Kidney Stones

The Medical Management of Stone Disease    [ download PowerPoint Viewer (not available for Mac OS X) ]
     A presentation by Dr. Gary Bellman


Fear Kidney Stones? Drink Lemonade

The LA Times contacted Dr. Bellman to answer the following question that was sent in:

"I have bouts of kidney stones every 5 to 7 years. I am white, male, 60 years old and in otherwise good health. Will folic acid, vitamin B-12 and water reduce these bouts?

Unfortunately there is no evidence that folic acid or vitamin B-12 will reduce the incidence of kidney stones, says Dr Bellman a urologist and expert on kidney stones. There is a naturally occurring substance called citrate which is in fact an inhibitor of stone formation. While it is available in a prescription pill form it is present in certain beverages, the highest concentration being in lemonade.

A high intact of fluids in general is effective in preventing kidney stones. Individuals who have formed stones should produce 2 liters of urine per day. People are often concerned with how much to drink and the emphasis should be on how much they produce as different people loose fluids in different ways (perspiration, loose stools, etc.)

Dr. Bellman encourages his patients to periodically look at the color of their urine which is a good indicator of the concentration of urine. When one wakes in the morning the urine is usually dark, indicating a concentrated state. The goal is for one's urine to be lighter which will indicates more dilute urine and the ability to wash out those crystals that produce stones.

It is important for stone formers to 'catch' their stone and have it analyzed because while many or most stones are calcium based many individuals produce uric acid stones, or infection stones or other more rare forms. In general stone formers should limit their intake of red meat (steak and hamburgers), decrease salt in their diet and a moderate intake of calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt) is recommended.

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Featured presentation on kidney stones by Dr. Bellman