Various combinations of minerals can calcify or crystallize in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary tract. These can range in size from the size of a grain of sand to two inches in diameter. Gallstones are a combination of bile and minerals and are characterized by pain in the right upper abdomen or pain in the corresponding area of the back and shooting up to the shoulder blade. Gallstones may also cause poor digestion of fats. If the gallstones obstruct the flow of bile, the result may be jaundice. Kidney stones are formed as the kidneys filter excessive minerals in an acid environment which combine with either excessive calcium or wastes in the blood. These are very painful, with the pain being in the kidney area of the lower back or the corresponding area on the front of the abdomen. There may also be painful urination with kidney stones.
Avoid: spicy foods, fried foods, oily foods, coffee, hard water, spinach, citrus, tomatoes, spinach combined with tofu or dairy products, foods with high levels of oxalic acid.