Asparagus, a member of the Asparagaceae family, is a marsh-growing plant native to parts of Europe. Asparagus contains the amino acid asparagine, used by your nervous system in the transmission of nerve impulses. Romans recognized its medicinal value and cultivated asparagus spears that were larger than modern asparagus. Health and nutrition authorities regard asparagus as a valuable preventive for kidney stones, though opinions vary as to the relative risks and merits of various parts of the asparagus plant in kidney health. Check with your doctor about using asparagus to treat a medical condition.
Oxalic Acid
Asparagus contains low levels of oxalic acid, which contributes to kidney stone formation, warns naturopath Michael T. Murray, author of "The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." If you have a history of kidney stones, you may want to steer clear of asparagus or consume small quantities. Asparagus also contains purine compounds that promote gout and should, likewise, be avoided by people with this form of arthritis.
Diuretic
Asparagus root may be the answer you seek for kidney stone prevention, according to Andrea Pierce, author of the American Pharmaceutical Association's "Practical Guide to Natural Medicines." Asparagus root, as opposed to the plant stalks, has been approved in Germany as a diuretic -- a substance that increases urine production -- for prevention of kidney stones. Asparagus root also contains compounds with steroidal properties and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits, though this effect has yet to be proven in human clinical trials.
Inhibitive Effects
Researchers at the K.M. College of Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu, India, reported kidney stone inhibitive effects of asparagus in a laboratory animal study published in the November 2005 issue of "Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology." In the study, asparagus extract significantly reduced elevated urine levels of calcium, oxalate and phosphate. Asparagus also increased magnesium concentration in urine, which inhibits crystallization and kidney stone formation. Researchers further noted that levels of creatinine, a marker of kidney stress, were reduced following asparagus supplementation.
Cautions
Asparagus is included on a list of foods to avoid, according to the website MedlinePlus.com, if you have uric acid--type kidney stones. Other foods on the list are spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, legumes, sardines and brewer's yeast. The website describes four major types of kidney stones: calcium, the most common form; uric acid, which arise from highly acidic urine; struvite, which may occur after a kidney infection; and cystine, a rare hereditary form.
Asparagus Root
Asparagus root is a natural diuretic and medicinal herb that is useful for preventing kidney stones, states David W. Sifton, author of "The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies." However, do not use asparagus root if you have existing kidney disease.
References
- "The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael T. Murray; 2006
- "Practical Guide to Natural Medicines"; Andrea Peirce; 1999
- "Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinial Pharmacology"; Antilithiatic Effect of Asparagus Racemosus Willd on Ethylene Glycol-induced Lithiasis in Male Albino Wistar Rats; A. Christina; November 2005
- Medline Plus: Kidney Stones -- Self Care
- "The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies"; David W. Sifton; 2000
- "Edible: an Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants"; National Geographic; 2008
