Kidney Stones & Orange Juice

About 1 million Americans get kidney stones each year, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Physicians consistently urge kidney stone patients to adhere to a low-protein, high-fiber and high-fluid diet. But a 2006 study conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern General Clinical Research Center in Dallas, Texas, suggests that drinking plenty of orange juice may be one of the most beneficial ways to cut kidney stone occurrence. Consult your doctor, however, before embarking on any self-help treatment.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form from tiny mineral deposits in your urine. Over time, as more minerals cling to the deposit, a solid crystal develops. Calcium salts, uric acid or struvite -- a type of crystal composed of magnesium -- are the most common components of kidney stones. According to Dr. Deepak Chopra, author of the book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," in the United States, 70 percent of all kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate. Though kidney stones generally do not cause pain until they pass from your kidney to your ureter, once dislodged, they can create excruciating pain, chills, fever, sweating and vomiting.

Causes and Considerations of Calcium Kidney Stones

Calcium stones appear to be more prevalent during hot, summer months. This may occur due to increased sweating and insufficient fluid intake that leads to mild chronic dehydration. Diets high in refined carbohydrates may also encourage stone formation. Refined carbohydrates stimulate the pancreatic release of insulin which increases calcium excretion through the urine. Additional factors that appear to increase calcium excretion through the urine include stress and the consumption of large amounts of coffee, colas and salt.

Benefits of Orange Juice

Orange juice seems to work similarly to the kidney stone medication potassium citrate, according to Dr. Clarita Odvina, assistant professor of internal medicine at the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research. The juice has high levels of citric acids that may reduce calcium levels in your urine, thus decreasing the number of calcium kidney stones. Odvina claims, "Orange juice could potentially play an important role in the management of kidney stone disease and may be considered an option for patients who are intolerant of potassium citrate." In fact, when 13 volunteers were observed in a 2006 study at UT Southwestern General Clinical Research Center, researchers found that orange juice elevated the quantity of citrate in the urine and reduced the crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, thus inhibiting the formation of kidney stones. The Mayo Clinic, however, cautions that further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of orange juice as a preventative for kidney stones.

Warnings

Large quantities of orange juice can cause abdominal cramps, foot cramps, skin rashes, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, headaches and dizziness. More severe side effects include intense back pain, jaundice infection, dental cavities and iron poisoning. Pregnant women are especially prone to tooth decay and gastrointestinal upset and should avoid consuming large doses of the juice. Additionally, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, continuous high doses of vitamin C may turn into oxalate, thus actually contributing to kidney stone formation.