Suresh Iyer Suresh Iyer Asked 6 months ago

Do beets cause kidney stones?

I've had kidney stones in the past, so I'm always careful about what I eat. I really enjoy having beets, but someone told me they might contribute to stone formation. Should I avoid them completely, or is it safe in moderation?

7

7 answers

Anil Wagle Anil Wagle Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago
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Yes, beetroot is very high in oxalates, which are known to bind with calcium and form calcium oxalate stones. My doctor told me that if you have a family history of kidney stones, you should limit beet consumption and always drink a glass of water with them to help flush them out.

Neha Gupta Neha Gupta Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I started drinking beetroot juice every morning for my skin, and now I'm terrified of getting kidney stones. Has anyone actually gotten stones just from eating beets regularly, or am I overthinking this?

Savitri Bai Savitri Bai Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Beets contain oxalates, which can sometimes lead to stones if eaten in very high amounts without enough water. Drinking plenty of water daily and adding lemon juice helps keep the system clean. But if you have severe side pain or blood in urine, skip the home tips and see a doctor immediately.

Maya Sen Maya Sen Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

They can contribute to stones if you already have a tendency for them, but eating them in moderation is generally fine for most people. Try not to worry too much and just drink enough water.

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Sister Jessy Thomas Sister Jessy Thomas Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

Beets are high in oxalates, so yes, they can be a risk factor for calcium oxalate stones if you overdo it. A practical tip is to consume them along with calcium-rich food, as the calcium binds to oxalate in your stomach before reaching the kidneys. And of course, keep yourself well hydrated!

Divya Rao Divya Rao Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I used to eat a lot of beets to help with my PCOS fatigue, but I learned they are high in oxalates. I became cautious and now eat them in moderate portions. It's always safest to check with your doctor to see how much is okay for your specific body.

Prashant Kulkarni Prashant Kulkarni Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Instead of worrying, it is much cheaper to get a simple urine test and kidney ultrasound package done for around 1000 rupees to see if you have any stone tendency. Planning these tests early saves you from the massive hospital bills and emergency costs of sudden kidney pain later.

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