Is Beer Good For Kidney Stone? Myths vs Facts
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Muskan Taneja
on Jul 24, 2024
Last Edit Made By Muskan Taneja
on Aug 28, 2024
Around 12% of Indians have kidney stones. The reason varies from individual to individual. Some of the common reasons are obesity, alcohol consumption, and dehydration. Doctors recommend drinking enough water can cure kidney stones. However, several myths revolve around kidney stones.
‘Beer is good for kidney stones’, is one such saying. You must have heard it from your family members or friends. However, there is no scientific approval for any such statement. So, is it just a myth? Let’s understand.
What is the Kidney Stone?
Renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, and urolithiasis are some names of kidney stones. They are hard deposits formed because of minerals and acid salts in your kidney. The size of kidney stones varies from person to person. An imbalance of substances (calcium, uric acid, cystine, and oxalate) led to the formation of kidney stones in the urine. These stones can travel from the urinary tract to another part of the body and cause severe pain.
There are five types of kidney stones. These are; calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, cystine stones, and Xanthine stones. The type of stone influences treatment and prevention.
Pro tip:
Moderate consumption of beer can cure kidney stones.
Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/kidney-test/kidney-stones-its-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/
5 Myths About Beer And Kidney Stone
There are several myths about beer and kidney stones. These myths fill with the benefits of beer for kidney stones. We hear these myths daily from our near and dear ones. Let’s decode these five myths to understand if beer is beneficial for kidney stones.
1st Myth: Beer prevents many kidney stones
The effects of beer differ for every individual. Some might believe that beer can prevent many kidney stones, while some prefer not to add alcohol to the treatment process. However, beer is not a fit-for-all type solution for kidney stones.
2nd Myth: Beer dissolves kidney stones
Beer does have hydration properties, but it doesn’t completely dissolve kidney stones. Along with water, it has an alcoholic substance which doesn’t suit everybody. It is a misconception that beer dissolves kidney stones.
3rd Myth: More beer consumption means better progress
This is another myth that excessive beer consumption helps in better treatment. It is not true. Limited beer consumption can have benefits, but excessive beer consumption can lead to dehydration, severe pain, and other severe diseases. So, having more beer will only make the situation complex.
4th Myth: All beers work
Not all beers are beneficial for kidney stones. It is a complete myth. Every beer has a different level of alcohol concentration. Choose a low level of alcohol-concentration beer. Further, consult a doctor to know which beer suits you the best. High alcohol concentration beer can hurt kidney stones.
5th Myth: Relying solely on beer suppresses kidney stone
Along with beer, a comprehensive approach towards healthy habits, a balanced diet, hydration, and healthy lifestyle choices prevent kidney stones. Relying solely on beer is another myth.
5 Facts About Beer and Kidney Stones
Moderate beer consumption benefits kidney stone prevention, but it is crucial to understand facts about beer for kidney stones. Here are some vital facts about beer and kidney stones relation.
1st Fact: Beer increases fluid intake
Beer contains both water and alcohol. Beer intake can contribute positively to overall fluid intake. Adequate fluid is vital for maintaining hydration, diluting urine, and reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. However, excessive beer intake can result negatively in kidney stones.
2nd Fact: Beer benefits certain kidney stones
Some theories suggest that moderate beer consumption can lower the risk of uric acid stones. Further research is required to know the lower the effect.
3rd Fact: Diuretic effect
Beer can increase urine production and frequency of urination because it has a diuretic effect. Frequent urination can release kidney stones.
4th Fact: Moderate Beer Intake
Consumption in moderate amounts may have potential benefits, while excess beer consumption can negatively impact your overall health. However, take proper consultation to know which and how much beer is right for you.
5th Fact: Phytochemical Content
Some beers have plant-based compounds (polyphenols). It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may benefit kidney health and reduce the chance of stone formation.
Is Beer Good for Kidney Stones?
Several debates and research are going on to find out if beer is effective for kidney stones. This evidence suggests that limited beer consumption may have a positive effect on the formation of kidney stones. Especially, the criteria differ based on the type of kidney stones.
People with a medical history or ongoing treatment must consult their healthcare professional for personalized advice. Your doctor might suggest a personalized diet, your overall health status, and the type of stones.
Beer in moderation may have benefits, but excessive consumption can negatively impact kidney stones.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones?
There are ways through which you can prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones transfer to any organ and create severe pain. To prevent kidney stones, make sure to customize your life choices by
- Staying hydrated
- Limit salt intake
- Follow a balanced diet
- Have more citrus fruits
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid or limit smoking
- Enroll in regular check-ups
- Follow the doctor’s medical advice.
Key Takeaways
No medicine recommends alcohol. If you are self-diagnosing, make sure to intake moderate beer. It would be better if you consult your doctor to learn better about the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. They might suggest you take a test. Get it from us. Redcliffe Labs offers a Kidney Stone Analysis test that too at INR 1200. Moreover, you don’t have to go anywhere. Our professional team will visit your place to collect the sample. The test ensures that any current composition of kidney stones and prevents future formation.
