Today we’re going to look at the interesting similarities between gout and kidney stones and natural alternatives for these concerns.

Oxalates are involved in both kidney stones and gout. People who have high oxalates in their urine tend to have a worsening gout situation, and the most common type of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones.

Top foods high in oxalates:

• Spinach

• Rhubarb

• Almonds

• Chocolate

• Cacao

• Buckwheat

• Wheat

• Beans

• Soy

• Tofu

• Miso

• Potato chips

• French fries

• Beet tops

• Swiss chard

• Star fruit

• Raspberries

• Black pepper

• Black tea

Nuts high in oxalates:

• Almonds

• Brazil nuts

• Hazelnuts

• Cashews

• Pine nuts

Nuts low in oxalates:

• Coconuts

• Peanuts

• Pistachios

• Macadamia nuts

• Walnuts

Something else that can increase oxalates is consuming excess ascorbic acid or glycine. Fat malabsorption due to a bile deficiency can also cause an increase in oxalates. If you’re prone to kidney stones or gout, you may also want to avoid consuming xylitol.

Some people develop gout as they age due to an increase in iron and inflammation. If you’re in this situation, you might want to try reducing the amount of iron you consume and work on lowering your inflammation.