Starting your day with a glass of orange juice not only gives you a refreshing boost but also offers a substantial amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, strengthening your immune system and protecting your body from harmful agents. Additionally, orange juice is an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and vitamin B9, essential for cell production.
An intriguing benefit of orange juice that you may not be aware of is its potential to reduce the risk of kidney stones. According to Dr. Utsav Bansal, orange juice contains high levels of citrate, which has been studied and proven to inhibit stone formation, especially calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, the two most common types of kidney stones. Dr. Bansal also emphasizes that the amount of citrate in a glass of orange juice (approximately 1-4g) can vary depending on the processing method.
Information from the National Kidney Foundation of the US suggests that one in ten people will encounter kidney stones at some point in their lives. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are considered risk factors for kidney stone formation. Dr. Utsav Bansal points out that adjusting your diet and including orange juice can help prevent this issue.
Kidney stones often occur when the body is dehydrated, causing the urine to become concentrated with minerals, salts, and other waste products. For uric acid kidney stones, this condition typically arises due to a decrease in the pH level of the urine, especially when the diet is high in protein. Dr. Bansal believes that citrate in orange juice is an effective inhibitor of stone formation, as it helps alkalize the urine, thereby increasing the pH. Additionally, citrate can combine with calcium in the urine, reducing supersaturation.
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, Dr. Bansal advises paying close attention to your diet. Ensuring adequate hydration and adding a slice of lemon to your daily water are important steps. Reducing animal protein intake can also lower the risk of uric acid kidney stones.
It’s worth noting that excessive sodium in food can increase calcium excretion, contributing to calcium oxalate stones. Therefore, if you’re at risk, it’s advisable to reduce sodium intake and avoid oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, soy, nuts, and chocolate.
While orange juice can be beneficial in reducing the risk of kidney stones, Dr. Bansal emphasizes considering the high sugar content in this beverage. A glass of orange juice can contain nearly 26g of sugar but lacks fiber, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. He cautions that the acidity of orange juice may also lead to digestive issues, enamel erosion, and other unwanted side effects.
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