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does alcohol cause kidney stones
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #22006
33 days ago
65

does alcohol cause kidney stones - #22006

Kashvi

I am really concerned about something thats been bothering me for a while. I've been dealing with kidney stones for the past year, and let me tell you, it’s no picnic! So, I read somewhere that alcohol might have a link to kidney stones. Like, does alcohol cause kidney stones? Last month, I had this massive pain and ended up in the ER, they did tests and said I had a small stone. I drink alcohol but not excessively, usually just a couple of beers on the weekends. Still, I can’t shake this nagging question: does alcohol cause kidney stones? I mean, my diets not the best either but I’ve cut down on soda and increased water intake. I'm kinda wondering if the occasional drink could be affecting this whole situation. I had a friend who also had stones and they were told to avoid alcohol completely, which made me think... does alcohol cause kidney stones? Are there specific types of alcohol that are worse? Will I have to give up my social drinks altogether just to avoid these painful stones? Trying to make sense of all this and honestly a little scared about what I should do moving forward. Any tips or insights would be super helpful!

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Doctors' responses

Alcohol itself is not a direct cause of kidney stones, but it can influence factors that contribute to their formation. Kidney stones form when certain substances—like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—are present in high concentrations in the urine and form crystals that eventually turn into stones. Alcohol, particularly in excessive amounts, can lead to dehydration, a significant risk factor for kidney stones since it can lead to more concentrated urine. If you’re just enjoying a couple of beers on weekends, it’s probably not a major direct concern, but it’s still wise to be mindful of your overall hydration levels and dietary choices.

In terms of specific types of alcohol, there’s no solid evidence that one type is worse than another in relation to stone formation. That said, alcohol that has high purine content, like beer, could potentially increase uric acid levels leading to uric acid stones, though this would more likely occur with frequent and excessive consumption rather than moderate occasional drinking. If you’re managing kidney stones, continuing to stay well-hydrated is key—aim for drinking enough fluids to produce at least 2 liters of urine daily. You’ve already made good changes by cutting down on soda and drinking more water. Keep those habits and focus on a balanced diet low in oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate.

It’s always a good idea to discuss your specific alcohol intake and dietary habits with a healthcare provider, particularly considering your recent ER visit. They can provide personalized advice that fits your lifestyle and medical history. If you notice an increase in symptoms or if you have concerns about the potential impact of alcohol on your kidney health, they might recommend further investigations or adjustments to your lifestyle. Be mindful of any new or worrying symptoms, and seek medical advice if you experience severe pain, which could indicate a stone that requires intervention.

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