Can Beer Cure Kidney Stones? Expert Debunks Myth

Millions of people worldwide suffer from kidney stones every year. According to a report from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), over 12 percent of the total population in India suffers from the problem of kidney stones. A person with  this disease suffers from many discomforts and health problems. With many claiming treatment for it, the importance of preventive measures and medical connection is often ignored. One such claim is that drinking beer cures kidney stones. Dr Ankit Goel, HOD–Urology, Andrology & Uro-oncology at MASSH, Delhi says that drinking beer can cure kidney stones is a popular myth. Drinking beer can cause excessive urination, thus it is believed that it can flush out the stones. Doctors warn against adopting this unreliable method as it poses many risks. Beer has several side effects. Let’s take a look at them.

Dehydration

Drinking beer can cause severe dehydration in the body. The risk of dehydration increases in the hot weather. Long-term drinking of beer increases oxalate in the body as this drink contains high oxalate content. It is one of the common factors of kidney stones. Beer is also high in calories, which will also help you gain weight. It is a major factor in the formation of kidney stones. Opt for hydrating beverages such as water, citrus juices, and coconut water to maintain kidney health and prevent the formation of painful kidney stones.

Dangerous For Liver 

Beer contains alcohol so it poses a threat to liver health when consumed excessively.  Even if small kidney stones are flushed from drinking beer, the damage to the liver from drinking it is even greater. Medicines and pills can be used as a safer alternative to drinking beer to flush out kidney stones. It works better than beer to flush out kidney stones. If small stones are probably stuck in the ureter, in most cases they will pass on their own within 15 days. If it does not go away, it is better to seek medical attention immediately.

You can protect your kidney health by focusing on non-alcoholic beverages to keep your body hydrated and by seeking medical attention promptly when needed.