on Aunt Alice’s latest stone story.

    “You don’t want calcium because that’s what stones are made of, so ditch the milk.””Oxalates are bad, so stop eating foods like chocolate, beer, soy, nuts, spinach and coffee.””And if you feel a stone coming on, start drinking lots of cranberry juice to get rid of it.”

    You’ve probably gathered lots of advice and home remedies in your battle against kidney stones . But many of grandma’s homemade fixes may actually do more harm than good when it comes to the specific composition of your kidney stones and the reasons why you are forming them.

    What are kidney stones? They’re crystal-like formations of the excess minerals in your urine. This simple answer leads to simplified and problematic responses. The logic: Identify what you’re consuming, and reduce whatever the stone is made of.

    Also Check: Is Lemon Suitable For Kidney Patient

    Certain Vegetables Can Cause Kidney Stones

    Vegetables are essential foods in all types of diets. Theyre low in calories and contain significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting bioactive compounds.

    However, some varieties contain oxalates and experts dont recommend them if you have kidney stones. According to information in Harvard Health, these include the following:

    • Beets

    List Of High Oxalate Foods That Increase Your Chances Of Kidney Stones

    Spinach, nuts and seed, raspberries, beets, celery, sweet potatoes, chocolate, beans, chocolate milk ,

    WHAT?!; No leafy greens and healthy nuts?; Whats going on with this diet?; It seems so backwards!

    The best part is what when we were researching online things that Heather can consume as much as she wants includes:; cola, margarine, cereal, chicken noodle soup, graham crackers, imitation vanilla extract, and of course, white sugar.

    Again I will say..WHAT?!

    That being said, with this diet it doesnt mean you have to cut all of this stuff out completely, it just means you REALLY have to limit when you want to indulge in these high oxalate foods.

    According to research I have done, a person who is avoiding high oxalate foods should try to consume under 100 mg of oxalate per day.; In contrast a normal diet usually consists of 200-300 mg of oxalate.; The ideal amount if possible, would be 50 mg or under.; Now onto the tasty recipe!

    One of Heathers favorite things for me to make for her are lettuce wraps.; Usually I like using things like soy sauce, hoisin, and other Asian condiments.; What I found out was soy is one of the worst culprits as a high oxalate food and definitely adds to the worry of developing kidney stones.; I had to find a way to create a healthy and tasty stir-fry sauce that doesnt use soy based products.

    Enter in Shiitake mushrooms!

    Heres how to cook this delicious dish.

    Recommended Reading: Where Are Your Kidneys In The Body

    Why Dark Chocolate Didnt Cause Your Kidney Stone

    Last month, I advised you to go ahead and eat some dark chocolate over the holidays. You see, dark chocolate contains epicatechin, a powerful flavanol that combats chronic inflammation. And a recent study found that patients who ate dark chocolate with 100 mg of epicatechin improved their muscle function on a cellular level. It also improved their HDL cholesterol levels. And their brain peptides levels as well.

    After I published that Daily Dispatch, I received an excellent response from a concerned reader. And I thought Id share it with you today. Heres what he wrote:

    Dark chocolate does appear to have benefits for muscles, including the heart. But it does have a drawback, i.e. it has a higher concentration of oxalate. A few years ago, I incorporated dark chocolate into my diet on a daily basis. Within a year on this routine, I developed a large kidney stone, which my body attempted to pass with painful consequences. It had to be treated with Lithotrypsy to obtain relief. The stone was found to consist of calcium oxalate. I have eliminated dark chocolate from my diet since then with no further kidney stones. For some of us dark chocolate has a significant side effect that I dont want to experience again!;;;;

    In addition, tea, coffee, and cocoa contain three active biochemicals: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. These potent, biologically active plant chemicals stimulate the central nervous system.

    But heres some advice if youre prone to kidney stones

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