Beer doesn't help Kidney stones

Most people believe that drinking beer helps to reduce the kidney stones. But a recent study found that drinking excess beer can increase the chances of kidney stones as it increases oxalate & urate content in the urine, which promotes stone formation.

When one drinks beer or any alcohol, one has an urge to urinate more than normal. This is because the fluid increase the volume of urine & of you have a stone of 4-8 mm size, it can get flushed. Any other fluid, say water, if drunk in such quantity, can also do the same !

People suffering from kidney stones should avoid intake of beer because if consumed for a longer period, it can increase the level of acids in urine, resulting in the formation of kidney stones. It may also provoke gastro esophageal reflux & cause heart burn as it contains powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion.

What to do for Kidney stones

When one drinks enough water, to pass 2 -2 ½ litres of urine daily is quite helpful for treating kidney stones. One must take a diet low in protein, nitrogen & sodium. In take of orange juice, lemon water, horse gram & pineapple is beneficial for such patients. Drinking a glass of lemon water everyday can keep kidney stones away. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C & increases the level of citrate in urine, which prevents stone formation.

What causes kidney stones?

The basic cause of kidney stones occurrence is unknown, but incorrect food habits, sedentary life styles & inadequate intake of fluids are to be blamed. Other conditions such as urinary tract infection, gout                    ( overload of uric acid) , arthritis, hypercalciuria ( increased calcium levels in urine), enlarged prostrate & thyroid disorders are also known to cause urinary stones.

Treatment of kidney stones

One should take food rich in potassium & calcium, should avoid or restrict sodium & protein intake. Even sugar & artificial sweeteners should be avoided because they hinder the body’s ability to absorb magnesium which helps make calcium soluble to the body. They should drink 14 cups or 2 ½ - 3 litres of fluids everyday & even more in a hot, dry climate.