No. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that nuts can help reduce the risk of gallstone disease [1-3]. There is less published research to date for the role of nuts in reducing the risk of kidney stones, other than dietary pattern research, which indicates that a healthy diet, including nuts, is linked with a 40% reduced risk of kidney stones [4].

Nuts and gallstones

Two population-based studies, investigating the link between frequent nut consumption and the risk of gallstones, have both found that nuts may help reduce the risk.

The Health Professionals Follow-up Study showed men consuming five or more 30g serves of nuts per week had a significantly lower risk of gallstone disease (30% risk reduction) than men who never ate nuts or who ate less than one serve per month [2]. 

Data from the Nurses Health Study showed that for women, frequent nut consumers (≥5 times/week) had a 25% reduced risk of needing a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) than women who never ate nuts or who ate less than one serve per month [3].

These outcomes remained true despite the type or content of fat in the diet.

Nuts and kidney stones

To date, there is little published evidence for the role of nuts in reducing the risk of kidney stones. However, dietary pattern research suggests a a healthy diet may be protective.

For instance, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (which is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, moderate in low-fat dairy products, and low in sweetened beverages, salt and processed meat) has been linked with a 40% reduced risk of kidney stones [4].