Kidney stones are a very painful condition that can cause back discomfort, chills, nausea and vomiting and fever. They occur when crystals collect in the kidneys and form a mass that is then passed through the urinary tract. Consuming some foods and drinks may decrease your likelihood of developing kidney stones, one of which is coffee. Ironically, you may need to avoid coffee if you've already developed kidney stones.
Coffee and Kidney Stones
In a study published in 1996 in the "American Journal of Epidemiology," coffee was found to decrease the likelihood of developing kidney stones by 10 percent. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health tested 21 beverages and their correlation to kidney-stone risk in 45,000 men. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated formulas were tested, and they yielded the same results.
Dehydration
Even though coffee does seem to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, coffee and caffeine both act as diuretics, causing increased urine output. This can lead to dehydration, which is a component in increased risk of kidney-stone formation, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you drink coffee regularly, make sure you drink at least 6 cups of water a day to prevent dehydration.
Prevention
Although drinking 3 cups of coffee a day is general safe for most people, some may experience jitters, anxiety, insomnia or rapid heart rate. If you experience negative side effects after drinking caffeinated coffee, reduce your intake. Though coffee can help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, the side effects may outweigh the benefits if you have a sensitivity to caffeine, says MedlinePlus.
Recovery
If you already have kidney stones or are recovering from them, you may need to make some dietary changes, which include drinking less coffee. You may need to reduce the salt and sodium in your diet. You might not be able to drink as much coffee or caffeinated beverages, either. Coffee and caffeine dehydrate you, which can increase your risk of forming stones again. You may also need to take medications to prevent a recurrence.
