Foods for Kidney Stone Treatment and Prevention | Myth vs Fact | The Cooking Doc®
TLDRIn this informative video, Dr. Blake Shusterman, a board-certified kidney doctor, dispels common myths about kidney stone treatments. He clarifies that drinking beer does not dissolve kidney stones and can actually worsen the situation by creating urine backup. He also debunks the idea that lemon juice cures kidney stones, explaining that the required quantity is impractical and suggests medical alternatives like potassium or sodium citrate pills. Contrary to popular belief, tea's oxalate content does not necessarily increase the risk of kidney stones, according to a 2021 study. Dr. Shusterman also refutes the notion that eating less calcium prevents calcium stones, emphasizing the importance of calcium in preventing their formation. Lastly, he labels the idea of olive oil greasing the ureters as absurd. He advises consulting with healthcare professionals for scientifically-backed treatments and recommends Melanie Betts at thekindydietition.org for reliable information on kidney stones.
Takeaways
- 🍺 Drinking beer does not dissolve kidney stones and can potentially worsen the situation by creating urine backup and increased pain.
- 🍋 While lemon juice contains citrate which can theoretically prevent stone formation, a study showed that large amounts are difficult to tolerate and are not a long-term solution.
- 🍵 Tea, particularly black tea, is thought to have high oxalate content, but a study showed no significant difference in urinary oxalate levels when comparing tea drinkers to non-tea drinkers.
- 🥛 Eating less calcium may actually increase the risk of kidney stones, as it can lead to higher oxalate absorption and potentially more oxalate stones.
- 🫒 The idea that olive oil can help pass kidney stones by greasing the ureters is a myth and has no scientific basis.
- 🧊 It's important to seek scientifically based, doctor-approved information and advice rather than relying on unverified internet claims.
- 🧬 Research and scientific studies are crucial for understanding kidney stones and their treatment, rather than relying on half-truths or myths.
- 💊 For those needing additional citrate to prevent kidney stones, a potassium or sodium citrate pill may be a more effective and tolerable option than drinking large amounts of lemon juice.
- 🥤 Drinks specifically designed to provide necessary citrate, such as Moonstone, can help lower the risk of kidney stones without causing discomfort.
- ❌ Be cautious of internet sources that may be selling supplements and providing incorrect medical advice without consequences.
- ⚕️ Consult with a healthcare professional, like a nephrologist or a registered dietitian, for accurate and personalized information regarding kidney stones.
Q & A
What is the general advice given by Dr. Blake Shusterman regarding kidney stones and medical advice on the internet?
-Dr. Blake Shusterman advises that while the information provided is for educational purposes, it should not be confused with medical advice. He emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional who understands the specifics of one's health condition.
Why does Dr. Shusterman say that drinking beer is not an effective treatment for kidney stones?
-Dr. Shusterman explains that by the time beer reaches the kidneys and ureters, it is essentially just water and will not dissolve kidney stones. In fact, excessive consumption of beer can lead to increased urine production and pressure behind a stuck stone, potentially causing more pain.
What is the myth about lemon juice and kidney stones that Dr. Shusterman addresses?
-The myth is that drinking lemon juice can cure kidney stones by binding with calcium and preventing it from forming stones. However, Dr. Shusterman points out that the amount of lemon juice required to make a significant impact on urine's pH is impractical and could cause stomach discomfort.
What is the role of citrate in preventing kidney stones, as mentioned by Dr. Shusterman?
-Citrate can help prevent the formation of calcium stones by locking onto calcium and preventing it from binding with oxalate and phosphate, which are common components of kidney stones. However, consuming large amounts of lemon juice is not practical, and Dr. Shusterman suggests using citrate supplements or specially designed drinks like Moonstone instead.
What does the study mentioned by Dr. Shusterman say about the effects of lemon juice on kidney stones?
-The study found a small initial improvement in stone recurrence for those who drank lemon juice, but by the end of two years, less than half of the participants could tolerate the amount of lemon juice required. The authors concluded that long-term consumption of large amounts of lemon juice was not a viable solution.
Why does Dr. Shusterman consider the idea that tea increases the risk of kidney stones to be a 'half myth'?
-While it is true that teas, especially black teas, have increased oxalate content, a study that had participants drink large amounts of black tea showed no difference in urinary oxalate levels compared to when they drank fruit tea with no oxalate. This challenges the belief that tea significantly increases the risk of kidney stones.
What is the common misconception about calcium intake and kidney stones that Dr. Shusterman discusses?
-The misconception is that eating less calcium will help prevent the formation of calcium stones. However, Dr. Shusterman explains that consuming less calcium may actually lead to increased absorption of oxalate, which can raise the risk of oxalate stones, and that adequate calcium intake is necessary to prevent calcium stones.
What is the myth about olive oil and kidney stones that Dr. Shusterman dismisses?
-The myth is that olive oil can act as a lubricant for the ureters, helping to pass kidney stones more easily. Dr. Shusterman dismisses this as there is no scientific basis for olive oil reaching the urine and creating slippery passages to prevent stones from sticking.
What resource does Dr. Shusterman recommend for more up-to-date and accessible information about kidney stones?
-Dr. Shusterman recommends Melanie Betts's website, thekindydietition.org, for the most current and accessible information about kidney stones. Melanie is also active on Instagram and is a reliable source for kidney stone information.
What does Dr. Shusterman suggest for individuals who are interested in more information on diet and kidney disease?
-Dr. Shusterman suggests visiting his website, thecookingdoc.co, where he provides further information. He has also written a book titled 'Cooking Doc's Kidney Healthy Cooking: A Modern 10-Step Guide to Preventing and Managing Kidney Disease'.
Why is it important to consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on internet advice for kidney stones?
-Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial because they can provide personalized advice based on a thorough understanding of the individual's medical history and specific health needs. Internet advice may not take these factors into account and could potentially be misleading or harmful.
What is the significance of the study findings that Dr. Shusterman discusses in relation to the myths about kidney stones?
-The study findings are significant because they provide scientific evidence that challenges common myths and misconceptions about kidney stones. This underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine and highlights the need for patients to seek advice from qualified medical professionals rather than relying on unverified internet claims.
Outlines
🧐 Debunking Myths on Kidney Stone Treatments
Dr. Blake Shusterman, a board-certified kidney doctor, addresses common misconceptions about kidney stone treatments. He emphasizes that the information provided is not medical advice but aims to debunk myths often found online. The doctor discusses the popularity of kidney stones as a topic among his patients and viewers, and invites viewers to share their experiences and questions. He warns against unscientific advice and the promotion of unnecessary supplements. The video tackles five common myths: 1) Beer does not dissolve kidney stones and can potentially worsen the condition by causing urine backup. 2) Lemon juice, while rich in citrate, is not a proven long-term solution for preventing kidney stones, and a citrate pill or a specially designed drink like Moonstone may be more effective. 3) The belief that tea increases kidney stone risk due to oxalate content is questioned by a study showing no difference in urinary oxalate levels between those drinking fruit tea and black tea. 4) Eating less calcium does not prevent calcium stones and may actually increase the risk of oxalate stones. 5) Olive oil does not grease the ureters to help pass kidney stones, which is a baseless claim. Dr. Shusterman recommends consulting a doctor or Melanie Betts at thekindydietition.org for accurate information on kidney stones.
🍋 Lemon Juice and Other Kidney Stone Myths
Dr. Shusterman continues to unravel the myths surrounding kidney stones. He explains that drinking large amounts of lemon juice, which is high in citrate, is not a practical or comfortable solution for most people. Instead, he suggests consulting a doctor about a potassium or sodium citrate pill. He also mentions Moonstone, a drink designed by a nephrologist to provide the necessary citrate to lower the risk of kidney stones without causing discomfort. The doctor further discusses the half-truth that tea, especially black tea, increases oxalate levels and kidney stone risk. A study he cites showed no significant difference in urinary oxalate levels between those drinking fruit tea and black tea, casting doubt on this belief. He also refutes the idea that reducing calcium intake prevents calcium stones, as it may lead to increased oxalate absorption and a higher risk of oxalate stones. Lastly, he dismisses the notion that olive oil can help pass kidney stones by greasing the ureters as absurd. Dr. Shusterman concludes by advising viewers to seek scientifically based information and recommends Melanie Betts's website and Instagram for further education on kidney stones.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Kidney stones
💡Medical advice
💡Citrate
💡Oxalate
💡Calcium
💡Lemon juice
💡Beer
💡Tea
💡Olive oil
💡Potassium or sodium citrate
💡Moonstone
Highlights
Dr. Blake Shusterman, a board-certified kidney doctor, discusses common misconceptions about kidney stones.
Olive oil, beer, lemon juice, and cherries are among the home remedies often suggested for kidney stones, but their effectiveness is questioned.
Dr. Shusterman emphasizes that the information provided is not medical advice and encourages consulting a healthcare professional.
Kidney stones can be very painful and lead to long-term kidney damage, hospitalizations, and infections.
The myth that beer dissolves kidney stones is debunked; in fact, excessive beer consumption can worsen the condition.
Lemon juice, while high in citrate, is not a proven long-term solution for preventing kidney stones due to tolerability issues.
A study in 2021 found that drinking lemon juice did not significantly reduce the recurrence of kidney stones.
Tea, despite its oxalate content, may not increase the risk of kidney stones as previously thought.
Reducing calcium intake could potentially worsen the formation of calcium stones, contrary to some beliefs.
The idea that olive oil can help pass kidney stones by greasing the ureters is considered baseless.
Dr. Shusterman recommends potassium or sodium citrate pills or a specially designed drink like Moonstone to help prevent kidney stones.
For accurate and up-to-date information on kidney stones, Dr. Shusterman suggests visiting Melanie Betts' website, thekindydietition.org.
Dr. Shusterman has authored a book on diet and kidney disease, providing a modern guide to preventing and managing kidney disease.
The importance of scientifically based, doctor-approved information is stressed over unscientific internet advice.
The video invites viewers to share the craziest things they've heard about kidney stones for a future discussion.
Dr. Shusterman warns against following medical advice from unqualified individuals on the internet who may also be promoting supplements.
The video aims to tackle the top five untrue things about kidney stones that are commonly found on the internet.
A small study's results are highlighted to illustrate the point about lemon juice and kidney stones, emphasizing the need for larger studies for confirmation.
Transcripts
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