Is Lemon Water Good For Kidney Stones? What Experts Have To Say

Many people start their morning with a dash of lemon in warm water. It is said to have multiple benefits. There’s a common belief that lemon water is also good for those who have kidney stones. Is this belief fact or fiction? Can lemon water actually dissolve or prevent kidney stones? This article will answer all these and more, for you. 

To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Lokesh Sharma, Additional Director - Urology and Renal Transplant, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Dr Siddharth Lakhani, Consultant - Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, SL Raheja Hospital (Fortis Associate), Mahim, Mumbai, and Dr Vinayak Ukirde, DM Nephrology, Sahyadri Hospitals, Karad.

Is Lemon Water Good For Kidney Stones?

Lemons are a source of citrate. As per Harvard Health, citrate is good for kidney stones. Citrate is a salt in citric acid, which binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. The report noted that studies have shown how drinking half a cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can raise urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk. So, is lemon water actually good for kidney stones? Let’s hear it out from our experts.

“Yes, lemon water contains citrate that may help reduce the risk of certain kidney stones. It also helps increase daily fluid intake,” says Dr Sharma. “The citrate content of lemons may inhibit the development of calcium stones by inhibiting the adhesion of crystals. Additionally, it may increase the volume of urine and decrease the concentration of minerals that contribute to the development of kidney stones,” shares Dr Ukirde.

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Can Lemon Water Prevent Kidney Stones?

As per a 2021 study, published in The Lancet, daily consumption of fresh lemon juice may prevent the recurrence of calcium-oxalate kidney stones. They do so by increasing levels of a natural stone inhibitor called citrate in the urine. However, the research noted that a major randomised trial discovered that “the effect was not robust due to poor long-term patient adherence.” 

Shedding light on whether lemon water can prevent kidney stones or not, Dr Sharma says, “Yes, citrate in lemons may help prevent stone formation. However, it should be combined with adequate hydration and a balanced diet.” 

ALSO READ - Is Your Diet Causing Kidney Stones? Foods To Watch Out For

Can Lemon Water Dissolve Kidney Stones?

Now let us understand whether lemon water can help dissolve kidney stones. “Lemon water may help prevent growth of small stones but usually cannot dissolve existing stones. Moreover, medical evaluation is still important,” shares Dr Sharma.

Explaining this further, Dr Ukirde says, “While lemon water may assist in the slow development of some kidney stones, it will be difficult to dissolve the stones completely. The citrate content of lemon juice will assist in preventing the crystals growing and will also assist in preventing the development of new kidney stones. However, if the patient has already developed kidney stones and they are of considerable size, it is always better that the patient consults the doctor and seeks medical attention.”

When Should Kidney Stone Patients Avoid Lemon Water? 

As per National Kidney Foundation, citrus juices contain citrate or citric acid. But they mentioned that large amounts of it are needed to make a difference when it comes to kidney stones. Their report mentioned that lemon juice (four fluid ounces per day) mixed with water is generally enough to increase urine citrate and pH.  But they also add that not everyone with kidney stones has low urine citrate or pH. If urine pH is too high, then lemon juice may make it even worse. Thus, it is important to consult a doctor and curate your own diet plan to deal with kidney stones. 

So who should avoid lemon juice while dealing with kidney stones? “People with severe acidity or gastric issues should consume it cautiously. It is best to consult a doctor before regular use,” shares Dr Sharma. Adding to this, Dr Lakhani says, “Patients with GERD, severe gastric acidity, citrus allergy, and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with restricted potassium intake should consume lemon water with caution.” 

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Tips To Consume Lemon Water The Right Way

It is important to consume lemon water the right way and the right amount for maximum benefits in the prevention of kidney stones. “Add fresh lemon juice to a glass of water and drink it once or twice daily. Avoid adding excess sugar or salt,” says Dr Sharma. Dr Lakhani shares his views. He notes, “Drink diluted fresh lemon, not sweetened, after meals.”

On this note, Dr Ukirde lists some tips for the same:

• In order to derive potential benefits, lemon water must be consumed in a balanced manner.
• Lemon juice from half a lemon squeezed in a glass of warm or room temperature water, consumed once or twice a day, may help increase citrate levels.
• However, it is recommended to avoid excessive sugar content in the lemon water. Lemon water must be consumed with a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
• Daily consumption of adequate water is also vital.

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When To Visit A Doctor 

When it comes to making dietary changes, it is always important to talk to a professional first. But when exactly should one seek a doctor’s help to get their diet checked, while dealing with kidney stones? Our experts explain. “Consult a doctor if you have recurrent stones, severe pain, or blood in urine. A urologist can guide you on the right diet and prevention,” answers Dr Sharma.

Adding to this, Dr Ukirde says, “Medical advice is recommended for people who are already suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or kidney diseases. The doctor can assess the type of stones and advise on dietary modifications that are suitable for an individual based on his or her health profile.”

ALSO READ - Can Too Much Salt Cause Kidney Stones? Here Is What An Expert Suggests

Conclusion

Lemon water consists of citrate, which may help reduce the risk of certain kidney stones. But it must be noted that it can help prevent stone formation, but generally cannot dissolve existing stones. This needs to be combined with adequate hydration and a balanced diet. Moreover, more medical evaluation is needed for this.