Bear Grylls Quit Veganism ‘For His Health’ – Can Plant-Based Diets Really Cause Kidney Stones?

Bear Grylls recently revealed that he gave up his vegan diet after experiencing declining health and kidney issues. He claimed that consuming raw vegetables led to sore kidneys almost forming kidney stones. Grylls now includes meat, eggs, and dairy in his diet to improve his health and strength. However, scientific evidence and expert advice suggest that a plant-based diet is beneficial for kidney health and may prevent kidney stones.

Foods high in oxalates, like spinach and nuts, can contribute to kidney stone formation. However, it's not necessary for most people to eliminate these foods from their diet. Cooking methods can reduce oxalate levels, and ensuring an adequate intake of calcium alongside oxalate-rich foods may help the body process them safely. Overall, experts recommend a plant-based diet for optimal kidney health and advise against excessive consumption of animal protein like meat and dairy products that Grylls now includes in his diet.