Can Beer Lower Your Risk of Developing Kidney Stones?

The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology recently published a story claiming that beer– when consumed in moderation — can lower a person’s risk of developing kidney stones. Researchers closely monitored some 200,000 individuals, watching what they drank and whether or not they developed kidney stones. What they found was surprising to say the least. Those who drank beer, yet the deliciously frothy beverage we all know and love, experienced significantly lower rates of developing kidney stones. To learn more about this study and what it means for us beer drinkers, keep reading.

About Kidney Stones…

Kidney stones are an all-too-common problem that millions of people suffer from each year. In minor cases, the kidney stone will pass through the urinary tract causing minimal pain or discomfort. In more severe cases, however, it will become stuck in place where it requires invasive surgery to remove. It’s estimated that around 13% of all men and 7% of all women will develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. What’s even more alarming, however, is that over half of all those who’ve developed a kidney stone will develop another one later down the road.

Kidney stones are formed by the crystallization of substances found in the urine. Over time, these substances build up and create a solid ball or stone. If you’ve ever suffered from a kidney stone, you are probably well aware of just how uncomfortable they can be. This is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of developing them.

Beer and Kidney Stones

The study done by the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology revealed that individuals who consumed a single glass of bottle of beer per day were 41% less likely to develop kidney stones. This is a surprisingly high statistic that’s worth noting, especially if you’ve suffered from kidney stones in the past.

Of course, the study also revealed how other beverages affect an individual’s risk of developing kidney stones. For instance, those who drank sugary soft drinks were 23% more likely to develop a kidney stone. Coffee and tea also contributed to lower rates of kidney stones, but not as much as beer.

Whether you are looking to lower your risk of developing kidney stones or just looking for an ice-cold drink, you can’t go wrong with beer! This is just one more reason why you should drink this delicious beverage.