Low Oxalate low Sodium diet

Hello Mary @mklapperich,

Welcome to Connect.
You may wish to read this discussion, "This and That and Talk - My Transplant" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/this-and-that-and-talk-my-transpant/ where @2011panc has shared her insights about being on a low oxalate diet; I sincerely hope she is able to do the same here.

@mklapperich, may I ask what brings you to Connect? We look forward to getting to know you.

Hi went on suggested link, but could not find post referring to low oxalate diet. I have fairly aggressive kidney stone disease, low oxalate low sodium diet prevents more stones from forming, quite restrictive diet unless you are extremely good at moderation, difficult. If I do not adhere strictly to diet my disease progresses and I form more stones or the stones I have get bigger and are starting to cluster...I would like to meet one other person who is on this diet and knows what an oxalate is. I am hoping it is not that uncommon in the world of kidney disease. Thank you for your response and what brings you to this site?

@mklapperich, I have tried to find some information on low oxalate diet. Here are 2 links that I have found. They offer explanations, but I could not find any specifics for a plan. You might find some helpful information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperoxaluria/symptoms-causes/syc-20352254
I am diagnosed with a different kind of kidney stone - a calcium something. Just being monitored at this point, and drinking lots of water and limiting sodium.

Are you getting any kind of medical care or help to manage this condition?
Rosemary

@mklapperich I began a low oxalate diet 2 years ago. I am not exactly sure what you need for support, but I will offer what I can. I will begin with my history.

This is my 5th limitation diet. #1 I became Type I diabetic in 1976 and have followed a diabetic diet (low carb) ever since. #2 During the 80s one of my medications started causing weight gain, but I did not know that was the cause and began a low fat diet. #3 In the 90s I noticed that I often had gastric disturbances after dairy ingestion and began a low dairy diet. #4 I received a pancreas transplant in 2011. Between that and profound gastric disturbances I was encouraged to begin a low fiber diet, which I did. #5 At the time of the pancreas transplant I had stage 3 kidney failure and was told that my prognosis was to require a kidney transplant in three years.. Two years following the pancreas transplant I was sent over to the kidney transplant team for evaluation and follow up. The kidney transplant team put me on the transplant list. During testing they discovered that my kidney failure was caused by a high level of oxalates and suggested a low oxalate diet.

I have followed all the diets quite rigorously and found limiting oxalates the most difficult to assimilate because some of my favorite and staple foods were now excluded. However, I persevered successfully and one year later my oxalate levels had been reduced enough to reduce my risk and remove my qualifications to remain on the transplant list. I have continued to improve, with my November checkup showing a GFR of 39. I consider that a win! Since my original prognosis was to need a transplant by 2015 and it is now nearly 2018 and my kidneys are improved and have been improving for 3 successive years, I feel incredibly blessed.

The most difficult foods for me to limit were: chocolate (because it is in almost every snack bar), peanut butter (again a hidden ingredient for protein), root vegetables (yams, beets, potatoes), all nuts except macadamia and walnuts, and all berries except strawberries. I don't like to eat much at any one time, so would like to be able to grab a protein or granola bar for a meal. I have tried and tried but they all seem to have chocolate, peanut butter or a nut I should not eat.

I have almost completely replaced all flour items with something else. I use rice cakes as bread almost exclusively. I eat mostly rice instead of potatoes. I have cut down the amount and frequency of pasta eating. I have stopped eating oatmeal for breakfast and now have a banana. Popcorn and sunflower seeds are good snacks for me and I must admit that I go crazy with melons, peaches and strawberries every summer. Summer squash has replaced all my winter squash and pumpkins. I still get to eat my cruciferous veges, but notice that I have more problems consuming vinegar. The low fiber diet took out all green leafies and most uncooked veges, but if you can have them that could help you out with snack items.

I may think of more items later, but this is what I can think of for now. If you have any questions or comments I will be glad to discuss them with you. Please let me know how you are doing. I can tell you that improved physical health has also improved my mental and emotional health. Bless you on your journey.

@2011panc, I think there was another time when you and I replied at the same time! I am happy to hear that you are seeing the benefits of your determination and proactive approach to your health needs.

Thank you for your reply and information.
Rosemary