Can spinach cause kidney stones?

Spinach contains oxalates, which have been associated with an increased risk of kidney stone formation. However, Rhonda Patrick notes that this risk is significantly mitigated when spinach is prepared properly, such as by boiling, which reduces the oxalate content. Moreover, the presence of magnesium and calcium in spinach helps to render oxalates insoluble, making them less likely to be absorbed by the intestines and thus reducing the risk of kidney stones 1.

Patrick emphasizes that unless you are consuming extremely large amounts of raw spinach (like daily juicing in the case of individuals with preexisting kidney problems), the benefits of including spinach in your diet outweigh the potential risks. She personally consumes raw spinach regularly and has not noticed any kidney issues in her health check-ups, attributing this to spinach's high magnesium content, which counteracts oxalate absorption 1 2.