5 Healthy foods that can be harmful if you eat too much of them

Spinach, Beets, And Swiss Chards

We don’t need to remind you that each of these veggies is a nutritional powerhouse. But they’re also high in naturally occurring compounds called oxalates. Oxalates actually work as prebiotics to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. But if you’re prone to kidney stones, eating too many high-oxalate foods only makes things worse. “The kidneys are supposed to filter these compounds out. But in someone who is prone to kidney stones, the kidneys have a hard time doing so, which can lead to buildup and the formation of kidney stones,” says Cording.

In that case, it could be best to avoid foods that are high in oxalates altogether. Talk to your doctor to figure out what’s best for you. If you need to cut out high-oxalate foods, a dietician can help you find lower-oxalate alternatives, like cabbage or cauliflower.