Lemonade prevents kidney stones, according to doctors

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Lemonade is known to be quench thirst during the summer season, but a study now shows that it can be beneficial for the health as well, particularly in reducing the risk of getting kidney stones.

According to WJHG News, Dr. Jeffrey Donohoe, a pediatric urologist from the Cleveland Clinic Children's, recommends drinking a glass or two of freshly-squeezed lemonade daily to lower the risk of developing kidney stones. Lemon juice has citric acid which is the catalyst in preventing stones from growing bigger.

Dr. Donohoe states that store-bought variants are not the lemonade he's talking about because these are made more from sugar than actual lemons. In order for the function to perform well, natural lemons must be used. As lemons contain oxalate, it can hinder the formation of crystal deposits, therefore eradicating the stone formation process. Best of all, as lemonade is a juice, with hydrating factors which are key to the prevention of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can be defined as mineral deposits that form in the kidney and cause an obstruction in the urinary tract going to the bladder, Mayo Clinic writes. Symptoms vary from severe back, side or below the ribs pain that usually spreads up to the lower abdomen and groin area, difficult and painful urination, reddish to pinkish urine, and sometimes, a foul odor in the urine.

People at risk include individuals with family history, often dehydrated, obesity, digestive disorders like chronic diarrhea, and high-sodium diet. Kidney stones may be passed in the urine if it is small but for larger stones, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL may be recommended. It is a treatment that uses sound waves to help create vibrations to break down the stones. It can cause pyuria or blood in the urine, bruising in the abdomen or kidney, and discomfort that is why most medical practitioners only use it when necessary.

Dr. Donohoe shares that in his practice, he sees kidney stones prevalent in teens and kids, possibly because they are prone to eating high-sodium diets and drinking too little water, 6 ABC News reports. Furthermore, the doctor attributes the occurrence to less physical activity and bad food choices.

Experts recommend drinking a lot of fluids and water to flush away the bad substances that can increase the risk of kidney stones. Lastly, make sure to keep kids and teens well-hydrated to ensure that their urine is the color of almost clear water.