Could eating more calcium lead to kidney stones?

Could eating more calcium lead to kidney stones?

Author: QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN August 12, 2026 Duration: 11:59

874. If you're prone to kidney stones, you've probably been told to cut back on calcium. If you're worried about your bones, you've been told to get more. So which is it?

Turns out it's a false choice. The old advice to restrict dietary calcium doesn't lower your risk of calcium stones -- it can raise it, while leaving your bones more vulnerable to loss. In this episode, Monica breaks down why the calcium in your food behaves so differently from the calcium in a pill, when timing it with a meal actually makes a difference, and how much calcium and vitamin D you really need if you're filling a gap.

She also looks at how sodium, animal protein, and fluid intake each shape your kidney stone risk, and why the same evidence-based eating habits that guard against osteopenia and protect bone health as you age are also the ones that protect your kidneys.


Related episodes

130 - Are you getting enough calcium? Could you be getting too much?

131 - What are the best sources of calcium?

427 - Does a high protein diet weaken your bones?

470 - Do calcium supplements raise your risk of colon cancer?

699 - Are we eating too much protein or not enough?

Bone Series


Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, founder of Wellness Works Here.

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You're probably tired of the constant noise around what to eat, with every headline seeming to contradict the last. Nutrition Diva cuts through that confusion. Hosted by Monica Reinagel, a seasoned expert from QuickAndDirtyTips.com, this weekly conversation feels like getting clear, practical advice from a trusted friend who actually understands the science. Instead of pushing fads, Monica takes the latest nutrition research and unpacks it in a way that makes sense for real life, separating the solid findings from the hype. She directly tackles the questions that pop up in your own kitchen, whether you're wondering about a new superfood or just trying to pack a better lunch. The goal isn't perfection, but building a sensible, sustainable approach to food that leaves you feeling informed and in control. Tuning into this podcast means replacing anxiety with actionable knowledge, so you can make choices that are right for you without the dogma. It's a grounded resource for anyone who wants to think about health and eating well, but could do without the extreme diets and scare tactics.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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