The idea that beer can dissolve kidney stones is a common misconception that is not supported by scientific evidence. While it's understandable why this myth might persist, it's important to understand the potential risks and the correct approach to managing kidney stones.
We separate myths from facts, we spoke to our expert Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital - Delhi. Here is what he shared with us.
Why Beer Doesn't Dissolve Kidney Stones
1. No Chemical Interaction
Kidney stones are primarily composed of substances like calcium oxalate, uric acid, or struvite. Beer, or any alcohol for that matter, does not have the chemical properties to dissolve these compounds. Dr Shrey stressed, "The fact that many people indulge in beer consumption straight away after the diagnosis only poses a threat to the individual more than suppressing the stones in the body and pain felt."
2. Dehydration Risk
Beer and as a matter of fact alcohol drain the water level in the body which can lead to severe dehydration. "This is counterproductive for kidney stone management as hydration is crucial for preventing and passing stones," he added.
3. Delaying Proper Treatment
After the diagnosis, the right way to move forward is only and only treatment by healthcare professionals. Relying on beer as a remedy can delay seeking appropriate medical attention. "Kidney stones may require medications, lithotripsy (a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones), or even surgery, depending on their size and location," Dr Shrey clarified.
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Importance of Hydration in Kidney Stones
“The best way to manage kidney stones is to stay well-hydrated,” Dr Shrey suggested. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the kidneys and prevent new stones from forming which speeds up the healing process.
The Dangers of Self-Treatment
1. Pain Masking
"Alcohol can temporarily mask pain, but it's not a solution," Dr Shrey shared, emphasising the fact that beer might help in reducing the pain. However, kidney stone pain can be severe and requires proper and timely medical management.
2. Increased Risk
"I often encounter patients who take the advice of the people around them and start indulging in two beers a day, which only makes their kidneys more susceptible to stone," he said. In other terms, excessive beer consumption can actually increase the risk of developing kidney stones in the long run.
Conclusion
With the increased content consumption on the Internet, beer might seem to be a popular beverage is remeding kidney stones, however,it's our responsibility to understand that beer is not a remedy for it.
If you suspect you or anyone you know have a kidney stone, it's essential that you are not misled by Instagram or the internet and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Following their advice, which typically includes staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, you can effectively manage kidney stones and reduce your risk of future episodes.