Drinks That Cause Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones as the names suggest occurs in the Kidney and can cause a variety of symptoms, which spells only one thing, sickness. Kidney stones are hard masses or deposits made of minerals and crystals that form inside your kidneys. They primarily occur in the kidney, but they can also develop anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. The causes of kidney stones differ from the type of kidney stones.

The cause of kidney stones is mainly due to the liquids that we consume and even some diet plan also causes kidney stones. Drinks that cause kidney stones include chocolate drinks, beetroot drink, tea, and different types of soda drinks. However, to determine the cause of the kidney stone, the kind of kidney stone should be identified to have exact reasons. The size ranges from just a speck to as large as a ping pong ball. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones include blood in the urine, pain in the abdomen, groin or flank. Studies have shown that 5% of people have a kidney stone in their lifetime.

Kidney Stones are formed when the balance of compounds such as fluids, minerals and other substances in the kidney change. There are four kinds of kidney stones known till date, it is essential to understand the type to determine the cause and the treatment needed.

Different Types Of Kidney Stones

1. Calcium - It is the most common, made of calcium oxalate. Eating lesser oxalate-rich foods can reduce the risk of developing this type of stone.
2. Uric Acid - It is more common in men than in women. It can occur to those going through chemotherapy.
3. Struvite - It is found in women with urinary tract infections. These are large stones and can cause urinary obstruction.
4. Cystine - This type of stones is rare. Occurring due to people who have genetic disorder cystinuria or having dehydration, i.e. not drinking enough water.

Causes of Kidney stones have no single reason, although several factors can increase the risk. Factors that can increase the risk are dehydration, family history, i.e. genetic, and the presence of medical conditions. There can also be other causes of kidney stones.

Drinks That Cause Kidney Stones

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is one of the main cause of kidney stones. So, drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water per day. However, some drinks can be harmful to kidney stone patients or to those who do not have kidney stones yet. some other drinks that cause kidney stones are:

Tea

Particularly iced tea and black tea causes kidney stones, as the oxalate found in black tea and iced tea, produces calcium oxalate stone. Even though hot tea also contains oxalate, it does not contain as much as those of iced tea. Especially during summertime, iced tea is popular as it is lower in calories and tastes better than water. However, iced tea should be avoided if you have some history with a kidney stone or you are a victim of kidney stones. Substitute it with lemonade and plenty of normal water.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is also a bad idea as it can make uric acid levels in the blood go up. Drinking alcohol content up to about 12% can raise the risk level.

Sugary Drinks

Drinks like lemonade, limeade and fruit juices are high in citrate that reduces the risk of kidney stones. But drinks flavored in sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can lead to stones. Other drinks include Miso Soup, Chocolate Drinks, Beets, and any type of Colas should be avoided.

To avoid having more kidney stones following the best diet plan could be the solution. To get the best diet plan, first, consult your doctor what type of kidney stone you have to go to a professional dietician who specializes in kidney stone diets. Kidney stones diet restrictions are necessary to prevent more stones.

Kidney Stones Diet Plan

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones

If you have Calcium Oxalate stones, avoid nuts, peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, wheat bran to reduce oxalate. To reduce sodium, avoid eating or limit your animal protein intake including meats, eggs, fish and dairy products. But still, you also need to get enough calcium from foods. The best food to consume includes those low in oxalate, plant-based foods such as cereals, and vegetables

2. Calcium Phosphate Stones

Calcium Phosphate Stones, reduce sodium intake by avoiding canned, packaged fast foods. Same as calcium oxalate stones limit the animal-protein. However, one should evaluate to balance the required protein intake. To do so eat plant-based foods that are high in protein such as legumes, soy foods, nuts, and sunflower seeds. Same as above enough calcium is also needed. Lack of calcium will increase the risk of getting more stones. So consume plant-based foods such as cereals, and vegetables.

3. Uric Acid Stones

This type of stone develops when urine is too acidic. A diet rich in purines can increase the acidic level of urine. It is a colorless substance found in animal proteins such as fish, shellfish and meats. To avoid such stones limit animal protein intake to reduce the risk factor. Losing weight is a good idea if you have a uric acid stone, exercise and a good diet plan are recommended.

4. Cystine Stones

This type of stone is mainly caused due to dehydration so drinking enough water is the best change in lifestyle that you can adapt to prevent them. Drink a glass of water two times in the morning as soon as you wake up and try to drink as much as 12 glasses daily.

Some of the other diet plans that should be followed include drinking at least 12 glasses of water daily, drinking citrus juices like orange juice, eating less salt and added sugar products, avoiding foods and drinks which are high in oxalates and phosphates, and avoid drinks that cause kidney stones as mentioned above.