Citrate and Kidney Stones: Prevention & Urinary Health

Rather than dissolving kidney stones, citrates, in both prescribed and natural form, work to prevent the formation of this painful disorder of the urinary tract.

Significance

• Individuals lacking proper chemical balance in their urinary system face the greatest risk of suffering kidney stones. ̶0;Urine normally contains chemicals̵2;citrate, magnesium, pyrophosphate̵2;that prevent the formation of crystals. Low levels of these inhibitors can contribute to the formation of kidney stones,̶1; according to the Department of Urology at the University of Miami. ̶0;Of these, citrate is thought to be the most important.̶1;

Calcium

• In the majority of instances, an accumulation of excess calcium in the urine brings about a kidney stone. Citrates inhibit the development of a stone by chemically attaching to calcium and blocking growth of the object.

Lemons

• The Department of Urology at the University of Wisconsin suggests drinking up to 32 ounces daily of low-sugar, low-calorie lemonade, limeade or other fruit juices loaded with citric acid.

Warning

• Problems arise from consuming some other types of beverages. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ̶0;Patients with stones should avoid cola drinks with phosphoric acid because they can severely reduce citrate levels in the urine.̶1;

Prevention/Solution

• Don't forget water as a crucial beverage and vital part of the strategy to ensure constant urination, regularly flushing the kidneys of potentially harmful irritants.