Kidney stones are a painful reality for many people. They are often caused by a lack of water in the body, which causes the minerals in the urine to crystallize and form stones. While there is no surefire way to prevent kidney stones, recent studies have shown that vitamin C may help. Read on to learn more about how vitamin c can help prevent kidney stones and the relationship between vitamin c and kidney stones.
Vitamin C Helps Keep Kidneys Functioning Properly
The first way that vitamin c can help prevent kidney stones is by keeping the kidneys functioning properly. Vitamin c is necessary for the proper function of many organs, including the kidneys. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are more likely to form stones.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that people who took vitamin C supplements were less likely to develop kidney stones than those who did not take supplements.
Vitamin C Increases Urination and Reduces Stone Formation
Another way that vitamin c can help prevent kidney stones is by increasing urination and reducing stone formation. Vitamin c is a diuretic, which means it helps increase urine production. Increased urine production helps flush out all the minerals and other substances that can lead to stone formation.
In addition, vitamin c helps reduce the amount of calcium in urine, which further reduces the risk of stone formation. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people who took vitamin C supplements had a lower risk of developing kidney stones than those who did not take supplements.
Vitamin C Reduces Oxalate Levels in Urine
Lastly, vitamin c can help prevent kidney stones by reducing oxalate levels in urine. Oxalate is a substance that can lead to stone formation. Vitamin c helps reduce oxalate levels by binding to it and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who took vitamin C supplements had lower oxalate levels in their urine than those who did not take supplements.
Conclusion:
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for good health, and recent studies have shown that it may also help prevent kidney stones. Vitamin c helps keep kidneys functioning properly, increases urination and reduces stone formation, and reduces oxalate levels in urine.
If you are looking for ways to prevent kidney stones, talk to your doctor about whether taking a vitamin C supplement may be right for you.
