Millions of people worldwide suffer from a common and painful urinary tract disorder known as kidney stones. They develop when there is an excess of several minerals in the urine, which crystallize to form small, painful stones when they block the urinary tract. Many people wonder whether consuming hot water can reduce kidney stone symptoms or even stop kidney stones from forming. In this article, we will examine the connection between hot water and kidney stones, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using hot water as a treatment or preventive measure.
What are Kidney Stones and How Do They Form?
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that develop in the kidneys when there is an excess of a certain mineral in the urine. Calcium stones, composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, are the most common type of kidney stones. Uric acid stones, which develop when the body produces too much uric acid, and struvite stones, which are a combination of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, are two other types of kidney stones.
Kidney stones, which can be as large as golf balls or as small as grains of sand, can cause excruciating pain as they pass through the urinary tract. They can block the flow of urine, which can cause kidney damage, urinary tract infections, and other problems.
Risk factors for developing kidney stones include a family history of kidney stones, specific medical conditions such as gout or inflammatory bowel disease, specific medications, and a diet rich in salt, animal protein, and refined sugar. Dehydration can also increase the likelihood of kidney stones forming, as concentrated urine is more likely to crystallize.
Does Hot Water Help Kidney Stones?
There is some evidence to support the idea that kidney stone patients may benefit from using hot water. One of the main advantages of hot water is that it can help increase urine flow and production, which can help cleanse the kidneys and prevent the buildup of extra minerals that can cause kidney stones.
Additionally, hot water can relax the muscles in the urinary tract and make it easier for kidney stones to pass. This may make it easier to pass kidney stones and reduce the pain and discomfort they cause.
However, hot water should not be used in place of any prescribed medication or treatment. This is an important distinction to make. Before using hot water or other over-the-counter treatments to treat kidney stones, it is always best to talk to a healthcare professional.
Benefits of Hot Water for Kidney Stones
One of the main advantages of using hot water to treat kidney stones is that it can help increase urine flow and production. Large amounts of urine flushing the kidneys can help prevent the buildup of extra minerals that can cause kidney stones. Additionally, increased urine flow may facilitate the passage of kidney stones through the urinary tract and help expel kidney stones that may already be present.
Relaxing the urinary tract muscles: Using hot water can also help reduce urinary tract tension, which can make kidney stone passage easier. This may make it easier to pass kidney stones and reduce the pain and discomfort they cause.
Harms of Hot Water for Kidney Stones
While some types of kidney stones can be treated with hot water, it may not be effective for all types of kidney stones. For example, hot water may not be enough to melt struvite stones, which are a mixture of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. These stones may require more aggressive treatment. In addition, uric acid stones, which form when the body produces too much uric acid, may not be broken down and eliminated by hot water and may need to be treated with medications.
Not everyone can use hot water safely: Although some kidney stone patients find hot water helpful, it may not be a good idea for everyone. For example, people with certain diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, may not be able to tolerate hot water and may be more susceptible to complications. Additionally, people who are allergic to certain substances or who take certain medications may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of hot water. Before using hot water or other over-the-counter treatments to treat kidney stones, it is always best to talk to a healthcare professional.
Hot water can help increase urine production and flow and relax the muscles in the urinary tract, but it may not be enough as a stand-alone treatment for kidney stones. In many cases, prescription medications or treatments may be required to completely treat kidney stones and stop them from recurring. To effectively treat and manage kidney stones, it is crucial to follow the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Koç graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the urology clinic at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for 5 years and became a specialist doctor in 2007. He currently provides services in urological surgery in İzmir.