- Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They can be made up of different substances, including calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine.
- Kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.
- Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanins, which are compounds that can help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
- D-mannose is available as a dietary supplement that contains Cranberry Concentrate and botanically sourced Vitamin C from Organic Rose Hips and Cranberry Extract. It has been shown to be effective in preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, just like cranberry juice.
- D-mannose is a better option for people who are looking for a way to prevent kidney stones without consuming too much sugar.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They are made up of minerals and salts that have crystallized in the urine. Kidney stones can be small or large, and they can cause a great deal of pain.1
There are many different types of kidney stones, but the most common are calcium oxalate stones2, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Kidney stones can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Severe pain in the back or side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Kidney stones can be serious, and they can sometimes lead to complications such as kidney infection or kidney failure.
Does Cranberry Juice Help With Kidney Stones
Cranberry juice has long been touted as a natural remedy for kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other renal system conditions. 4 Some people believe that the juice can help prevent kidney stones from forming, while others believe that it can help break up existing stones.
Cranberry and Kidney Stones: What Does The Research Say?
There have been a number of studies that have looked at the effects of cranberry juice on kidney stones. The evidence on the effectiveness of cranberry juice for preventing kidney stones is mixed. Some studies have shown that cranberry juice may help prevent kidney stones, while others have shown no benefit.
For example, a study published in the medical journal The Journal of Urology in 2005 4found that cranberry juice helped decrease the risk of brushite stones. The researchers found that cranberry juice reduces urinary pH and decreases urinary uric acid, perhaps by retarding urate synthesis.
Another study published in the Nutrition Journal in 2022 5 found that D-mannose, a monosaccharide naturally found in cranberries, prevents bacterial infection and reduces UTI risk and recurrence.
The researchers found that D-mannose in cranberry juice potentially prevents E. coli., which is the main causative organism in 85% of UTI cases, from attaching to urinary tract epithelial cells and causing UTIs.
Can Cranberry Juice Prevent Kidney Stones?
Cranberry juice has been said to be a natural remedy for kidney stones. It is deemed to be able to help prevent kidney stones by preventing the formation of kidney-forming crystals and stone-promoting harmful organisms from sticking to kidney cells.
This is because cranberries contain phytonutrients, 6 which are plant compounds that have anti-adhesive properties. These phytonutrients prevent the crystals and organisms from sticking together, which makes it less likely for them to form stones.
In addition, cranberries can help increase the pH of urine, which makes it less likely for stones to form. This is because more acidic urine is more likely to form stones. Cranberries can also help increase the volume of urine, which helps flush out toxins and waste products that can contribute to stone formation.
Are there any alternatives to cranberry juice?
Yes, there are a number of alternatives to cranberry juice that may help prevent kidney stones. 7 These include:
- Citrus juices: Citrus juices, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice, contain citrate, which can help to prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium and preventing it from forming crystals.
- Tomato juice: Tomato juice also contains citrate, and it is a good source of potassium, which can help to balance the levels of calcium in the urine.
- Other fruits and vegetables: Other fruits and vegetables that are high in citrate include strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and leafy green vegetables.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing kidney stones.
Beyond Cranberry Juice: Other Approaches
In addition to cranberry juice, there are a number of other approaches that can help prevent kidney stones. 8 These include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids: This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent kidney stones. Water is the best choice, but other fluids, such as unsweetened tea and coffee, can also help.
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for overall health, and it can also help prevent kidney stones. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
- Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce your risk of kidney stones.
- Taking medication: If you have a high risk of kidney stones, your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent them.
Diet and Supplementation
In addition to these general approaches, there are a number of specific dietary and supplemental approaches that may help prevent kidney stones. 78 These include:
- Eating foods that are high in citrate: Citrate can help to prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium and preventing it from forming crystals. Some good sources of citrate include citrus fruits, tomato juice, and leafy green vegetables.
- Avoiding foods that are high in oxalate: Oxalate can bind to calcium and form kidney stones. Some good sources of oxalate include spinach, rhubarb, and beets.
- Taking D-mannose: D-mannose is a sugar that can help to prevent kidney stones by binding to the bacteria that can cause them. 5 D-mannose is available as a dietary supplement. It has been found to be effective in preventing kidney stones, especially in people who have recurrent kidney stones. D-mannose works by binding to the bacteria that can cause kidney stones, preventing them from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cranberry juice clean your kidneys?
Cranberry juice has been said to be a natural remedy for kidney stones. It is believed to be able to prevent or break up existing kidney stones. There is some evidence that suggests that cranberry juice may help prevent kidney stones, but other studies have shown no benefit. More research is needed to determine whether cranberry juice is an effective way to prevent kidney stones.
What drink is good for kidney stones?
Cranberry juice has been shown to help prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to kidney stones. Citrus juices, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice, contain citrate and can also help to prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium and preventing it from forming crystals.
Which juice is best for the kidneys?
Cranberry juice has been shown to help prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to kidney stones. However, it is important to note that cranberry juice is high in sugar, so it is important to drink it in moderation.
D-mannose contains Cranberry Concentrate and botanically sourced Vitamin C from Organic Rose Hips and Cranberry Extract. It has been shown to be effective in preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, just like cranberry juice. However, d-mannose is not as high in sugar as cranberry juice, so it is a better option for people who are looking for a way to prevent kidney stones without consuming too much sugar.
Is coconut water good for the kidneys?
Coconut water is a good source of electrolytes, including potassium, which can help to keep the kidneys functioning properly. Coconut water is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the kidneys from damage.
What is D-mannose, and how can it help prevent kidney stones?
D-mannose is a sugar that is naturally found in some fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, oranges, and tomatoes. D-mannose works by binding to the bacteria that can cause kidney stones. This prevents the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, where they can grow and multiply. This can help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
It has been found to be a promising alternative or complementary remedy, especially as a prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs.
D-mannose is not as high in sugar as cranberry juice, so it is a better option for people who are looking for a way to prevent kidney stones without consuming too much sugar.
If you are looking for a way to prevent kidney stones without consuming too much sugar, d-mannose is a good option.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, including being overweight or obese, not drinking enough fluids, having a family history of kidney stones, and certain medical conditions.
We have discussed two natural substances that have been shown to help prevent kidney stones: cranberry juice and D-mannose. Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins, which are compounds that can help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. D-mannose works by binding to the bacteria that can cause kidney stones. This prevents the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, where they can grow and multiply.
Alerna Kidney Health’s D-Mannose dietary supplements complement the body’s natural cleansing process and support normal urinary tract function. It is manufactured in the USA with globally sourced ingredients at an FDA-registered, cGMP compliant, and 3rd party rated facility.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
References:
- Kidney Stones (2021, December 13). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
- Calcium Oxalate Stones. (2016, May 16). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/calcium-oxalate-stone
- Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones
- Gettman, M. T., Ogan, K., Brinkley, L. J., Adams-Huet, B., Pak, C. Y., & Pearle, M. S. (2005). Effect of cranberry juice consumption on urinary stone risk factors. The Journal of Urology, 174(2), 590–801. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000165168.68054.f8
- Ala-Jaakkola, R., Laitila, A., Ouwehand, A.C. et al. Role of D-mannose in urinary tract infections – a narrative review. Nutr J 21, 18 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-022-00769-x
- Nemzer BV, Al-Taher F, Yashin A, Revelsky I, Yashin Y. Cranberry: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Impact on Human Health: Overview. Molecules. 2022 Feb 23;27(5):1503. doi: 10.3390/molecules27051503. PMID: 35268605; PMCID: PMC8911768.
- Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones
- Kidney Stones | Diet Plan and Prevention. (2021, December 13). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/diet