Cola And Kidney Stones
Colas tend to be the darkest of the many soft drink options. Colas contain phosphoric acid, which has been linked with an increased incidence of kidney stones and kidney disease. Phosphoric acid is linked with kidney stones because it creates an acidic environment in your kidney tract. When your urine becomes too acidic, kidney stones are able to form more easily. For this reason, physicians like Dr. R. Lawrence Hatchett at Southern Illinois Urology recommend avoiding drinking dark sodas because of their potential to cause kidney stones 2.
- Colas tend to be the darkest of the many soft drink options.
- For this reason, physicians like Dr. R. Lawrence Hatchett at Southern Illinois Urology recommend avoiding drinking dark sodas because of their potential to cause kidney stones 2.
The Role Of The Kidneys
Kidneys filter toxins and harmful chemicals out of your blood, which makes up about 25% of the fluid in your body. Your blood is located in your blood vessels, and the amount of blood can change slightly throughout the day. Since your kidneys are a literal filter for blood, the amount of fluid and how fast it is moving through your bloodstream impacts how well your kidneys work.
Each person is typically born with two kidneys, and they have the same set of functions. In general, most people can survive with only one kidney. However, some people may need to adjust their medication doses or eat special diets, but this is not common. Other than filter toxins, your kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, and the attached adrenal glands control hormone levels.
Factors That Increase Your Risk Of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones often have no single cause, and several factors may increase your risk for getting them. Some of these factors are listed below. They include:
Lack of water
You need to make enough pee to dilute the things that can turn into stones. If you donât drink enough or sweat too much, your pee may look dark. It should be pale yellow or clear.
If youâve had a stone before, you should make about 8 cups of urine a day. So aim to down about 10 cups of water daily, since you lose some fluids through sweat and breathing. Swap a glass of water for a citrus drink. The citrate in lemonade or orange juice can block stones from forming.
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What Other Kidney Issues Are Associated With Alcohol/drinking
Kidneys are vital to the overall healthy functioning of the human body and serve as filtration devices for any harmful or toxic substance that enters your bloodstream. When someone drinks in excess, the kidneys have to work harder to filter the bodys blood and can cause immense stress on the kidneys. The dehydrating effect of alcohol can negatively impact your bodys cell and organ functions. Additionally, alcohol in the body can impact the hormones that contribute to healthy kidney function in your body.3
Regular heavy drinking has been known to double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Those who smoke cigarettes in addition to drinking heavily are about five times more likely to develop kidney disease than those who only drink excessively.3
Cut Out Foods That Contain Oxalate And Phosphate
Both of these chemicals can contribute to the formation of stones. Oxalate is found in beets, tea, rhubarb, spinach, and unfortunately, chocolate. If you consume these items, do so in moderation. Phosphate can be found in colas. To prevent kidney stones, cut down or eliminate your consumption of these drinks, and opt for water instead.
If you have any questions about kidney stones, contact Dr. Scott Miller or call at 705-5201.
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Foods That Can Cause Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can go unnoticed for years if they remain small. However, in many individuals, they cause considerable pain and temporary disability. What causes these agonizing formations, and how can you prevent and treat them?
Some of the answers may lie in your diet. Here are ten foods that can cause kidney stones and an overview of this condition with your treatment options.
Caffeine And The Kidney
On the other hand, as an adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine can inhibit adenosine activity of juxtaglomerular cells, resulting in the promotion of renin secretion . As such, some investigations have shown contradictory findings because the secretion of renin, a hormone produced by the kidney that is responsible for the conversion of angiotensinogen into angiotensin, can lead to vasoconstriction as well as tubular reabsorption by activating the release of antidiuretic hormone . Nevertheless, the latter, contradictory effects have been found only in renin-elevated states , not in the normal physiologic condition .
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Will It Help Or Hurt To Take A Vitamin Or Mineral Supplement
The B vitamins which include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and B12 have not been shown to be harmful to people with kidney stones. In fact, some studies have shown that B6 may actually help people with high urine oxalate. However, it is best to check with your healthcare professional or dietitian for advice on the use of vitamin C, vitamin D, fish liver oils or other mineral supplements containing calcium since some supplements can increase the chances of stone formation in some individuals.
Milk Causes Kidney Stones Because Of The Calcium
MYTH BUSTED: Milk Really does a body good. Calcium is your friend, so drink on. The fact is one-way kidney stones are actually caused is a LACK of calcium. You should have a glass of milk at least once a day or yogurt. Try to also consume more magnesium as this binds oxalate which will help in kidney stone prevention. And no kids, this isnt an excuse to have chocolate milk for dinner, but thanks for playing.
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Drinkable Vitamin C Supplements
Too much vitamin C can have negative effects. Harvard shares that some studies have shown that people who take high doses of vitamin C in supplement form have a slightly increased risk of developing kidney stones. That may be because the body converts vitamin C to oxalate.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. The maximum in supplements is 2g, according to the NIH. WebMD suggests taking no more than 500 mg per day to avoid risk.
Does Carbonated Water Cause Ibs
While it wont cause IBS, drinking carbonated water may lead to bloating and gas, which can lead to IBS flare-ups if youre sensitive to carbonated beverages.
The bottom line: If you have stomach issues and experience flare-ups after drinking carbonated water, you may be better off eliminating this beverage from your diet.
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Other Causes Of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is commonly caused by diabetes or high blood pressure. Drinking carbonated beverages can contribute to excess weight, which is a risk factor for developing Type 2 adult-onset diabetes, and indirectly, kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund notes that you can inherit a type of kidney disease called polycystic kidney disease. Drinking soda may increase the risk of related diseases such as diabetes consult your doctor or nutritionist about the best diet plan for you.
References
Caffeine And Its Popularity
Caffeine is a popular stimulant worldwide that is frequently consumed to enhance mood, alertness, muscle endurance, and exercise performance. Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in seeds and leaves of several types of plants . The amount of caffeine content in each plant varies, depending on the type of plant, its growth environment, and the preparation or brewing method. For example, Robusta coffee usually has a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee . In addition, the roasted temperature and pressure can influence caffeine content in the coffee .
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Myths About Kidney Stones
If youve ever gotten a kidney stone you know that its not like a nagging cough, it is quite painful and in extreme cases can even require surgery to correct. The rumors that people spread about what a kidney stone experience is like can be quite frightening but the fact is most of these rumors are just that rumors. Its important to know, however, if the what you are experiencing are actual kidney stone symptoms, or something else, for example, a urinary tract infection or sometimes just plain old indigestion. When you start buying into these myths that people spread about kidney stones, it can can cause you undue stress or worse, lead you to a treatment that will advance your problem not help it. This is why we want to debunk the top myths about kidney stones so you can better know kidney stone symptoms when you spot them. Keep in mind the main symptoms will be different for everyone but include pain when you urinate, nausea, frequent urination, fevers and cold chills, and pains that come in different intensities and fluctuate. Just because you have one of these symptoms or lack thereof, does not indicate you have kidney stones. For your healths sake dont believe the hype of these kidney stone and treatment myths:
Does Lemon Juice Help Dissolve Kidney Stones
Actually studies have shown that citrus foods can help in preventing kidney stones. Some citrus foods gathered from Style Craze are listed below.
- Sweet oranges: Blood orange, kumquat, navel, cara cara.
- Mandarins: Clementine, tangerine, tangelo, calamondin.
- Limes: Key lime, Persian, kaffir.
- Grapefruit: White, ruby red, oroblanco.
- Lemons: Meyer, eureka.
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How To Prevent Alcohol
The best way to prevent alcohol-related kidney stones is to drink in moderation, meaning no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. In addition, it is important to keep well-hydrated and avoid dehydration. That said, if your doctor tells you that your kidney stones are formed from uric acid, you may need to avoid alcohol entirely.
Not All Stones Are Created Equal
In addition to calcium oxalate stones, another common type of kidney stones is uric acid stones. Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical compound known as purines. “High purine intake leads to a higher production of uric acid and produces a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete,” said Dr. Jhagroo. Higher uric acid excretion leads to lower overall urine pH, which means the urine is more acidic. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form.
To prevent uric acid stones, cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, and follow a healthy diet that contains mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those that contain high fructose corn syrup. Limit alcohol because it can increase uric acid levels in the blood and avoid crash diets for the same reason. Eating less animal-based protein and eating more fruits and vegetables will help decrease urine acidity and this will help reduce the chance for stone formation.
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The Best Tasting Ones
The Huffington Post polled people on the best store bought lemonades. The winner was Whole Foods brand 365 Pasteurized Lemonade. The next two best were Simply Lemonade and another Whole Foods product, brand 365 Organic Lemonade. Read the whole article and let us know which ones you like.
Unfortunately, all three winners have extra sugar added to them. Simply Lemonade seems free of extra sugar, document added cane and beet sugars.
Sugar in any form can raise kidney stone risk, and sugared drinks raise risk of stones as I have already pointed out. Of course sugared drinks promote weight gain, and raise blood glucose and insulin. But if you follow my moderation principle some of these tasty treats are fine. Some means some.
As Always Consult Your Physician
If you feel you may be suffering from kidney stone symptoms, your first course of action should always be to consult your physician. Dr. Cornell is a well-respected, board certified urologist serving the greater Houston area. Contact our office today to get a referral if you are suffering from urinary or kidney pain.
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Can Drinking Tea Cause Kidney Stones
You are now aware of what causes kidney stones and what it feels like. We can now focus on whether tea can play a role in their formation. Kidney stone disease is a common health condition that is likely to reoccur after one has had a kidney stone removed. That makes it quite risky to develop it for the first time.
You will find that a huge percentage of people with this disease suffer from calcium oxalate stones. That is about 80% of kidney stone sufferers. Now, the thing with tea is that it contains oxalates. Not all teas have these substances, but most of the teas in the market do. Consider the fact that millions of people consume tea every day, and you will see that this could be a problem.
You cannot avoid oxalates by avoiding tea alone, as these substances are naturally found in many a food. They present as waste products in the blood which the kidney excretes through urine.
Usually, the excretion should be smooth, and no crystallization should take place. The problem comes about when there is a high concentration of oxalates and a lack of liquid in the urine. When this happens, the crystals add up and create stones.
Many people believe that eating a diet high in oxalates can lead to the formation of these stones. Plant products are often high in these substances, including the Camillia Sinensis, from which most teas result.
Lots Of Calcium And Protein
Getting normal amounts of calcium into your diet is necessary for your bone health. An 8 ounce glass of milk contains about 305 mg of calcium. Two percent contains 295 mg. You can check the amounts for all milks at the site. There is a lot of protein and other nutrients, too. The protein content is the same whether for fat free or whole milk.
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Your Teeth Could Suffer But Moderation And Washing Down With Water Helps
Seltzer is indeed, harsh on your teeth, but not if you drink it right .
The problem with seltzer is that it can be acidic, says Dr. Lee Gause, a dentist who specializes in implant and cosmetic dentistry and founder of Smile Design Manhattan. Teeth fare better in a neutral or even slightly alkaline solution. Different seltzer brands have different levels of acidity, primarily stemming from both the citric acid that gives seltzers the bubbles and zesty lemony taste. Even unflavored seltzers contain a carbonic acid that gives it its bubbles.
Over time, that acidity can lead to enamel erosion.
I have seen a lot of patients whose main cause of erosion was an overly acidic diet from citrus to sodas and lack of regular or alkaline water, says Dr. Gause. All of that being said, is safe to consume in appropriate volumes keep it to once a day with meals, at a maximum, and be sure to wash everything down with standard water.
Grause also recommends using a straw if you want to be extra careful, as this allows the seltzer to bypass your teeth.
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General Food Guidelines To Prevent Kidney Stones
- Irrespective of the type of salt, drink plenty of water as it helps in eliminating the salts. You can also add beverages such as coffee and lemonade as it increases the volume of urine.
- Increase the intake of calcium in the diet and avoid overeating of calcium supplements. Calcium-rich foods should be given preference over calcium supplements.
- Eat proteins in moderation.
- Avoid high salt intake.
- Avoid excess Vitamin C supplements.
Kidney stones can be very much prevented with proper intake of diet and a high amount of fluids. Animal proteins are a strict no-no as it disturbs the normal salt balance causing deposition of salts.
As a thumb rule, increase water intake and reduce the amount of animal proteins . Watch on the quantity of sodium, calcium, sugary, and processed food as it increases the formation of kidney stones.
If you have had a stone, it is important to keep a check to avoid stone development in the future.
There are healthy alternatives to animal proteins to prevent kidney stones. Avoid an oxalate-rich diet as calcium oxalate stones fall under the most common type of kidney stone salt.
So, friends, we hope that after going through the above list of Foods that Cause Kidney Stones will surely help you. Eat right and stay active for good health!
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The Kidney Stone/soda Connection
If youve had kidney stones, you know how painful they can be. Theyre also really common: its estimated that one out of 11 people in the United States have had a kidney stone. Kidney stones are hard masses that build up in the kidneys. Kidney stones can range in size from a grain of sand to that of a golf ball. Youre more likely to get kidney stones if you:
- Are between 20- and 60-years-old
- Have a family or personal history of stones
- Have a poor diet ,
- Have metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease , or frequent UTIs.
Do Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones
Energy drinks are an enticing option in our sleep-deprived culture. They claim to give you quick energy in a tasty package. Are energy drinks all they are cracked up to be? Are energy drinks good for you? Specifically, do energy drinks cause kidney stones?
Read on to learn more about energy drinks, nutrition and kidney stones.
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