Foods rich in phytate (a phosphorus-containing compound found in plants) or potassium seem to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
Contrary to what you might think, calcium-rich diets also protect against -- rather than promote -- calcium oxalate stones, though the same can't be said for calcium pills. Not drinking enough fluids and eating too much salt, protein (particularly from meat), and sugar increase the risk.
All of this has been pretty well shown in men of all ages and in women over age 45. A Harvard study of women under 45 came to similar conclusions with some important exceptions: High sodium intake didn't increase the risk of developing kidney stones, and high potassium intake didn't lower it.
© 2007 President and Fellows of Harvard College. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.
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