5 healthy drinks, other than water, that prevent kidney stone formation

Health benefits of coconut water: Experts say that coconut water raises citrate levels in urine and helps decrease the formation of crystals (Image: Pexels)

• Lemon juice, coconut water, and buttermilk help prevent kidney stone formation
• Herbal teas and fresh fruit juices boost urine output and citrate levels
• Seek a healthcare professional's advice for personalized kidney stone prevention.

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Kidney stones are one of the most prevalent urinary tract disorders and are frequently attributed to dehydration and dietary factors. While adequate water intake is the most effective preventative measure against stones, other fluids are also recognised as complementary in the inhibition of stone generation through either increasing urinary volume and flow output or changing urine composition.

Dr Hari Prasad N, Consultant, Urology and Renal Transplant Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, shared 5 drinks that can help:

Lemon or Citrus Juice

Infusions like lemon or lime juice are packed with citrate, which is a powerful inhibitor of stone formation. It combines with the calcium that is present in the urine and from calcium citrate thus preventing the formation of calcium oxalate stones, which are the most frequently found type of stones. Adding lemon juice to water is very effective.

Also read | Kidney stones: Symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and home remedies

Health benefits of orange juice: Fresh juices such as oranges or watermelon juices raise the output and concentration of citrate as well as urine volumes (Image: Pexels)

Coconut Water

It has natural electrolytic properties that can help in keeping the level of fluids in the body normal. It has even been observed that coconut water can raise the level of citrate in urine and decrease the formation of crystals.

Buttermilk (Chaas)

Buttermilk is a common dietary ingredient in Indian cuisine, low in oxalate and rich in probiotics. It helps in maintaining intestinal health and calcium absorption, which can decrease the absorption of oxalate in the intestines—an important step in the prevention of kidney calculi.

Also read | Expert-approved diet tips and best herbs to prevent kidney stones

Herbal Teas (Non-oxalate based)

Barley water, basil tea (tulsi tea), and chamomile tea are some examples of herbal teas that may help the kidney in urine production. It is important to limit the intake of high-oxalate tea and consume herbal tea in moderation.

Fresh fruit juices (Low sugar, non-oxalate)

Juices such as oranges or watermelon juices might raise the output and concentration of citrate as well as urine volumes. However, juices must be freshly squeezed and diluted to prevent raising the risk of stones, particularly if they are found in packaging or contain sugar.

The inclusion of these fluids in a kidney-friendly diet, combined with decreased sodium levels and a reduced amount of animal protein, can go a long way in reducing the risk of recurrence of kidney stones. Even in the presence of a kidney stone, consulting a healthcare professional for diet recommendations is vital.

FAQs on Kidney Stones

1. What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones are primarily caused by dehydration and dietary factors. Inadequate water intake and high consumption of oxalate-rich foods can lead to stone formation.

2. How can I prevent kidney stones?

Drinking plenty of water is the best preventive measure. Consuming fluids like lemon juice, coconut water, buttermilk, and low-sugar fresh fruit juices can also help prevent stones by increasing urinary volume and altering urine composition.\

3. Can certain drinks help dissolve kidney stones?

Yes, drinks like lemon juice and coconut water can help prevent stone formation. Lemon juice contains citrate, which inhibits calcium stones, and coconut water increases citrate levels in urine.

4. Is buttermilk effective against kidney stones?

Buttermilk, low in oxalate and high in probiotics, helps maintain intestinal health and enhances calcium absorption, reducing oxalate absorption in the intestines, thereby preventing kidney stones.

5. Are there any specific teas beneficial for kidney stones?

Herbal teas such as barley water, basil tea, and chamomile tea can aid in urine production. It's important to avoid high-oxalate teas and consume herbal teas in moderation.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.