Coconut Water Potentially Prevents Kidney Stones? IPB University Researcher Presents Scientific Facts
Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders in the urinary system, both in humans and pets.
IPB University Biomedical Expert, Dr Rini Madyastuti Purwono revealed, kidney stones rank third in urinary system problems, and cases tend to recur within 5 to 10 years after the first occurrence.
“Kidney stones are formed from the accumulation of crystal masses in saturated conditions that last for a long time in the urinary system. These crystals can contain various organic and inorganic compounds such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and shed cells,” said Dr Rini.
According to her, the recurrence of this case makes preventive management a step that must be prioritized. She mentioned that the large size of kidney stones can cause severe pain and even fainting due to obstruction in the urinary tract.
The process of kidney stone formation or urolithiasis is very complex involving an imbalance between promoter agents such as hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia, and the urine pH factor that affects the type of stones formed.
An acidic environment, says Dr Rini, tends to form calcium oxalate stones, while an alkaline environment triggers the formation of struvite-type, usually associated with infection.
In a recent study, coconut water was shown to have great potential as a natural agent to prevent kidney stone formation. Coconut water contains magnesium, phosphate, potassium, citrate, and antioxidants that play an active role in inhibiting the process of nucleation to aggregation of crystals that make up kidney stones.
“Magnesium in coconut water is able to compete with calcium to form magnesium oxalate which is more soluble. Phosphate also helps form soluble compounds, preventing crystals from enlarging,” explained Dr Rini who is also a lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at IPB University.
She added that the potassium and citrate content in coconut water can help shift the environment of urine from acidic to alkaline, which is beneficial in the prevention of calcium oxalate-type kidney stones. In addition, the diuretic effect of coconut water increases urine volume thereby diluting the concentration of stone-forming minerals.
In preclinical trials conducted on experimental animals, ad libitum administration of coconut water showed significant results. Parameters such as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels decreased, nephron damage was lower, and no crystal deposits were found in the kidney tubules.
“This is strong evidence that coconut water can prevent recurrence of kidney stones, especially when consumed regularly one to two cups per day,” she said.
In addition to coconut water, avocado leaf decoction also showed similar effects. The extract works as a diuretic and antioxidant that helps prevent crystal aggregation and repair lesioned kidney tissue.
However, Dr Rini noted that natural management is only effective for prevention or small-sized stones. “For large kidney stones, treatment must still involve medical procedures such as surgery or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) at a hospital,” she stated. (dr) (IAAS/ANF)
