Millions of people suffer with kidney stones, which can be painful. The pain and suffering caused by these microscopic, hard deposits in the kidneys can be terrible. While there is no foolproof strategy to avoid kidney stones, some dietary and lifestyle adjustments can assist. Incorporating cucumber water into your daily regimen is one such alteration.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Before we dive into the benefits of cucumber water, let's briefly understand what kidney stones are and how they form. Kidney stones are solid masses made up of various minerals and salts that accumulate in the kidneys. They can range in size from tiny grains to larger stones and are often composed of calcium oxalate, uric acid, or other compounds.
How Cucumber Water Can Help
Hydration
“Staying well-hydrated is crucial for kidney stone prevention. Cucumber water is a delicious and refreshing way to increase your daily water intake. Proper hydration helps dilute the minerals and salts in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Cucumbers are naturally high in water content, making cucumber water an excellent choice for staying hydrated,” said Dietician Arushi Gupta, Associate Dietician, Dayanand Medical College and hospital, Ludhiana.
Citrate Content
According to Clinical Nutrition Research, cucumbers contain a moderate amount of citrate, a compound known to inhibit the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones. Citrate can help prevent crystals from sticking together and forming larger stones. Drinking cucumber water regularly may provide a source of dietary citrate.
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Antioxidant Properties
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can exacerbate kidney stone symptoms, and antioxidants in cucumber water may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with kidney stones.
Low Oxalate Content
Some kidney stones are primarily composed of calcium oxalate. Cucumbers have a low oxalate content, which means they are less likely to contribute to oxalate-related stone formation. Including cucumber water in your diet can be a proactive step to reduce oxalate intake.
Alkalising Effect
Cucumber water has a slightly alkalising effect on the body, which can help counteract the acidic conditions that favour the formation of uric acid stones. Uric acid stones can be prevented or minimised by creating a less acidic environment in the urinary tract.
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How to Make Cucumber Water
Making cucumber water is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Wash and slice a fresh cucumber (organic if possible).
- Add the cucumber slices to a pitcher of water.
- Optionally, you can add mint leaves or lemon slices for added flavour.
- Let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
While cucumber water can be a valuable addition to your diet if you're prone to kidney stones, it's essential to remember that individual cases vary. If you have a history of kidney stones or are concerned about your kidney health, it's best to consult a doctor for personalised advice. Stay hydrated, make dietary choices that suit your needs, and prioritise your health to minimise the risk of kidney stones.