Some commonly held beliefs about kidney stones can be considered myths, without any supporting evidence. Other beliefs we consider controversial and are likely to also be incorrect based on expert opinion.
Myth 1. I got a kidney stone because of my calcium intake.
Despite the fact that calcium is a major component of 75% of stones, excessive calcium intake is very rarely the cause of stone formation. In fact, several studies have shown that restricting calcium intake in most stone formers actually increases the number of stones they develop. Find out more on our page on calcium intake.
Myth 2. I can take something to dissolve my stones*
This myth has an asterisk because it is actually true in select cases.
For the majority of stones formers, including those with calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones (80% of stones), there is no medication available that can successfully dissolve their stones.
In select patients with uric acid stones (5-7% of stones) or cystine stones (1-3% of stones), medications can potentially be used to help dissolve their stones. However, even in these cases, surgery is still sometimes required to remove or treat the stones.
Myth 3. Cranberry juice will help me prevent stones.
While cranberry juice can help in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections, it does not seem to have an overall beneficial effect for stone formers. Instead, ingestion of cranberry juice results in a mixed effect on urinary factors which probably leads to no benefit or potentially increased stone risk for most patients (Gettman et al, J Urol, 2005).
Myth 4. Drinking this olive oil and lemon juice will help lubricate my stone and help it pass.
Besides sounding awful tasting, we are not aware of any studies showing that drinking this combination (or other similar home remedies) can improve stone passage. There are however some medications that have been shown to speed stone passage in randomized studies.
Myth 5. Not many people get stones.
Stones are actually more common than most people realize. 1 in every 11 Americans will experience a stone in their lifetime.
Myth 6. Water is the only fluid useful to help prevent stones.
Research suggests that it is the volume of fluid you drink that is most important, not the type of fluid. Some fluids previously felt to increase stone risk (tea, coffee, beer) actually seem to decrease risk. Cola drinking also doesn’t seem to increase risk. We talk about it more below. The bottom line for those trying to keep their fluid intake up is that for the most part you can drink what you want.
Myth 7. Kidney stones are related to gallbladder stones (gallstones).
Although both are considered stones and have the word “bladder” associated with them, gallstones and kidney stones are not in any way related.
Myth 8. I shouldn’t be getting kidney stones because no one in my family has had them.
While those with a family history of stones are at 2.5 times greater risk of forming a stone than individuals without a family history, the majority of new stone formers actually do not have family history.
Controversy 1. My soda drinking is causing me to form stones.
The belief that soda drinking is associated with increased kidney stone formation is supported by a study of 1,009 males randomized to refrain from or continue soft drinks over three years by Shushter and colleagues. In their study, those who refrained were 6.4% less likely to form another stone than those who continued their soda intake. Additionally, they observed that those who refrained from sodas acidified by phosphoric acid as opposed to sodas acidified with citric acid had a more pronounced 15% lower likelihood of forming another stone (Shuster et al, J Clin Epidemiol, 1992). Phosphoric acid is most commonly used in colas (Coca Cola) while citric acid is most commonly used in fruit flavored sodas (Sprite). Based on this study, avoidance of cola drinks is recommended by some physicians as a way to avoid stones.
More recent research has however questioned these early findings. In a study of 45,289 men, intake of 21 different types of beverages and the development of stones was determined over six years. The authors found that cola intake did increase stone risk but that this appeared to be because individuals with higher cola intake also has other dietary factors that would increase their stone risk. They concluded that if a person’s diet was otherwise kept the same, the addition of cola would not increase the risk of stones (Curhan et al, Am Journal Epid, 1996).
Overall, the risk of forming stones from cola drinking seems to be mixed. Kidney stoners who want to play it safe might want to avoid colas and choose other beverages. They can also choose colas which don’t use phosphoric acid. (You can check this by reading the ingredients list on the side of the bottle or can). Some brands we’ve found that don’t use phosphoric acid include Pepsi Natural and Red Bull Cola.
Controversy 2. The bad (hard) tap water in my town is causing my stones.
It seems intuitive that drinking “hard” tap water, which contains more dissolved minerals (such as calcium and magnesium), might increase stone risk. However, most studies on the subject show that the type of tap water (hard versus soft) either doesn’t seem to make a difference or that soft water, and not hard water, is actually associated with increased stone risk (Schwartz et al, Urology, 2002).
Based on available research, the quality and source of your tap water likely makes little or no impact on stone risk. Putting in a water softener system may actually increase your risk! We like drinking filtered water, but only because it improves the taste.
Lemon juice and olive oil worked for me too *and* tasted like salad dressing. I don’t know why it’s called a myth.
I have just passed two .5 cm stones and a 1 cm stone. had a hot bath, took three drinks of sour cranberry juice, lemon juice, olive oil, bit of sugar……tastes very sour……..also went on a long bike ride today, bit of blood in urine, I am going to stay up and keep on drinking this until I am exhausted. Doctor said I had a 1.7 stone and a .7. I suspect that they were stacked on each other, very smooth crystalized rocks
I have just passed two .5 cm stones and a 1 cm stone. had a hot bath, took three drinks of sour cranberry juice, lemon juice, olive oil, bit of sugar……tastes very sour……..also went on a long bike ride today, bit of blood in urine, I am going to stay up and keep on drinking this until I am exhausted. Doctor said I had a 1.7 stone and a .7. I suspect that they were stacked on each other, very smooth crystalized rocks
I have most recently had my 10mm stone lasered as it passed into my lower ureter. Now looking at reducing intake of foods with high oxolate as well as using lemon juice to dissolve the family of stones in each kidney.
So, myth 6 says I can drink anything I want, but controversy 1 says I should stay away from soda. This sounds like a contradiction.
Everything about ANYTHING is a contradiction on the net. How do you find out the truth of anything?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9873217
This is the first result in google for “tap water kidney stones”:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9873217
It suggests that drinking soft water is preferable to drinking hard water.
You all need to look into Chanca Piedra. It’s a south american herb (so obviously it must not work since it isn’t a pharmaceutical…/s), and if it doesn’t downright dissolve Calcium Oxalate stones in the kidneys, it certainly softens the sharp edges, making them easier to pass. Check it out.
Where can you find this herb???
I am currently having my first stone attack in 5-6 years. I have been drinking a natural store bought lemonade daily but changed to Coke. I think the Coke did it and am trying to avoid a trip to the ER by drinking the combo of Apple cider vinegar, honey and warm water.
My husband has had calcium oxalate (most common type) stones from the age of 25 to his current age of 40. Historically his CT scans have always shown about the same thing – 3-5 stones on both sides, 1-4mm in size (ie small enough to pass). He has never required lithotripsy or any surgical intervention, but he passes stones and “grit” frequently…ie at least one stone per month. About 4-5 months ago he started ingesting marijuana edibles as a last resort for his severe depression. (Side note, best thing he ever did to treat that condition.) He just had a CT scan and it showed only a single 1mm stone on one side. This is INSANE to us. He has not changed his diet at all, nor lost weight or started any other dietary supplements. He has been eating as much protein and salt as he ever did. We obviously can’t say it’s some component of the marijuana *conclusively* that did this, but if you live in a state where it is legal, and have frequent stones like him, you may want to give it a shot. I would suggest ingesting in some form rather than smoking for many reasons, but we believe it must have had an effect on his stones while being processed/excreted because there is no other explanation for his sudden improvement.
I would guess that the medical marijuana is helping to lowering his stress levels – there are studies showing a connection between stress and stones (possibly through elevated Aldosterone, which like Cortisol increases with stress).
This could make it a valid treatment for him and others like him, if it has been a factor causing stone formation.
Glad to hear he’s having more hopeful scans and smaller stones along with less depression (which is probably helped even more by the positive stone outlook).
I have had kidney stones for years. Drinking the juice of one lemon daily for a day or two breaks it up. Your Doctor will give you a list of reasons why it doesn’t work or shouldn’t be done. Ignore him/her and take the lemon juice. I’ve been doing it for too many years. It works.
This article on use of lemon juice for treatment of kidney stone is useful. Since, today kidney stones detected in my both kidneys, I got worried and started searching information on natural treatment and I got this webpage . Today I have started to drink lemon juice as per instructions on this page. Hope I may not require surgical therapy.
Sorry to disappoint you, but this article is stating that is a myth…meaning something that is believed to be true but is not (like believing in Santa, for example). I hope you do find something that does work for you, though. I too am looking for some help!
Best of luck!!!
Actually, the myth is lemon juice and olive oil to make it easier to pass. My urologist has me drinking fresh lemonade or lemon water (high citric acid) to break up my stones. I average about 4 ED trips a year because of calcium/oxalate kidney stones.
I am curious…I too have severe stones. Making them like Hershey makes chocolate. I noted that you said (High citric acid). So here…I recently visited a wine making shop where they sell pure Citric Acid powder in a jar. I have been wondering if taking that by like a spoonfull or something would do anything to help.
I used to get kidney stones every several years starting around age 19. At age 48 I happened to see an article in Readers Digest about people who drink too many soft drinks (Coke in particular), coffee, tea, and not enough water, have them more often than the general population. That pretty much described me, drinking at least a few Cokes per day and only randomly drinking a few sips of water at a fountain. Having made so many trips to the ER for these extremely painful stones, I immediately stopped all soft drinks, tea, coffee, and would only drink water from that point on. I’m now 65 and have not had a single kidney stone since my last ER visit at age 48. (If I had any since then they were too small for me to even notice.) I now always have a bottle of water near me and even keep a few bottles in my car at all times.
I’ve passed 7 kidney stones, starting from age 17, and some what I call “grit” (tiny stones that sting but don’t make me want to die). I’ve lived various places since my first stone. Sometimes I had stones, sometimes I went years with none. After a few years, I moved back to the place I had my first stone, my parents house. Within a year, I had another. It finally hit me! The ONLY times I had kidney stones was while I lived in my parents house. We have hard water here. I started drinking bottled water and have not had one since (about 6 years). I don’t want to drink bottled water due to the risks of plastic, but kidney stones hurt too much for me not to. While I don’t think it is the answer for everyone, if you have hard water, don’t rule it out!
Hi Krista
You should look up Black Mica (Adya Clarity) as it can save you lots of money from buying bottled water and it has been proven, yes proven to dissolve kidney stones. I dare say all types, but specifically calcium. You can use it on tap water and filtered water as it removes fluoride (that’s another topic). It is not cheap but very economical in the long term. I have been using it for over six months for better health. I have never had a kidney stone (not that I know of anyway) and have not consumed tap water (hard or soft) for over thirty years; but I know of many who have. In fact eight glasses a day of the stuff!!!
I had multiple occurrences of kidney stone.
First, in 2005. I had constant tendency to pass urine and even if I pass I used to feel again at the next moment. Ultrasound scan didn’t show anything. As you may already know, ultrasound scan requires you to drink a lot of water and fill the bladder. After the scan, they tell you to pass urine. While I was passing urine, the flow suddenly stopped. I knew the stone is on its way out even they couldn’t find out. It came our with so much effort by the evening. Such a relief.
Fast forward to 2007, pain in the abdomen. Thought it is gastric problem. The pain went down to the balls, x-ray shows stone stuck in ureter. Had to undergo cystoscopy to break it and take it out. Some remained in kidney.
2009 – Another round of pain, this time had to undergo a procedure to break the stones using shock waves, was painful.
2010 – Used to have lot of American Chopsey and I think the excess of tomatoes caused the oxalate to form multiple stones. Passed at least 4 stones of the size of black pepper in 1-2 hours. phew.
2013 – Another pain on the back. Again cystoscopy to remove it from ureter. Even after the procedure passed another stone.
Now – Feeling the stone in the kidney, thus searching for remedies. Phew I am a stone quarry.
Healthy 32 year old female, no family history of kidney stones, and I drink lots of water all day, no soda, etc.
I had my first kidney stone in April this year. Yesterday at work I was told that the water fountain I’ve been using regularly for 5 years to fill my water bottle is unsafe to drink. Management has known this for longer than I’ve worked there and never bothered to post a sign or disable the fountain.
My coworker uses the same fountain and he’s currently out sick with his first kidney stone.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Would unsafe water cause kidney stones?
Hi Nancy, I was having severe back pain shortly after we moved to a house in the country. I thought at first it was our new bed but one night I got up to go to the bathroom, came to bed, took a drink of water and shortly after started having terrible back pain. Realized it was the water. Started drinking only filtered water. Pain went away. I just started having trouble again and realized when I forgot to bring water from home and got water from the fountain at work I started having severe back pain. I thought at first I was twisting my back somehow but then realized it was the water again. I’ve been off work for two days which is usual and I had no pain. I brought water with me today from home so I’ll see how it goes. I would consider a really good filter and only drink filtered water and see if that helps.
I have a 6mm x 4mm x 7mm calcified calculi stone currently in the ureter 🙁 plus 2 x 3mm 3mm stone in each kidney. A friend told me to drink warm water with 2 tblspoons apple cider vinegar with 1 tea spoon honey. I’ve been drinking about 6-8 of these starting yesterday. Before that I was drinking lemon water for 2 days. I’m too scared to do lemon n olive oil because of the size and have been trying to dissolve it before doing oil/lemon incase it hasn’t reduced in size. Does anyone know how effective apple cider vinegar is at dissolving a stone ? And how long should I drink it ?
I’m so scared of the pain as I’ve had them twice before. First having a stent placed n passed a 2nd last oct. the pain was worse than giving birth.
Hi,
My dad had kidney stones as you mention it is awfully painful.
Now my turn, I have a 1.7cm in the kidney and gravel in the bladder 🙁
So I am desperately trying to buy what my dad Has been drinking, to try dissolving the stones and it is ” Aubier de Tilleul ” I taped it on my computer and it is called, Sapwood or basswood, this did work for dad.
As Surgeon was preparing dad for the operation to take them out but couldn’t find any his stones! they were Gone 🙂
I am trying desperately to find some of this tea but here in NZ there is nothing it is more likely you would have this in the states.
Good luck and wish you to get better very soon oxo sylvie
Will also still keep praying!
I wonder about that too, Joseph, because most MD’s just prescribe painkillers (to take as necessary), tell you to go home & drink plenty of water & it “should” pass freely… They never do even offer the possibility of using non-pharmaceutical solutions – even if they are not at liberty to suggest/recommend them. Mine reduced from 20mm to 10mm so I’ve been officially discharged from the clinic, i.e. requiring no more regular visits to urologist. That was 3 and a half months ago… the pain in my left side (waist high) is back, continuous over the last 24 hours… the pressure of it generates all the way down to my left heel. It’s a calcium based stone. Over the past week, I’ve been drinking apple cider vinegar in water at night – I wonder if that’s why it’s moving and whether it’s a good sign.
Iv heard a lot of this cider vinegar. How much should I be drinking?
Cider vinegar is exceptionally good for the body. It cleans the blood and detoxifies the body.
1) Stir and dissolve a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water (half cold, half boiling).
2) Then a teaspoon of cider vinegar (it is concentrated and quite powerful).
3) Drink on an empty stomach (most important) Three times daily.
I have been taking it every day for over 25 years. If three times daily on an empty stomach is a problem for you; then two teaspoons of each in the same quantity of water is fine.
Ideally the water you use should not be tap water but it will still work.
CI:-)-<-<
Have had three occurrences of Bladder Stones, first about seven years ago. Had Enlarged Prostate and a stone that grew to about the size of ‘a small apple’ eventually removed by surgery after suffering for eighteen months waiting for elective surgery. In the interim was hospitalised on four occasions with incredible pain caused by urinary blockage. Eventually (Cesarean) surgery to remove stone in conjunction with TURP. Constant Antibiotics to overcome constant UTI caused by irritation of bladder. Ten days in hospital.
Second stone about three years ago (in TURP bladder neck cavity) removed by Laser.(3×1.4cm)
Current stone, same location as previous (2.1×2.5×3.6cm) waiting for surgery, have been having pain and discomfort since Sept 2014 although initially was being treated for UTI with Citravescent and Antibiotics constantly, was correctly diagnosed on 13/4/2015 due for surgery 20/7/2015 postponed till 17/8/2015 on antibiotics still. Friend told me about ‘Lemon Lime juice and Cayenne pepper’ drink AM each day at least half hour before food, commenced 21/7/2015 have been pain free since 24/7/2015 (discontinued antibiotics 20/7). I dont know if the stone is dissolving or what but at least without pain and recovering urinary control of bladder and not wetting myself, was using sanitary pads and had to be within 10m of toilet up till about 2 days ago. Hope to have an MRI to see if Stone is dissolving???
I’ve passed two kidney stones in the past, and I had a cluster of them forming in one
kidney.
Drinking half a squeezed lemons mixed with a pint of MINERAL water two-three times daily removed my regular morning kidney pain.
I live in London and the water is very “hard” – lots of calcium in it. Putting half a squeezed lemon in hard water definitely softens it (breaks the calcium down), and therefore, why would it be a myth to assume it doesn’t work to some extent on humans?
Actually, it’s not a myth. It works. Myths are things that are said to work but don’t.
I like your distinction regarding a ‘Myth’
Apple cider vinegar and water worked for me.
Cheers!
My first stone, in 1985, was due to reduced fluid intake; on the advice of a ‘nutrition’ store I stopped drinking water with meals… but didn’t replace it with fluid while not eating. Surgeon said the advice was bad. I passed that 6.6 mm calcium oxalate stone after being given a shot in the butt. Several subsequent smaller stones were passed using oxycodone at at home and drinking a couple liters of diet cola. (I finally stopped drinking iced tea after work to wash down a pound of unsalted roasted in the shell peanuts every week.)
My most recent stone which broke up on passing, as did several others over the years, seemed to have developed after my wife found this great Lipton decaf tea in quart size bags. I made myself two quarts to keep in a glass jug in the refrigerator; that was gone in less than two days. I made another two quarts, finished them and dropped a stone. It is, of course, possible that one was forming before I drank the iced tea… but I take about three days to drink the two quarts. (It is great iced tea… naturally sweet.) (Memory is a wonderful thing; it enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.)
I currently have a 5.5 cm silent (non-obstructing) stone that I am hoping will dissolve over time. I’m drinking lite lemonade with extra lemon, an ‘orange drink’ that doesn’t give me gas (it has citric acid) and enough water that I void pale yellow. Regardless of what the current thinking is – in my experience this stone only needs to be reduced by 10% to pass it. Don’t have any oxycodone left, but ER is pretty good about helping you ‘sleep it off’. Haven’t been knocked out since I had my prostate removed eight years ago though, but they should be able to accommodate that.
My experience with a kidney stone was about 5 years ago, and is still fear to feel that pain again, I ended up hysterical at the emergency and passed a little stone 2 days later! Couldn’t believe how such a little thing could create so much pain.Anyway, my Doctor recommend apple cider vinegar, 1tbs in a glass of water and eventually honey to help with the taste or Lemon juice and it worked, I have another stone and def try the olive oil and lemon mixture.
i too use the olive oil and lemon juice concoction — i have only one kidney and protecting it is very important to me – lots of liquids – no carbonated anything – no anti-inflammatory meds. I read and read and studied and studied – and came up with the inclusion of the combination as something non-drug related that i could use in my arsenal – this is harmless – actually good for you – and have had no increase in the size of the stone i have and no development of new stones since i started .
Very interesting article, thank you. Your thoughts on the lemon juice and olive oil… I recently had a kidney stone attack and my doctor and the RN both told me to use the lemon/oil concoction. They told me that they have yet to have a patient report another stone after using the mixture. Also my best friend was prone to kidney stones, one of which required surgery. He has since used the mixture and told me just yesterday that he has been stone-free for about fifteen years since learning of it. So I wonder if the lack of evidence cited above it simply a choice to ignore a non-pharmaceutical treatment.
I wonder about that too, Joseph, because most MD’s just prescribe painkillers (to take as necessary), tell you to go home & drink plenty of water & it “should” pass freely… They never do even offer the possibility of using non-pharmaceutical solutions – even if they are not at liberty to suggest/recommend them. Mine reduced from 20mm to 10mm so I’ve been officially discharged from the clinic, i.e. requiring no more regular visits to urologist. That was 3 and a half months ago… the pain in my left side (waist high) is back, continuous over the last 24 hours… the pressure of it generates all the way down to my left heel. It’s a calcium based stone. Over the past week, I’ve been drinking apple cider vinegar in water at night – I wonder if that’s why it’s moving and whether it’s a good sign.
Go to Mayo Clinic website and read what to, and what not to eat!