Your urinary tract consists of small, thin tubules called nephrons. Minerals like calcium, oxalate and phosphate can build up in these nephrons, causing you to experience kidney stones. These hardened masses of minerals cause pain, especially in your back and buttocks. If you have experienced kidney stones once, you are more likely to have them again. Your physician may recommend making a few dietary changes to reduce the likelihood you will experience a kidney stone. One preventive method may come from a surprising source -- diet lemon-lime sodas.
Research
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, presented the results of an analysis of 12 different sodas at the 2009 meeting of the American Urological Association, according to Medpage Today. The researchers found that diet sodas that contained citrate and malate, two alkaline substances, could help to prevent kidney stone formation. The researchers found sodas that were orange or lemon-lime flavored could have therapeutic effects in preventing kidney stones composed of calcium.
Research Considerations
While the UCSF researchers found that lemon-lime diet sodas contain citrate, cola-like beverages contain significantly less citric acid. Also, dark colas contain added phosphoric acid, which can deplete citrate in your body and have an acidic effect in your kidneys. For this reason, you may wish to consume colas only in moderation or avoid them in lieu of lemon-lime diet sodas. However, moderation is best when consuming lemon-lime beverages as well: They shouldn't take the place of water as your predominant fluid source in your daily diet. Researcher Dr. Anthony Smith from the University of New Mexico told Medpage Today the study "by no means suggests that patients with recurrent kidney stones should trade in their water bottles for soda cans."
Citrate Action
Citrate found in lemon-lime diet sodas can help you fight kidney stones because they increase the alkalinity in your urine. Kidney stones are more likely to form when your urine is acidic. A diet low in potassium and/or high in salt and oxalates can contribute to acidic urine. However, consuming foods that contain citrate, like lemons, limes and lemon-lime sodas can help to boost your alkaline levels. Your physician also may recommend taking a potassium citrate supplement to further reduce the likelihood of experiencing recurrent kidney stones.
Fluid Benefits
Another benefit of drinking lemon-lime diet sodas is that they are fluids. Drinking more fluids helps to dilute your urine, which helps your kidneys filter minerals more efficiently. When your fluid is more concentrated, the kidney may take longer to process minerals like calcium and oxalate. The more time these minerals are present in your kidneys, the more likely kidney stones are to form.
References
- "Los Angeles Times"; Diet Soda May Help with Kidney Stones; April 2009
- MedPage Today; Diet Sodas May Help Prevent Kidney Stones; Charles Bankhead; April 2009
- "Mail Online"; Diet Versions of Citrus Drinks Such as Sprite May Reduce Risk of Kidney Stones; Jenny Hope; May 2010
- "The New York Times": Kidney Stone Prevention
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Kidney Stones in Adults; October 2007
