It can be a scary situation when you are told that you have a kidney stone, an unwelcome guest that can cause some painful symptoms. One of the questions many people have is, can I still drink coffee if I have a kidney stone?
If you have a history of kidney stones, then it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages. According to Harvard Medical School research, long-term studies have shown that drinking just two more cups of coffee each day can raise the risk of developing kidney stones. For those who already have a kidney stone, drinking coffee can cause more frequent and intense bouts of pain.
Not all experts agree, however. Some say that drinking coffee may not actually be linked with kidney stone formation, while others suggest that mild intake in moderation may not be a major concern. Dr. John Karwoski, a urologist at Johns Hopkins University, says that there is no scientific evidence that drinking coffee causes kidney stones, but it is generally accepted that those already suffering from them should avoid caffeinated beverages.
The debate begins with the fact that high caffeine intake can increase the risk of dehydration, as caffeine acts as a diuretic and can make you need to urinate more frequently. This, in turn, may increase the risk of stone formation, as kidneys need a high fluid intake to flush out the mineral crystals which form the stones. Coffee, with its high caffeine content, acts to reduce fluid intake, leading some to assume that it could be linked with stone formation.
Yet it seems not everyone agrees with this link. Academics like Dr. Robert Shapiro, of the University of Calgary suggest that all the evidence seems to point to the conclusion that coffee does not in fact influence the formation of kidney stones. If anything, they suggest, it is only necessary to avoid coffee if one already has a kidney stone.
For those with kidney stones, coffee can be a tricky situation. Even if coffee consumption is harmless in itself, it can be a double-edged sword, as the diuretic properties of coffee can reduce analgesic efficacy. With coffee acting as a diuretic agent, if it reduces the analgesic result of medication such as ibuprofen, it could leave the patient with more pain.
Whatever the link between coffee and kidney stones, it is important to remember that this is only one factor in managing kidney stones, and it is by no means the only one. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can all reduce the risk of kidney stone formation, so the focus should be on these rather than just the caffeine intake.
Managing Symptoms
In the case of those who already have a kidney stone, managing symptoms can be very important. While pain relief medications can help, they can only do so much in easing the symptoms. To effectively manage pain and other symptoms, one must take into account all the potential causes and triggers. This includes diet, lifestyle habits, and to some extent, coffee consumption.
While research and anecdotal evidence suggests that coffee consumption as such is not linked to kidney stone formation, avoiding or reducing coffee intake could be a reasonable step to take if one experiences frequent bouts of kidney stone pain. If the link between coffee and kidney stone pain is confirmed (or at least, highly suspected), then taking action to minimize caffeine in general– and coffee in particular – could make all the difference.
Other Dietary Considerations
If you have kidney stones, then there are certain dietary changes that may be beneficial. As kidney stones are largely related to mineral concentrations in the urine, it could be helpful to reduce salt intake and increase water intake, as this could help maintain a balanced urine concentration. This can help to reduce the risk of stone formation, and of experiencing further unpleasant symptoms.
It could also help to limit intake of other beverages like soda and energy drinks, as these can contain high levels of sugars, salts, and artificial sweeteners which could have an impact on mineral concentration levels. This can affect the risk of recurrent stone formation, and in turn aggravate any existing symptoms.
Reducing intake of food such as red meat, dairy, and chocolate can also have a positive effect. Switching to healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could reduce risk of stone formation. Limiting sodium intake can also help, as sodium adds to the risk of stone formation, regardless of the amount of water intake.
Exploring Treatments
If you find that diet and lifestyle changes alone are not enough, then there are other treatment options available. Depending on the type and size of the stone, the doctor may recommend medications to help the stone pass, or other more invasive treatments to break the stone down, like ESWL (extracoporeal shockwave lithotripsy). In any case, consulting with a doctor can be beneficial to finding the right treatment for kidney stone removal.
Such treatments could vary depending on the size and nature of the stone, as these can determine the chances of the stone getting stuck, or obstruction of the urinary tract. If the stone is causing symptoms, or if there is a chance of it causing problems further down the track, then the doctor may suggest treatment right away.
In some cases, there might not be the need for invasive treatments, as the stone can still pass through the urinary tract without treatment. In these cases, it could be enough to make some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as well as drinking more water, to help the stone pass more easily.
Living Long-Term with Stones
Once a stone has been passed, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of further recurrences. This could include further dietary modifications, increasing water intake and reducing consumption of coffee, other caffeinated drinks, and sodas. If possible, supplementing natural sources of minerals and vitamins with dietary supplements could also help support urinary health.
One such supplement is a dietary supplement called citrate, which is known to reduce calcium oxalate stone formation. It is found in oranges, lemon or grapefruit juice, and is naturally occurring in those foods. Taking a calcium citrate supplement combined with an increase in water intake could act to reduce the risk of stone formation, as can reducing the intake of other high-sodium foods.
Given that coffee has been linked to an increase in the risk for kidney stone development, you may want to take extra caution if you have the condition, or want to avoid it. Ultimately, reducing caffeine intake in general and drinking plenty of water could help support kidney health, reduce the risk of stone formation, and ease symptoms for those already dealing with the problem.
Exploring Diagnostics
Kidney stones can have a range of potential causes, as well as potential ways of management. If none of the lifestyle changes seem to help, then further tests may be beneficial in understanding the underlying cause.
It could be that an over-abundance of certain minerals, like calcium or uric acid, are what is causing the kidney stones. Other kidney conditions, like polycystic kidney disease, could also be a factor in causing the kidney stones. In either case, getting a proper diagnosis can be beneficial in deciding the right treatment and management regimes.
Tests such as urinary tests and x-rays can also help ascertain whether there may be any other stones in the urinary tract, which may then be treated. Further tests, such as CT scans and ultrasounds can also provide further details, and give a better idea of the size and location of the stones.
Conclusion
Whether you are trying to avoid getting kidney stones, or reduce their symptoms, understanding the potential risks and fixes can be very helpful. Cutting back on caffeine, reducing salt and dairy intake, and drinking plenty of water can all have a positive effect on kidney health and stone formation. If lifestyle changes and dietary tweaks alone are not enough to help, then there are other treatments available, and consulting with a doctor can be very beneficial in finding the right solution.
