Think drinking milk or eating cheese gives you kidney stones? Not true! It’s a common myth that calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese cause kidney stones. The most common type of kidney stone is made of calcium oxalate, but that doesn’t mean dietary calcium is to blame. On the contrary, getting adequate calcium from food (not supplements) can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. Calcium binds to oxalates in your intestines, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually forming stones in the kidneys. So don’t skip the milk, yogurt, or cheese! Other calcium-rich foods like almonds, chia seeds, tofu, and white beans are great too, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Just remember: * Get your calcium from food, not high-dose supplements * Drink plenty of water throughout the day * Limit foods high in oxalates (like spinach, beets, and dark chocolate) if you're prone to stones * Reduce sodium and animal protein intake, which can increase calcium excretion
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