Curiously Awesome

Lemons and other citrus fruits contain chemicals that can help prevent against kidney stones. Lemons are very high in citrates and these inhibit the growth of kidney stones.

In addition, insufficient fluid intake is the most common cause of kidney stones. This occurs when mineral crystals form in the kidneys or the ureters, which connect the kidney and the bladder.

People who are at risk of kidney stones should not drink large quantities of ice tea. People are told that when it is warm outside they should drink more fluids. Many people then drink more iced tea. Unfortunately, in terms of kidney stones this is not a beneficial beverage. Iced tea contains high levels of the chemical oxalate. This encourages the development of kidney stones.

People who are concerned about kidney stone should eat less chocolate, rhubarb, nuts and spinach. All of these foods are high in oxalates.

Kidney stones are four times more likely to occur in men than in women…especially men over age 40.