Can Beer Help Remove Kidney Stones? A Doctor-Reviewed Guide for Indian Readers

Kidney stones aren’t exactly the kind of thing you bring up over chai, but they’re surprisingly common across India. Whether it’s the intense summer heat, not drinking enough water, or the high-oxalate diets we tend to enjoy (hello, spinach and masala gravies), kidney stones have become a growing health issue. And with that, some pretty curious remedies have started doing the rounds.

One of the more popular ones? Beer.

Yup — you heard that right. A surprising number of people believe that drinking beer can actually help flush out kidney stones. It’s one of those age-old desi “nuskas” that keeps popping up on WhatsApp forwards and dinner table convos. But is there any truth to it? Or is it just another myth that needs busting?

Let’s dive into what science (and doctors) really say about beer and kidney stones — and whether cracking open a cold one could actually help or harm your kidneys.

Understanding Kidney Stones

Kidney stones — or "pathri" as it's often called in Hindi — are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They’re made from minerals and salts, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, which crystallize and clump together when your urine becomes too concentrated.

These tiny devils can vary in size, from a grain of sand to even as big as a pebble. Some people may pass them without even noticing, while others experience intense pain that radiates from the lower back to the groin. That pain, by the way, has been compared to childbirth. Ouch.

Types of Kidney Stones

Not all kidney stones are the same. The four main types are:

• Calcium stones – the most common variety, often formed from calcium oxalate.

• Uric acid stones – usually found in people who eat high-protein diets or are dehydrated often.

• Struvite stones – associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Cystine stones – rare and usually genetic.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Some common signs include:

• Sharp pain in the side and lower back

• Painful urination

• Pink, red, or brown urine

• Nausea or vomiting

• Frequent urge to urinate

Now, the big question — how does beer enter this whole picture?

The Link Between Beer and Kidney Stones

Let’s address the elephant in the room: can beer remove kidney stone? It’s a question that gets typed into Google hundreds of times a month — especially in India, where home remedies are always a go-to.

The logic behind this belief comes from the idea that beer acts as a diuretic. It makes you pee more, and in theory, frequent urination can help "push out" small kidney stones. Sounds reasonable, right?

Well, it’s not entirely wrong — but it's also not the whole story.

First of all, yes, beer does increase urination. Alcohol in general suppresses the release of an antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin, which is what helps your body hold onto water. So when you drink beer, your body releases more water through urine.

Can Beer Help Remove Kidney Stones Naturally?

Short answer: maybe very tiny ones — but it’s not recommended. Some studies from decades ago hinted that moderate alcohol intake might reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, especially in men. But “moderate” is the keyword here. And these findings don’t mean beer is a treatment. Not at all.

The idea that you can just drink a pint or two and urinate out a stone is oversimplified. First of all, many stones are too large to pass easily. Secondly, beer — being alcohol — dehydrates you overall. And dehydration is one of the leading causes of kidney stones in the first place. See the irony?

Also worth noting: beer contains oxalates, especially darker brews. Oxalates are one of the culprits behind calcium oxalate stones — the most common kind. So if you already have stones, drinking beer might actually make the situation worse over time. Bit of a backfire, no?

Risks and Side Effects of Using Beer for Kidney Stones

Before reaching for that cold bottle of Kingfisher or Bira, it’s important to understand the risks.

Is Beer Good or Bad for Kidneys in the Long Run?

Consuming alcohol regularly can put strain on your kidneys, liver, heart — pretty much your whole system. While one or two drinks occasionally might not do much harm (unless your doctor says otherwise), using beer as a remedy? That’s risky business.

Alcohol increases your chances of high blood pressure, which is a known contributor to kidney damage. It also weakens the immune system, which you need strong if your body’s trying to fight an infection or pass a stone.

Can Beer Make Kidney Stones Worse?

Yup. Here’s why:

• Beer can increase oxalate intake.

• It can also cause uric acid levels to rise — another type of stone.

• You're more likely to forget to drink actual water if you're sipping alcohol all day.

Plus, if your stone is big and causing blockage, beer won’t help. You need proper medical intervention.

Alcohol and Dehydration – The Hidden Risk

Many people think, “I’m drinking something liquid, so how can I be dehydrated?” But alcohol doesn’t hydrate — it actually does the opposite.

It flushes fluids out of your system too quickly, leaving your urine more concentrated. And concentrated urine is the perfect playground for stones to form or grow. Not exactly what we’re going for.

Better Alternatives to Beer for Kidney Stone Relief

Let’s move away from beer and talk about what actually helps — and what’s safe.

Which Drink is Best for Kidney Stones?

The hands-down winner: water. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Drinking 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day helps dilute the substances in urine that form stones. It’s simple, free, and doesn’t come with side effects (unless you’re trying to down it all at once — don’t do that).

Better Alternatives to Beer for Kidney Stone Relief (continued)

Coconut Water and Lemon Juice – Traditional Indian Remedies

Two age-old Indian remedies that actually have merit: coconut water and lemon juice.

• Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps flush out excess minerals from the kidneys. It also keeps you hydrated — without the downsides of alcohol.

• Lemon juice, packed with citrate, can prevent calcium stones from forming. Squeeze some fresh nimbu into a glass of warm water every morning, and you’ve got yourself a kidney-friendly start to the day.

Just make sure not to overdo it — lemon juice in excess might upset your stomach.

Herbal Teas and Ayurvedic Options

There are plenty of Ayurvedic medicines and teas available in India that claim to “dissolve” kidney stones. While some ingredients like punarnava, varun, and gokshura are used in Ayurvedic practice to support kidney health, you should speak to a certified practitioner before trying anything.

Some people swear by barley water or "jau ka paani" too — not to be confused with beer, though. This is alcohol-free and often considered helpful for urinary health.

Medically Recommended Ways to Treat Kidney Stones

When to See a Urologist

If you're experiencing severe pain, fever, blood in urine, or repeated infections — don’t wait it out. See a urologist.

Not all stones need surgery, but ignoring symptoms can lead to complications like kidney infections, permanent damage, or worse.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications

Doctors often prescribe alpha-blockers to help relax the ureter muscles, making it easier to pass the stone. Painkillers are also used to manage discomfort while waiting.

Some medicines like potassium citrate may help dissolve certain types of stones, especially if caught early.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments

When stones are too large or get stuck, doctors may recommend:

• ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) – breaks stones into smaller pieces using sound waves.

• Ureteroscopy – a small scope goes into the ureter to remove or break the stone.

• PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) – used for very large stones.

These procedures are common and safe — and definitely more effective than guzzling beer.

Diet Tips for Kidney Stone Prevention in Indian Households

Here’s what to avoid or limit:

• Too much salt (namak), found in pickles and snacks

• Excessive animal protein (mutton, eggs)

• Oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beets, nuts — especially without enough water

And don’t forget to move! Lack of physical activity can also increase stone risk.

FAQs 

Is Beer OK for Kidneys?

Occasionally, in moderation, it might be okay — but definitely not as a treatment. Over time, it can be harmful.

Is Beer Good for Urine Infection?

No. Alcohol can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.

What Are the First Signs of Kidney Stones?

Severe back or side pain, blood in urine, nausea, frequent urination.

Can I Drink Beer After Kidney Stone Surgery?

Only if your doctor gives the green light — and even then, sparingly.

Does Any Alcohol Help With Kidney Stones?

There’s no alcohol that helps treat stones. Water is always your best bet.

Final Word – Should You Use Beer to Treat Kidney Stones?

Let’s put this myth to rest. While beer might increase urination, it comes with far too many risks and zero guarantees. Your kidneys deserve better than a pint of dehydration and oxalates.

Instead, trust in hydration, balanced diet, and professional medical advice. Consult a doctor, drink your water, and maybe save the beer for celebrating once you're stone-free — if at all.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And please, don't believe everything you hear in a WhatsApp forward.