Is There a Link Between Hard Water and Kidney Stones?
The public has long accepted that water plays an important role in the development of kidney stones. Is it, though, water with too many or too few minerals that leads to the formation of urinary stones? In fact, hard water--water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals--has not been shown to be a significant factor for increasing the likelihood of urolithiasis, the development of calculi "stones" in the urinary tract.
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Hard Water
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The "hardness" of water depends on the presence of dissolved minerals--most especially magnesium and calcium. Hard water does not pose a considerable health risk but will cause mineral buildup on fixtures and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
Hard Water and Kidney Stones
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Researchers in a 2003 article for the National Institute of Public Health determined that there were several studies indicating an increased incidence of urinary stones from drinking both hard water and soft water. They concluded that the levels of calcium and magnesium alone did not indicate a higher risk of contracting urinary stones.
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Calcium Elimination
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According to an article about water hardness and kidney stones on Free Drinking Water.com, drinking water higher in calcium content actually appears to facilitate the elimination of calcium through the urine and a reduction of calcium oxalate stones forming.
Recurring Urinary Stones
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There have been some experiments that show a correlation between drinking softer water and the prevention of recurring urinary stones. Various factors other than softer water, however, were involved, and a decisive reason could not be determined.
Urinary Stones
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A stone is a separation of crystals from the urine in the urinary system. Several factors are involved in their formation, including hereditary, too much vitamin D, calcium-based antacids, and urinary tract infections.
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