Can drinking large amounts of cola really help pass kidney stones?
May 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Mingchuan
Introduction
Drinking large amounts of cola generally does not help eliminate kidney stones. If patients consume excessive cola during the course of their illness, it may lead to urinary sedimentation and calcium loss, and could even promote the formation of new kidney stones, thereby worsening the condition. Therefore, kidney stone patients are advised against drinking cola. Patients can drink more warm water and, under medical guidance, take traditional Chinese medicine preparations with stone-expelling effects, such as Pishi Keli (Lithotriptic Granules) or Niaoshi Tongwan (Urolithiasis Pills), for treatment.
In general, drinking large amounts of cola cannot eliminate kidney stones and may even worsen the condition. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Kidney stones are caused by abnormal accumulation of crystalline substances in the kidneys and are usually associated with metabolic abnormalities, urinary tract obstruction, infection, and other factors. Common symptoms include flank pain and hematuria. Drinking large amounts of cola typically does not help pass kidney stones. Cola is a carbonated beverage primarily composed of carbonated water, sugar, and other ingredients. If patients consume excessive cola during illness, it may lead to calcium loss due to urine sedimentation and could promote the formation of new kidney stones, thereby exacerbating the condition. Therefore, kidney stone patients are advised against drinking cola. Instead, patients should drink plenty of warm water to dilute urine, increase urine output, reduce crystal formation, and facilitate stone passage. They may also take traditional Chinese medicines with stone-expelling effects, such as Shidi Granules or Nishitong Pills, according to medical advice.
Furthermore, if the condition is severe, patients can seek treatment at a reputable hospital through procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
