Kidney stones are a common and often painful condition that can seriously affect your quality of life. While there are many factors that contribute to kidney stone formation, the beverages you drink are crucial. Certain beverages may increase the risk of kidney stone formation or make existing kidney stones worse. In this comprehensive article, we’ll look at which beverages people who are prone to kidney stones or who already have them should avoid. With clear advice, a science-based approach, and practical tips, this guide is a must-read for anyone who wants to protect their kidney health.
Learn about kidney stones
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They vary in size and composition. The most common types include:
Calcium oxalate stones (the most common type)
Calcium phosphate stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones
Cystine stones
How do they form?
Stones form when the amount of crystalline substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine exceeds the ability of the fluid in the urine to dilute them. Lack of water is one of the most common causes, but your daily diet can also affect the chemical balance in your urine.
Why Beverages Are Linked to Kidney Stone Formation
Fluids can affect the amount and composition of urine. Drinking the wrong beverages can:
Increase the concentration of stone-forming substances.
Change the pH of urine, which can promote stone formation.
Excessive intake of sugar or sodium may increase stone risk.
Avoiding or limiting the intake of certain beverages is important for both kidney stone prevention and recurrence management.
What Not to Drink with Kidney Stones
1. Sugary Sodas (Especially Colas)
Why They’re Harmful
Sugary sodas are high in fructose and phosphoric acid, which may increase the risk of kidney stones. Studies show that people who drink one or more sugar-sweetened colas daily have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
Phosphoric acid may lead to calcium loss from bones and increase calcium in urine.
Fructose raises urinary oxalate and uric acid levels.
Caffeine in colas can increase urinary calcium excretion.
Alternatives
Water with lemon
Sparkling water (without added sugars or phosphorus)
2. Sweetened Fruit Juices
Why They’re Harmful
Juices like apple juice, grape juice, and orange juice may seem healthy but often contain high levels of natural and added sugars, contributing to uric acid and calcium oxalate stone formation.
Apple juice: high in fructose, which increases calcium and oxalate in urine.
Grape juice: contains high oxalate content.
Orange juice may increase citrate, but sugar levels can counteract the benefit.
Alternatives
Lemon water (naturally boosts citrate without added sugar)
Diluted, unsweetened cranberry juice (in moderation)
3. Energy Drinks and Sports Drinks
Why They’re Harmful
These drinks are often loaded with sodium, sugar, and caffeine, all of which can negatively affect kidney health and promote stone formation.
Sodium increases calcium excretion in the urine.
Caffeine can lead to dehydration if consumed in excess.
Sugar contributes to insulin resistance, which is linked to uric acid stones.
Alternatives
Electrolyte-enhanced water (low sodium)
Coconut water (unsweetened, in moderation)
4. Black Tea (in Excess)
Why It’s Harmful
Black tea contains oxalates, which are a major contributor to calcium oxalate stones—the most common type. A large intake of black tea can significantly raise urinary oxalate levels.
Iced tea is particularly problematic, especially in warm climates where people consume it often.
Oxalate content varies, but black tea is among the highest.
Alternatives
Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos
Green tea (lower in oxalates, though still should be consumed in moderation)
5. Alcohol (Especially Beer and Liquor)
Why It’s Harmful
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which increases the concentration of stone-forming minerals in the urine.
Beer and whiskey may raise uric acid levels, leading to uric acid stones.
Alcohol affects kidney function and urine output, even if you don’t feel dehydrated.
Alternatives
Non-alcoholic beers with no added sugar
Infused water with herbs and fruits
6. Milkshakes and Full-Fat Dairy Drinks
Why They’re Harmful
These drinks are often high in calcium, sugar, and fat, all of which can contribute to kidney stones under certain conditions.
Excess calcium from supplements or dairy may increase calcium oxalate stones.
Milkshakes are usually loaded with added sugars.
Full-fat content may affect urinary pH.
Alternatives
Low-fat dairy in moderation (as part of a balanced meal)
Plant-based milk (watch for added sugars and oxalates)
7. Vitamin C Drinks (Ascorbic Acid-Enriched)
Why They’re Harmful
Too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid), especially from supplements or fortified beverages, can be converted into oxalate by the body. This can significantly increase the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.
Excessive intake (>1000 mg/day) is associated with stone development.
Watch for vitamin water and supplements with high vitamin C.
Alternatives
Get vitamin C from foods like bell peppers or berries.
Choose natural, low-oxalate sources.
How to Choose the Right Drinks to Prevent Kidney Stones
1. Drink plenty of water
Plain water is the best drink to dilute stone-causing substances in urine.
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, drink 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day.
Spread your water throughout the day.
Add lemon juice to increase the citrate content, which can help prevent stones.
2. Monitor drinks that affect pH
Some drinks can help maintain a healthy urine pH. These drinks include:
Lemonade: Naturally promotes citrate production.
Herbal tea: Soothes and hydrates.
3. Limit oxalate-rich drinks
Always check the oxalate content in herbal teas and plant-based drinks.
Avoid excessive consumption of green smoothies or juices containing spinach, beetroot, or nuts.
Tips to control your drink habits
1. Read labels carefully
Check the sugar content, added phosphorus, and sodium content.
Avoid drinks labeled “energy,” “fortified,” or “high potency,” and check the ingredients carefully.
2. Choose natural over processed
Freshly brewed lemonade or cucumber water is better than bottled drinks.
Avoid artificial sweeteners unless recommended by your doctor.
3. Listen to your body
If a drink causes your urine to become darker or you urinate less, you may be dehydrated.
Watch for early signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or dizziness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While dietary changes and beverage control can help reduce the risk of kidney stones, it’s essential to consult a doctor or registered dietitian if you:
Have recurrent kidney stones
Have a family history of stones
Are considering supplements or special diets like keto or vegan
Take medications that may affect calcium or uric acid levels
Conclusion
Your drink choices play a critical role in kidney stone prevention. By avoiding sugar-laden, oxalate-rich, and dehydrating drinks, and choosing water, herbal teas, and low-oxalate options, you can dramatically reduce your risk of kidney stones.
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