The bright season is almost near, and the thought of sitting on an open porch and enjoying a cold beverage makes it worth the wait. But, have you ever wondered that beer might have health benefits apart from the blurred feel-good moments? Yeah, beer can be used as a treatment option for kidney stones.
Kidney stones are extremely painful, and a person who has suffered from them would not understand better. The hard part is that it takes time to get rid of them, and the urgent desire to do that is real. Approximately 110 million people worldwide face this problem. Being one of the common health issues, there are various treatments for kidney stones. Interestingly, there have been long sessions of exchanging views on whether beer is good for kidney stones. Seems like an unconventional treatment option, right?
Many people point out that drinking beer regularly can help treat kidney stones. This allows them to avoid surgeries. But the main question is, does it prevent them in the initial stage? In this article, we will discuss whether beer is a viable option for treating kidney stones and the myths and facts surrounding the condition.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Before discussing whether beer is good for kidney stones, you must have a clear understanding of what kidney stones are.
Renal calculi, also known as kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. These stones are made up of substances like cystine, calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Stones tend to develop when there is an imbalance in the levels of these chemicals in the urine. As these stones travel through the urinary tract, they can cause intense pain and other unpleasant symptoms. The experience is often compared to sharp, stabbing discomfort that comes in waves.
What Are The Causes of Kidney Stones?
The causes leading to the formation of kidney stones can differ. Here are some of the common triggers leading to this exhausting condition:
1. Dehydration
The major reason for the formation of stones in your kidneys is not drinking sufficient water. If you are dehydrated, the urine becomes more concentrated, making it easy for the stones to form. Concentrated tends to precipitate more readily.
2. Diet Imbalance
Poor dietary choices can significantly cause kidney stones. Eating too much salt, sugar, or protein-rich foods can result in the growth of certain types of kidney stones. Also, foods like spinach, beets, and almonds, which are high in oxalates are extra additions to the problem.
3. Obesity
It is a known fact that being obese can alter the digestive system and put stress on the kidneys. Being overweight changes increases the chances of developing stones.
4. Family History
If kidney stones run in your family, you are most likely to get them.
5. Health Conditions:
Some long-term health problems, like certain urinary infections, hyperparathyroidism, or metabolic disorders, can make stone formation more likely.
6. Supplements and Medications
Taking too much vitamin C or using medications like diuretics and calcium-based antacids can contribute to kidney stones.
The Beer Help
Now, coming to the argument of whether beer is good for kidney stones, let us discuss some of the major suggestions.
So, is Beer good for kidney stones? Well, it’s a bit tricky! Drinking beer is considered one of the best home remedies for kidney stones. Some studies suggest that having a moderate amount of beer might help prevent some types of kidney stones. This is because beer increases urine production, flushing out toxins and small stones even before they form into larger ones. Additionally, beer is good for kidney stones due to the water content present which keeps the body hydrated.
Another interesting aspect is that beer contains a particular ingredient known as hops. Hops are known to have compounds that may reduce the buildup of certain minerals, such as calcium, in the kidneys. This could help prevent stone formation. One study revealed that moderate beer consumption might reduce the risk of kidney stones by as much as 40%. So, the claim that beer is good for kidney stone relief carries some significance. Apart from all the claims, you must remember the term moderation or limits. Consuming beer excessively can have a negative outcome.
Beer Is Good for Kidney Stones: Myths Vs Facts
While beer might offer some benefits in preventing kidney stones, it’s not a complete solution for the condition.
Here are some of the common myths and facts :
Myths:
- Drinking large amounts of beer will cure kidney stones.
- Beer alone is enough to prevent kidney stones.
- All alcoholic beverages are equally effective.
Facts:
- Overdrinking beer can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of stones. Moderation is key.
- While beer may help, staying hydrated with water is the most effective way to prevent kidney stones. Beer should complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
- Beer has unique properties, such as its water content and hops, that make it somewhat beneficial. However, this doesn’t apply to all types of alcohol.
Conclusion
Concluding whether beer is good for kidney stones can be a bit contradictory. However, beer might be useful in preventing the condition to some extent. This is due to its tendency to increase urine production and keep the body hydrated. Beer can help flush out stones and prevent new ones from forming.
Most importantly, you must remember that drinking beer at an alarming rate can lead to a negative scenario. It dehydrates your body and makes it worse. Water is always the best and organic solution to any problem. Make sure that you drink enough amounts of water regularly and maintain a balanced diet to stay healthy.
