Urinary lithiasis -commonly known as kidney stones- is one of the most prevalent urological diseases and one of the most frequent reason for consultations with urologists. It is associated with factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and other factors. It affects all ages, but the most affected age group corresponds to adults between the fourth and sixth decade. And in terms of distribution by sex, it reaches 1.7 men for each woman.
What is The Best Drink if You Have Kidney Stones?
Low liquids intake is one of the most determining factors for the formation and growth of kidney stones. In general, we all consume little liquid during the day; what is considered normal is that we could urinate between 2 to 2.5 liters a day.
Take several liters of water daily. Regardless of the type of kidney stones you have, if they are less than 5 millimeters, they will usually go out on their own without the need for medical intervention. If you can feel the kidney stone, but it is not painful enough to need treatment, your doctor will probably recommend taking between 1.89 and 2.89 liters of water (between 2 and 3 quarts) daily until the kidney stone leaves your body. Staying well hydrated will help you expel the kidney stone from your system.
Try to drink enough water so that your urine is light-colored most of the time. The light-colored urine is a sign that your body is very well hydrated.
Drinks such as ginger ale, fruit juices or green tea can also help you stay hydrated. Avoid artificial sweeteners, sugar or alcohol while trying to expel a kidney stone.
Pineapple has been associated with urinary lithiasis because it is high in a compound called citrate, which is a potent inhibitor of the crystallization of calcium salts. It is an element that the kidney produces under normal conditions and is the only natural inhibitor that the body has against kidney stones. One of the most frequent metabolic alterations in these patients is the decrease of this compound in the urine, that means that their kidneys produce little citrate for different reasons.
But besides the pineapple, the fruit that contains more citrates is lemon, which is why it is recommended to drink lemonade, to acquire citrates naturally and stimulate the consumption of liquids. Taking 140 cubic centimeters (three-quarters of a cup) of lemon juice – diluted in water – two to three times a week decreases the risk of kidney stones and is cheaper than pineapple. In any case, this has a recurrence prevention role that means that the person avoids acquiring new kidney stones or even provoking growth in the existing ones, but many people believe that they have a role in the expulsion, and this is not the case.
Try the herbal remedies. Although it has not been scientifically proven that herbal remedies eliminate kidney stones, many people discovered that certain herbs (especially when prepared in the form of tea) can help to reduce the size of the stones so that they pass more easily. Try the following herbs to treat a mild case of kidney stones:
-Birch leaf tea helps to eliminate waste from the urinary system.
–Black tea is a diuretic, which increases the urinary flow.
-The nettle leaf is also a diuretic and can help to expel kidney stones from your system.
-Dandelion root is an effective tonic for the kidneys.
-It is said that apple cider vinegar helps to dissolve the stones. You can take 1 tablespoon (14.8 milliliters) of apple cider vinegar every day or mix this drink with water.
-Avoid sorrel, as it can worsen calcium oxalate stones.
Conclusion
Kidney stone disease worsens in the context of dehydration. For this reason, it is very important to consume lots of water in first place, in order to help the body to expel the kidney stones through urine. Many drinks have been proven to treat this condition; one that results accessible and highly effective is the lemonade.
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Kidney Stones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Kidney Stones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones
Also Read:
- GallStone Vs Kidney Stone: Differences Worth Knowing
- How Long Does it Take for the Kidney Stone to Pass?
- What is the Purpose of a Stent for Kidney Stones?
- Can Baking Soda Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones?
- Precautionary Diet to Avoid Kidney Stone Formation
- What Would Happen If Kidney Stones Are Left Untreated?
- Kidney Stones Diet: Foods To Eat & Foods To Avoid If You Have Kidney Stones
- Where is the Pain with Kidney Stones?
