can alcohol cause kidney stones - #20775
I am feeling kinda confused and worried about something that's been bugging me for weeks now. Last month, I went to the ER for this really painful thing—ended up being diagnosed with kidney stones. Crazy right? I've heard all sorts of stuff about what can cause them, but now I'm wondering, can alcohol cause kidney stones too? I used to drink quite a bit, especially on weekends, and I really loved my craft beers and cocktails. After the last episode with the stones, I've cut back a ton, but I'm still unsure if that could have been a factor. Some friends are saying that alcohol is no biggie, but a few random articles I found online said it might mess with hydration and stuff, leading to stones. Ugh, I'm just trying to figure things out because I don't wanna go through THAT pain again! Has anyone else heard that can alcohol cause kidney stones or is that just exaggerated? I'd really appreciate any insight or personal experiences you guys could share!
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Doctors' responses
Alcohol, by itself, isn’t typically considered a direct cause of kidney stones, but it can contribute indirectly to the conditions that favor stone formation. The problem mostly crops up with heavy drinking or when alcohol leads to dehydration. Dehydration can concentrate the substances in your urine that form stones, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. If you’re frequently drinking a lot and not getting enough water, it can increase your risk of developing stones. Some types of alcohol, particularly beer, have purines that can raise uric acid levels, which might also increase the risk of uric acid stones. The fibrous information around alcohol might create confusion, as occasional drinking doesn’t significantly increase stone risk, but it’s the lifestyle around frequent or excessive drinking that could be the concern. Beyond kidney stones, its important to remember heavy alcohol consumption can have other health implications. Cutting back is typically a good choice for preventing a host of potential issues. Hydrating well, usually with water, squeezing a bit of lemon if you like, can keep urine diluted and help prevent stone formation. If you’re genuinely worried about reoccurrences, discussing any lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider definitely wouldn’t hurt. They can also guide you on whether additional dietary modifications or preventive measures might be helpful based on your specific health background and the type of stone you had.
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