8 Drinks That Will Help Keep Kidney Stones Away (And What to Avoid)

Introduction

Kidney stones are a common and often painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These hard deposits made of minerals and salts can form in your kidneys and cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract. While there are various treatments available, prevention is always the best strategy. One of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones is through proper hydration and a well-balanced diet.

In this article, we will explore eight drinks that can help keep kidney stones at bay. Additionally, we will discuss what drinks you should avoid to minimize your risk of developing kidney stones. By making informed choices about what you drink, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this painful condition.

8 Drinks That Will Help Keep Kidney Stones Away

1. Water

Water is the most important drink for preventing kidney stones. Staying well-hydrated helps to dilute the substances in urine that lead to stone formation. The goal is to drink enough water to produce at least 2 liters of urine per day.

How much should you drink? Aim for about 8-10 glasses (64-80 ounces) of water daily, although individual needs may vary based on factors such as climate, activity level, and overall health.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in citrate, which can help prevent the formation of calcium stones, the most common type of kidney stones. Citrate binds to calcium in the urine, preventing the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

How to use it: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of water and drink it throughout the day. Aim for about half a cup of lemon juice diluted in water daily.

3. Orange Juice

Similar to lemon juice, orange juice contains citrate which can help prevent kidney stones. However, it also contains potassium, which can help reduce the acidity of urine and make it less likely for stones to form.

How to use it: Drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. However, be cautious of store-bought orange juice that may contain added sugars.

4. Basil Juice

Basil juice has been used traditionally for kidney health. It contains acetic acid and other compounds that can help break down kidney stones and reduce pain.

How to use it: You can make basil juice by blending fresh basil leaves with water and straining the mixture. Drink a few teaspoons of basil juice daily.

5. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is known for its antioxidant properties and can help improve overall kidney function. It also has astringent properties that may help reduce the risk of stone formation.

How to use it: Drink a glass of fresh pomegranate juice daily. As with orange juice, be mindful of added sugars in store-bought versions.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help dissolve kidney stones. However, it should be used with caution and in moderation due to its high acidity.

How to use it: Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it once a day. It is important to dilute apple cider vinegar to prevent damage to tooth enamel and the esophagus.

7. Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas, such as dandelion root tea, nettle leaf tea, and horsetail tea, are believed to help flush out toxins from the kidneys and prevent stone formation.

How to use it: Drink one to two cups of herbal tea daily. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal teas, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

8. Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural diuretic that can help flush out toxins from the body and keep you hydrated. It is also rich in potassium, which can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

How to use it: Drink a glass of fresh coconut water daily. However, be aware that coconut water also contains some natural sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation.

What to Avoid

While some drinks can help prevent kidney stones, others can increase your risk. Here are some drinks you should avoid or limit:

1. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as sodas and sweetened fruit juices, can increase the risk of kidney stones. High sugar intake can lead to higher levels of calcium in the urine, which can contribute to stone formation.

2. Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can lead to dehydration if consumed in excess. Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stones. However, moderate consumption of coffee and tea might actually have a protective effect against kidney stones due to their diuretic properties.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration, which increases the risk of kidney stones. Additionally, alcohol can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to uric acid stones.

4. High-Oxalate Drinks

High-oxalate drinks, such as black tea and some fruit juices (like grapefruit juice), can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. If you are prone to this type of kidney stone, it is best to limit your intake of high-oxalate beverages.

Conclusion

Preventing kidney stones largely depends on staying well-hydrated and making smart dietary choices. By incorporating drinks like water, lemon juice, orange juice, basil juice, pomegranate juice, apple cider vinegar, herbal teas, and coconut water into your daily routine, you can help keep kidney stones away. Conversely, it is important to avoid or limit sugary drinks, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and high-oxalate beverages to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.

Remember, while these drinks can help, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or other health conditions. By making informed choices and staying hydrated, you can take proactive steps to protect your kidney health.

FAQs

Q1: How much water should I drink daily to prevent kidney stones?
A1: Aim for about 8-10 glasses (64-80 ounces) of water daily, or enough to produce at least 2 liters of urine per day. Individual needs may vary based on factors such as climate and activity level.

Q2: Can drinking too much water be harmful?
A2: While it is rare, drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, where the sodium levels in your blood become too low. It is important to balance your water intake and not overdo it.

Q3: Is it safe to drink apple cider vinegar every day?
A3: Apple cider vinegar should be used in moderation. Mix two tablespoons in a glass of water and drink it once a day. However, due to its high acidity, it should be diluted to prevent damage to tooth enamel and the esophagus.

Q4: Are there any specific herbal teas that are best for preventing kidney stones?
A4: Herbal teas such as dandelion root tea, nettle leaf tea, and horsetail tea are believed to help flush out toxins from the kidneys. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal teas, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

Q5: Can I drink coffee if I have a history of kidney stones?
A5: Moderate consumption of coffee might actually have a protective effect against kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. However, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of kidney stones. It is best to consume coffee in moderation and stay well-hydrated.

Q6: What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney stone?
A6: If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it is important to seek medical attention. Symptoms can include severe pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting. A healthcare provider can diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment.

By following these guidelines and making informed choices about what you drink, you can help keep kidney stones away and maintain good kidney health.