Summer fun often involves enjoying an ice-cold beer. And winter activities might include sampling a new holiday brew. No matter the season, beer is often a part of our celebrations. But if you’ve ever had kidney stones or know someone who has suffered from passing one, you may wonder what causes them and how to prevent them. You might start to wonder, “Does beer cause kidney stones?”
How Kidney Stones Are Made
Your urine contains crystal-forming substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. When these substances stick together, they form stones ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
Kidney stones form through a process called supersaturation. When your urine is highly concentrated due to dehydration or dietary factors, minerals, and salts can crystallize. Contributing factors include:
- Dehydration. Not drinking enough water concentrates the urine, making it easier for minerals to crystallize.
- Diet. High intake of sodium, animal protein, and foods rich in oxalate, like spinach and nuts, can increase stone risk.
- Medical conditions. Hyperparathyroidism and recurrent urinary tract infections can promote stone formation.
- Genetics. A family history of kidney stones increases your risk.
Does Beer Cause Kidney Stones?
Beer and other alcoholic beverages can contribute to kidney stone formation in several ways:
- Dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urine production and leads to dehydration. Dehydration reduces urine volume, concentrating the minerals that form stones.
- Increased calcium excretion. Alcohol can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, which can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone.
- High purine content. Beer contains purines, substances that break down into uric acid. High levels of uric acid can lead to the formation of uric acid stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause various symptoms, particularly when they move through the urinary tract. Common symptoms associated with kidney stones include:
- Severe pain. Intense pain in the side and back, below the ribs. The pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Pain during urination. A sharp, burning sensation while urinating.
- Pink, red, or brown urine. Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, can cause urine to appear pink, red, or brown.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Due to infection or other factors, urine may appear cloudy or have a strong odor.
- Nausea and vomiting. Kidney stones can cause nausea and vomiting, especially when the pain is severe.
- Frequent urination. An increased need to urinate more often than usual.
- Urinating small amounts. Difficulty urinating or passing only small amounts of urine despite feeling an urgent need to go.
- Fever and chills. If an infection is present, a fever and chills may occur, often indicating a serious complication.
In rare instances, a blockage caused by a kidney stone can lead to a serious infection, potentially resulting in sepsis. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- High or low body temperature
- Fast heart rate or low blood pressure
- Rash
- Shakiness
Alternative Beverages to Help Prevent Kidney Stones
The dehydrating effects and high purine content of beer make it a risky choice if you’re trying to avoid kidney stones. Swap your beer for these healthier alternatives to keep your kidneys functioning properly:
- Water. The most effective way to prevent kidney stones is to stay well-hydrated. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water per day.
- Lemonade. Lemon juice contains citrate, which helps prevent stone formation by binding with calcium.
- Orange juice. Like lemonade, orange juice is high in citrate.
When to Seek Help for Kidney Stones
If you experience symptoms of kidney stones, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage if not treated. Your doctor can use imaging tests and other diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of stones and recommend appropriate treatment.
We offer same-day kidney stone treatment, so you can quickly get help when passing stones – call 843.347.2450.