Can Coca-Cola dissolve kidney stones?

Stones, also known as stone disease, are lumps formed in the kidneys, ureters and other parts due to various reasons. The treatment of stones has a lot to do with their size. Small stones can be discharged by themselves through drinking more water, exercising, etc., but if the stones are too large, surgical treatment is required. There is a saying that drinking more Coke can dissolve kidney stones. So, can Coke dissolve kidney stones? Is this method effective?

Only effective for plant-derived gastric stones

This type of gastric stone is mostly caused by the patient eating fruits such as persimmons, hawthorns, and dates. Generally speaking, only one or two persimmons can be eaten at a time. This type of food contains a large amount of tannic acid, which has a astringent effect. Under the action of gastric acid, it combines with the protein in the food to form tannic acid protein, which then bonds with pectin, gum and cellulose to form gastric stones. In addition, decreased gastric motility and pyloric stenosis can slow down gastric emptying and are also factors that promote the formation of gastric stones. The phosphoric acid in cola can combine with elemental phosphorus and calcium, and can effectively destroy the polymer substances of plant-based gastric stones. Therefore, cola can mainly treat plant-based gastric stones, but it cannot treat all types of gastric stones.

A solid mass formed in the lumen of a duct or cavity of a cavity organ (such as the kidney, ureter, gallbladder or bladder) in the human or animal body. It is mainly found in the gallbladder, bladder, and renal pelvis, and can also be seen in the cavities of the pancreatic duct, salivary duct, etc. Stones are composed of inorganic salts or organic matter. There is usually a core in the stone, which is composed of desquamated epithelial cells, bacterial clumps, parasite eggs or worm bodies, fecal masses or foreign objects, and inorganic salts or organic matter are deposited layer by layer on the core. Due to the different organs affected, the mechanism of stone formation, its composition, shape, texture, and effects on the body are all different. In general, stones can cause obstruction of the lumen, affect the discharge of fluid from the affected organs, and cause symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or secondary infection.

The treatment methods for stones in different parts of the body are not the same. The treatment plan for stones in the same part of the body should be decided comprehensively based on factors such as the size of the stone and the patient's general condition. The following introduces the treatment principles of gallbladder stones using gallbladder stones as an example. Symptomatic gallstones are recommended for surgical treatment. Asymptomatic gallstones should also be considered for the following conditions:

1. Stone diameter ≥ 3 cm;

2. Accompanied by gallbladder polyps > 1 cm;

3. Thickening of gallbladder wall, calcification or porcelain gallbladder;

4. Gallstones have been found for more than 10 years;

5. Patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiopulmonary dysfunction;

6. Gallstones in children;

7. Workers in remote or underdeveloped areas or in the field;

8. The combination requires laparotomy.